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Michelin Pilot Challenge

Pumpelly, Rodriguez Jr. Round Out Rennsport One CTSC Lineup

Pumpelly, Rodriguez set for second Rennsport One Cayman…

Photo: John Dagys

Photo: John Dagys

Fresh off of the team’s public debut, Rennsport One has announced its driver lineup for the second Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge full-season entry, the No. 17 Porsche Cayman.

Series rookie Luis Rodriguez Jr. will be joined by Porsche specialist Spencer Pumpelly.

“We have been working with Luis Jr. over the past few months, testing and getting him ready to debut in the highly competitive Continental Tire series,” team principal Justin Bellinzoni said.

“I’ve seen a lot of potential and progression in Luis, but the one missing piece leading up to the start of the season has been who his co-driver would be.

“I wanted to get him paired up with someone who could mentor him and release the potential that he’s shown in testing and I don’t think we could have done any better than Spencer.

“Adding Luis and Spencer to the No. 17 along with Jon Miller and Adam Isman in the No. 18 has given us one of the strongest lineups of any team. We’re looking forward to getting everyone together in Daytona and getting this season started.”

Pumpelly is no stranger to winning in Porsches, though this will be his first time racing professionally in the Cayman platform in the ST class. He brings a wealth of setup and driving knowledge and is looking forward to the opportunity.

“I’m really excited to be joining Luis and everyone at Rennsport One,” Pumpelly said. “The team is very professional and brings a lot of experience to the track. Luis is fast and smart, and is going to be a very strong co-driver.

“The ST class is one of the most competitive forms of road racing anywhere so it’s good to be going into the season with a stacked deck. After more than 9 seasons in the GS class, 2015 will be my first full season in ST and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Rodriguez Jr. comes from a karting and Skip Barber Racing background with recent sports car success at the club level.

At only 20 years old, he is stepping into the IMSA ST ranks to cut his teeth at the pro level and learn from one of the best during his development towards a professional driving career.

“I am very happy to announce that I will be driving the No. 17 RS1 Porsche Cayman in the 2015 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge,” he said. “I am extremely excited about driving with Spencer Pumpelly. His experience and success in the sport is unparalleled and it will be an honor to be his teammate this season.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to the guys at Rennsport One who have worked very hard to build us a very strong car for the season. I want to thank Justin Bellinzoni and the RS1 team for all of their support through the pre-season testing. I also want to send a thank you to my dad, Luis Rodriguez Sr. and LR Motorsport for the opportunity. I am looking forward to a successful season.”

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