Connect with us

WeatherTech Championship

“Everything Has Come Together” for Jr III’s Series Debut

Jr III Racing one of two newcomers to WeatherTech Championship LMP3 ranks this weekend at Road America…

Photo: JR III Racing

After two years of IMSA Prototype Challenge competition, Jr III Racing is set to make its WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut this weekend at Road America as one of a pair of newcomers to the series’ LMP3 class.

The North Carolina-based team, along with fellow IPC squad Wulver Racing, are stepping up to WeatherTech Championship competition, as the future of the standalone LMP3-based series sits in the wings of IMSA, which is expected to announce its future direction during Friday’s ‘State of the Sport’ address. 

For Jr III, its first podium finish in IPC competition in the recent round at Mid-Ohio with drivers Mike Skeen and Terry Olson gave the team the “confidence” needed to take on the top series according to team co-owner Billy Glavin.

Jr III has run a successful vintage restoration program prior to making its IPC debut in 2019.

“We always knew that joining the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship was a goal for us,” Glavin said.

“After our result at Mid-Ohio, it gave us confidence that with Mike and Terry in our car we can contend for a result.

“The team has been working hard at preparing not only the car but themselves for taking this step up including practicing pit stops at a quicker pace.

“Luckily, we have a couple WeatherTech crew veterans and everything is coming together. We love Road America and are excited to take on this new challenge.”

Wisconsin native Olson, who has claimed wins at Road America in the club and professional level, said the four-mile circuit is a track that he knows “the best and loves the most.”

“With over 30 years of experience there, I am comfortable and confident getting into the Ligier and pushing myself and it to the limit,” he said.

“We had a great test a few weeks ago and the Jr III Racing team has given Mike and I a fantastic car.

“Everything has come together to make this happen and my confidence in this team makes this move easy to do. Multi-class racing at high rates of speed will be new to me but it’s a thrilling opportunity and I am looking forward to it.”

Skeen Set for Double Duty Between Road America, Nashville

While IMSA veteran Skeen will be making his first series LMP3 start, he is set for a busy weekend that will see him miss Friday and Saturday’s activities at Road America due to his Trans Am by Pirelli commitments in Nashville. 

“This team is incredibly professional and well-prepared for the event, so we have high hopes of success,” he said.

“I will get to drive again with my good friend Terry Olson who shared the car with me in IPC at Mid-Ohio earlier this year with good results.

“A lot will be on his shoulders this weekend as I will not be present for practice or qualifying as I will be racing TA2 at the Music City GP on Saturday. Hopefully we can collect some trophies at both venues this weekend.”

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

Click to comment
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

More in WeatherTech Championship