Pumpelly Replaces Gaples in Blackdog McLaren

Photo: IMSA

Spencer Pumpelly has replaced Blackdog Speed Shop team owner/driver Tony Gaples for this weekend’s Tioga Downs Casino Resort 240 at Watkins Glen.

The late driver change in the team’s No. 34 McLaren 570S GT4 came Thursday evening according to Pumpelly, who has been drafted into the veteran SRO America outfit that’s making its IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge debut.

It’s understood Gaples relinquished driving duties after suffering an injury last week.

Pumpelly, a former Pilot Challenge class champion, will share driving duties with four-time SRO America champion Michael Cooper, who put the car on the front row for Saturday’s four-hour race.

In addition to Watkins Glen, the team is planning to also contest the Road America round in August, although it’s unclear if Gaples will be back behind the wheel for that round.

Lamb Subs for Smithson in Atlanta Speedwerks Honda TCR

Atlanta Speedwerks team owner Todd Lamb also received a late call-up to drive this week as a sub for Scott Smithson in the No. 94 Honda Civic Type-R TCR.

Sportscar365 understands that scheduling issues prevented Smithson from attending this weekend’s race alongside co-driver Ryan Eversley.

As was the case with the Blackdog McLaren, Lamb qualified the Honda second in class, in a front row sweep for the Atlanta-based operation.

The fourth round of the Pilot Challenge season gets underway Saturday at 2:35 p.m. ET.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John