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Intercontinental GT Challenge

Automatic Racing Enters California 8H

Automatic Racing enters California 8H with Aston Martin GT4…

Photo: Jake Galstad/IMSA

Fresh off a thrilling victory at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca last month, Automatic Racing has lodged an entry for next weekend’s California 8 Hours with its Aston Martin Vantage GT4.

It will mark the team’s debut in the Intercontinental GT Challenge, with the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge regulars set to field the GT4 class entry for Charlie Putman, Charles Espenlaub and Eric Lux.

Putman and Espenlaub recently claimed the the 991 class championship in the 24H Endurance Series and finished second overall in the championship along with co-driver Joe Foster.

“We’ve had great success in Europe this year, so it’s nice to come home for some endurance racing in the U.S.,” said Putman. “We’re looking forward to carrying the momentum from our championship into a track where we have a strong history of experience and success.”

“Mazda Raceway is one of our favorite tracks to visit, and this is a great way to extend our endurance racing opportunities,” added Espenlaub. “We’re excited about teaming up with Automatic Racing again and hope that our combined forces can result in a top finish.”

Lux is currently on a racing sabbatical, but he’s taking a break from the break to join Automatic Racing.

His most recent professional race was at Laguna Seca in 2015, and he has won at the track in both GT cars and prototypes.

“I’m thrilled to join Automatic Racing and Aston Martin for the California 8 Hour endurance race!” said Lux. “My teammates Charles Espenlaub and Charlie Putman are familiar with the circuit and are proven endurance race winners.

“Although I’m temporarily breaking from my racing sabbatical, I am confident that I will be able to perform immediately. I believe we have the team, car and lineup to be on the top step after the race!”

Automatic’s entry is one of more than 20 cars entered for the Oct. 13-15 event at Laguna Seca, with the full entry list expected to be released this week.

The latest news, photos and video features from the trusted Sportscar365 web staff.

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