SONOMA, CA (April 14, 2022) – Defending TCX series champion Jacob Ruud of Racine, WI, leads a four-car Fast Track Racing BMW M2 TCX contingent in this weekend’s (April 15-17) TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing School season opening road racing doubleheader at the historic Sonoma Raceway.
Ruud, the 22-year-old college student at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, returns to the site of his spectacular TCX debut last year when he dominated the two 40-minute sprint events at the famed 2.52-mile, 12-turn Northern California road circuit.
Ruud went on to capture ten of 14 TCX races in the series’ initial racing campaign in 2021 and will now carry the No.1 on his ArmiClenz BMW M2 CS (Cup) sedan in his second full season with the Texas-based Fast Track Racing organization, sponsored by Sewell Automotive Companies.
“Jacob recorded an amazing TCX record last year in winning the drivers’ championship and helping Fast Track Racing take the team title and BMW the manufacturers’ crown,” said Toby Grahovec, the former TC America driving champion and currently Fast Track Racing’s team manager. “Jacob has been studying hard for his college graduation in recent months but has been busy on his simulator preparing for the Sonoma Raceway weekend. We’d love to see another double victory at Sonoma.”
“We definitely had a ‘Dream Season’ in 2021 but I expect a tough fight for the championship this year,” said Ruud. “I know the Fast Track Racing crew has been working hard to prepare our BMW M2 cars for the 2022 season and, of course, the opening doubleheader weekend at Sonoma. I’m very excited to jump back in the car and fight for race wins. Winning at Sonoma would be a great way to kickoff another racing season.”
Along with Ruud at Sonoma Raceway this weekend, the Fast Track Racing TCX group will include Olivia Askew of Salt Lake City, UT, Garrett Adams of Oviedo, FL, and Mark Wilgus of Colleyville, TX.
Recent testing with Askew, Adams and Wilgus in the Fast Track Racing BMW M2 CS (Cup) cars proved to be fruitful as the trio prepared for the Sonoma Raceway doubleheader.
“The testing with Olivia, Garrett and Mark was very good as they learned more about the BMW M2,” said Grahovec. “Our team has continued to learn more about the cars since the 2021 season and we feel optimistic heading into the Sonoma weekend. The weather could be an issue on a few days as rain is predicted. But we’ll have to see how things shake out throughout the weekend.”
Askew, the 2017 Freeride Junior World Skiing Champion, is anxious for a full season with the Fast Track Racing team after competing in selected events in 2021. The University of Utah student will drive the No. 29 DXDT BMW M2 CS (Cup) car this weekend at Sonoma Raceway.
“The recent Sonoma test went great,” said Askew. “We had to make the best out of some rainy and cloudy weather, but the sun finally came out on Tuesday afternoon. So, we got to test in pretty much every type of condition. It’s always interesting seeing how the first test of the official season will go, especially at a new track. But I think everyone had a good test and it was great to be back with the team!”
Adams, who made the podium (top-three) last year at Sebring in his only events with Fast Track Racing, shows excitement to open the TCX class campaign at a new track for him. The college student at Seminole College (part of the University of Central Florida) will pilot the No. 54 BMW M2 CS (Cup) mount at Sonoma Raceway.
“The test was great at Sonoma Raceway,” said Adams. “Track was amazing, and the Sonoma area is gorgeous. I’m very excited for the races. Working with Toby and the Fast Track Racing crew has been outstanding. We had various track conditions at the test, so I think we are well-prepared for the race weekend with the BMW M2.”
Wilgus, a software entrepreneur when he isn’t racing, will be making his TC America debut at Sonoma Raceway, but Mark showed excellent speed in the testing rounds recently. Mark will drive the No. 76 Fast Track Racing BMW CS (Cup) car in the two 40-minute TCX sprint races.
“The testing session at Sonoma Raceway gave me more confidence coming into the race weekend,” said Wilgus. “The BMW M2 with Fast Track Racing is a little different than the BMW I usually race. It was good to learn about this car and the different track conditions. I felt as though we can be competitive when the racing gets underway at Sonoma. I’m anxious for the first weekend of SRO America action.”
The TCX division begins its on-track action Friday (April 15 with two rounds of practice set for 10:10 a.m. PDT and 3:10 p.m. PDT. Qualifying runs begin at 9:30 a.m. PDT Saturday (April 16) with Race 1 scheduled for 4 p.m. PDT. Race 2 will begin at 10:30 a.m. PDT on Sunday (April 17).
ABOUT FAST TRACK RACING: Fast Track Racing was founded in 2005. Fast Track Racing has sold 117 BMW factory race cars to our customers in the past five years. Fast Track Racing has earned six championships in the SRO World Challenge series, and two S.C.C.A. National Championships. Fast Track Racing is the first and only United States team to win the BMW Sports Trophy. In total, Fast Track Racing has earned 26 professional wins and over 100 total wins, including 22 poles and 113 podiums, with 23 of the fastest laps in SRO competition. As BMW Motorsport experts, Fast Track Racing also races these vehicles and knows them inside and out. Fast Track Racing is tenured, with track-tested experience. Fast Track Racing has engineering expertise and provides coaching and consultation to ensure a driver’s performance is maximized.
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