Francis Jr., Taurino Take Super Trofeo Race 2 Win in Sebring

Ernie Francis Jr. and Giano Taurino claimed victory in Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America’s second round of the season at Sebring International Raceway for TR3 Racing.

The seven-time Trans-Am Champion and former IndyNXT driver, Francis Jr. inherited the lead in his No. 88 TR3 Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 after issues thwarted the No. 4 ANSA Motorsports Lamborghini’s chances of victory.

The No. 30 ANSA Lamborghini of Loris Cabirou and Bryson Morris and the sister No. 4 driven by Kiko Porto and Nico Jamin took the checkered flag in second and third respectively.

Meanwhile, reigning series champion Danny Formal and co-driver Ryan Norman finished fourth, with Forty7 Motorsports’ Jake Walker rounding out the top-five.

Series newcomer and sportscar racing veteran Jeroen Bleekemolen and co-driver Tim Pappas took the win in Pro-Am for Flying Lizard Motorsports.

Bleekemolen’s stint proved impressive, seeing him finish 18.240 seconds clear of the No. 72 Forte Racing Lamborghini of Patrick Liddy and Blake McDonald, who led the race at one point.

Ken Dobson claimed Am class honors in his solo-driven No. 27 Forte Lamborghini, taking advantage of an off-track moment for the No. 98 machine of Sam Shi.

Shi was at the head of the class in only his second race in sports car racing when he ran off track aboard the Flying Lizard Motorsports-operated Lamborghini and dropped back down the order.

LB Cup was led comfortably from lights to flag by Naveen Rao’s No. 32 Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti entry, which crossed the line over 15 seconds clear of Ofir Levy.

Race 1 winner Kiko Porto led the field to green in the No. 4 ANSA Lamborghini, and co-driver Nico Jamin maintained the team’s advantage following the race’s mandatory pit stop.

However, Jamin suddenly lost pace with under 15 minutes remaining, relinquishing the lead and eventual win to Francis Jr.

Liddy led the race briefly in his Pro-Am No. 72 Forte Lamborghini after chasing John Capestro-Dubets’ No. 46 Precision Performance Motorsports entry as he maximized his stint, handing the car over to co-driver Blake McDonald at the very end of the 10-minute pit stop window.

Bleekemolen’s pace proved too strong however, as the Dutchman charged past McDonald into the class lead in the closing stages.

Late incidents sparked by multiple spins from Nick Groat’s No. 57 One Motorsports Lamborghini only briefly interrupted an otherwise caution-free race.

RESULTS: Race 2