SPEEDWAY, IN (October 5, 2022) – Defending TCX series champion Jacob Ruud of Racine, WI, hopes to secure his second consecutive TCX class title this weekend (Oct. 7-9) at the world’s most famous racetrack, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, when he brings his potent No. 1 ArmiClenz/Fast Track Racing BMW M2 CS (Cup) machine to the “Brickyard” 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course in the TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing series, part of the SRO America road racing finale.
Ruud, 22, has captured seven of the 12 TC America series events this year and holds a 30-point lead in the TCX division point standings over Colin Garrett coming to Indy for the two 40-minute sprint events set for Friday at 1 p.m. EDT and Sunday at 10 a.m. EDT.
Since the debut of the TCX category in 2021, the Rochester Institute of Technology graduate has won 17 races with his Texas-based Fast Track Racing squad and seeks to repeat his 2021 Indy performance with double race victories this weekend to wrap up another TCX drivers’ championship.
In addition, Fast Track Racing has a 28-point advantage entering the Indy doubleheader in the TCX team points. The Toby Grahovec-led operation won the team title last year.
Joining Ruud in the Fast Track Racing TCX lineup this weekend with youngsters Garrett Adams of Oviedo, FL, and Olivia Askew of Salt Lake City, UT. Adams has recorded six Top-Five finishes this year in his No. 54 Garrett Adams Racing BMW M2 CS (Cup) car including two podium placings. Askew, the former skiing champion, recently scored a Top-Five at Sebring, FL, in her No. 29 SmartCert BMW M2.
“We are anxious to get to Indy for the TC America final weekend,” said Grahovec, the former TC America series driving champion. “Jacob has been very successful at IMS in the past and our team has good setups coming to this weekend’s action. In addition, Garrett and Olivia have been improving with each race this year. We have been working hard to secure the driver, team and manufacturer championships again. It should be an exciting weekend at the historic track.”
“Racing at Indy this weekend should be an exciting event,” said Ruud. “With as close as the racing has been this year and the amount of passing opportunities, there should be a good battle for positions throughout the field. The team and I have been working hard to make sure we have the car to fight for the championship win this weekend. Time will tell if we're able to pull it off again. But we are ready to go.”
Adams makes his debut at the famed IMS circuit and is ready for the challenge when practice begins on Thursday (Oct. 6).
“With no testing or prior experience at this famous racetrack, I will be testing my ability to quickly learn the track and adapt to a new situation,” said Adams. “I'm excited for this weekend and looking forward to these final two TCX races. I would like to get back on the podium again this weekend.”
Askew didn’t test at IMS this year but she has experience at the Indy road course.
“I'm really looking forward to this last race of the season,” said Askew. “It’s been a long season but ending it at Indy is always special. I've had good luck here in the past. So hopefully we can get the car set up right in practice and be ready for qualifying and both races.”
Action for the TCX series this weekend starts Thursday with practice at 1 p.m. EDT and 4:45 p.m. EDT followed by qualifying on Friday at 8 a.m. EDT. The two TC America 40-minute TCX sprint races are scheduled to begin Friday at 1 p.m. EDT and 10 a.m. EDT on Sunday.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway TCX events will also be shown live at www.tcamerica.us and on CBS Sports Network in the near future.
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