- Defending TCX series champ Ruud has 3 wins in 2022 with No. 1 ArmiClenz BMW M2
- Garrett Adams brings strong No. 54 BMW M2 TCX car to VIR for another Top-3 finish
- Former Skiing Champion Olivia Askew ready for VIR TCX in No. 54 SmartCert BMW M2
ALTON, VA (June 15, 2022) – Fast Track Racing’s trio of TCX racing youngsters comes to the fast VIRginia International Raceway 3.27-mile, 17-turn road circuit this weekend (June 17-19) for the TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing School action in search of additional podium finishes in the doubleheader sprint events. The Fast Track Racing entries are sponsored by Sewell Automotive Companies.
Coming off three wins in four starts in the TCX division this year, defending series champion Jacob Ruud of Racine, WI, is listed as the favorite for the two TCX 40-minute races set for Saturday at 1:05 pm EDT and Sunday at 9:50 a.m. EDT.
Despite a busy winter with college classes at the Rochester Institute of Technology for a Masters’ degree in Cybersecurity, Ruud entered the 2022 campaign with no off-season testing but scored two wins at Sonoma Raceway in the season opener and another victory the NOLA circuit in Louisiana last month in his quick No. 1 ArmiClenz/Fast Track Racing BMW M2 CS (Cup) race car.
Last year, Jacob, 22, took ten victories in 14 starts to capture the inaugural TCX class drivers title with Fast Track Racing winning the team crown and BMW taking the Manufacturers championship. In fact, Ruud is anxious to return to the popular VIR track this weekend after a dominating performance in 2021 with two pole positions and two sprint race wins.
“We had a great weekend at VIR last year with the BMW M2,” said Ruud. “I really like the VIR circuit and I hope we can continue our winning ways. The competition level has increased this year and we have more entries for the TCX class at VIR which is great. We have a good setup coming into the VIR weekend after what we did a year ago. But I know our competitors are getting closer to us and we have to be ready for the challenge. It should be a good weekend of racing.”
Ruud currently leads the TCX point standings after four events with a 93-63 margin over Lucas Catania as 25 points will be awarded to the winner of each TCX race at VIR this weekend.
In addition to Ruud in the Fast Track Racing TCX lineup at VIR, two more young drivers are entered with Garrett Adams of Oviedo, FL, in the No. 54 Garrett Adams Racing BMW M2 CS (Cup) machines and former skiing champion Olivia Askew of Salt Lake City, UT, in the No. 29 SmartCert BMW M2 CS (Cup).
“We are very pleased that the TCX class at VIR has grown to double digits,” said Toby Grahovec, Fast Track Racing team manager and former TC class series champion. “And I am anxious to see how our Fast Track Racing cars match up with the additional field. Jacob has been a champion and strong already in 2022, but we expect some solid competition this weekend. Both Garrett and Olivia have continued to improve with each race, and we are preparing hard to get them on the podium in the TCX class. Jacob’s performance last year at VIR gives us some confidence heading into the VIR event.”
Adams has shown speed in his 2022 contests so far in his No. 54 BMW M2 CS (Cup) car and expects to challenge for podium (top 3) finish at VIR and is anxious to compete on the popular circuit.
“VIR is a beautiful track that every driver should get to experience,” said Adams, a college student at Seminole University in Florida. “I've been there once before and look forward to returning. The M2 CS (Cup) Platform will be lots of fun at the VIR track. We also have a few new drivers which I look forward to meeting and racing against this weekend.”
Askew, the recent University of Utah graduate, tested at VIR and she is excited to return to the TC America action which begins this Friday with practice runs at 9:15 a.m. EDT and 2:30 p.m. EDT.
“I’m excited for this upcoming race weekend!” said Askew, the former Freeride World Junior skiing champion. “This will be the first track that we have been to this year that I have put in lots of time. So, I’m excited to get back to it. The M2 is so fun to drive at VIR, especially in the high-speed Esses and down through the Rollercoaster section. This track suits the BMW’s really well, so hopefully the team can get out there and get some great results.”
The TCX division will qualify at VIR on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. EDT with Race 1 scheduled for 1:05 p.m. EDT. Race 2 will begin at 9:50 a.m. EDT on Sunday.
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.