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Lamborghini Super Trofeo NA

Ward: Super Trofeo Set for Entry Boost at VIR

Lamborghini’s Chris Ward on state of Super Trofeo North America; rebound for 2021…

Photo: Jamey Price/Lamborghini

Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America is set to feature an increased entry for its next round at Virginia International Raceway later this month, according to Lamborghini America’s senior manager of motorsport Chris Ward, who revealed they had a 26-car provisional entry list prior to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

The single-make championship kicks off its eighth season this weekend at Road America with a 12-car grid, as one of the many series affected by COVID-19.

Ward (pictured above, right), however, has confirmed that additional entries are coming for the second round and remainder of the season, with a number of drivers already contracted to teams for 2021.

Sportscar365 understands that in addition to the already confirmed ANSA Motorsports effort, Prestige Performance/Wayne Taylor Racing is likely to field a fourth Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo Evo in Virginia, while discussions have been ongoing with another team that could also make it series debut.

“Before COVID, we had a record 26-car provisional entry list,” Ward told Sportscar365. “For a variety of fully sound reasons based on our customer base, we’ve dropped down to 12 for Road America.

“But we’ve got new teams and new customers joining us for VIR.”

After initially scheduled to kick off its season at Barber Motorsports Park in April, Ward said the nearly four-month wait has led to high anticipation this weekend.

“We couldn’t be more excited,” he said. “As has been the same with other series, we couldn’t wait any longer for the business viability of the teams. That’s the key to it.

“I’m thrilled and delighted for the customers that have elected to come and run Round 1. It shows their support of the series.

“Road America has been terrific to work with, as always. IMSA has done an incredible job of getting us back to racing. I tip my hat off constantly to John [Doonan, IMSA President] and the rest of the team there.

“There’s been no let up in their attention to the details despite us racing in a different paddock this weekend.

“We’re looking forward to the season and grid building as we get onto Round 2 at VIR.”

Following VIR, the series is currently set to visit Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on the rescheduled Six Hours of The Glen weekend, followed by trips to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Sebring International Raceway.

This year’s Lamborghini World Final, which was to be held in Misano, has been canceled due to COVID-19, leaving Super Trofeo North America with a five-round season instead of the typical six events.

Ward said he sees the compact schedule as a benefit in allowing interested customers to try the series at reduced costs.

“It is proving fruitful for adding customers for VIR,” he said. “Because effectively they can come and try Super Trofeo without the additional costs of Round 6 and the World Final.

“That is proving valuable.”

Despite the current reduced grid, Ward said he’s confident in seeing a rebound in 2021.

“The vast majority of customers of the original 26 that have come off, for family reasons, travel reasons, health concerns, have already executed contracts with the teams that they were aligned with,” he said. “They’ve just moved those contracts to 2021.

“I feel very, very encouraged for next year. It’s not customers going away, it’s just customers deferring plans until next year.” 

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

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