Pirelli Paddock Pass: Jon Mirachi

Racers Edge Motorsports has thrived in its step into the GT3 ranks in Blancpain GT World Challenge America, with drivers Martin Barkey and Kyle Marcelli leading the Pro-Am class points standings.

This week in the Pirelli Paddock Pass, team owner Jon Mirachi fills us in on the season so far, discusses how the team has adapted to the Acura NSX GT3 Evo, and provides a look into what the future might hold for the team.

How has the season gone relative to your pre-season expectations?

“When we decided on this program before the season I was confident we would do well. We have great team personnel, we did our homework on the NSX and expected it would be competitive, then recruited a strong Pro/Am driver lineup.

“Since the race format and many of the rules were new to pretty much all the competitors, that meant a level playing field for the teams and that added to my confidence.

“Add in our past endurance racing experience and I really thought we would win some races and challenge for the championship. So far we’ve met my expectations!”

What has the Acura NSX GT3 Evo been like to work on?

“The mechanics really like working on the Acura NSX GT3 Evo. More than once, our lead mechanic has commented that ‘this is the best race car he’s ever worked on’. I was worried initially about the accessibility of the mid-engine package, but it’s turned out to be no problem at all. It’s a well thought out race car from a servicing standpoint.

How has the team adapted to live pit stops so well?

“We spent six seasons in Grand-Am, so we had lots of pit stop experience there, as well as six seasons in the challenge series.

“While the format with Blancpain GT World Challenge America is different, ultimately executing a pit stop isn’t all that different: you just apply the new format to what you already know how to do.

“On a personal note, I really like the pit stop format we have in World Challenge. It challenges the crew, makes them a part of the race and are just plain fun!”

Which of the remaining tracks to you expect to be the strongest for the NSX?

“This is a tough one to answer, really. We tested at Road America recently and that went well I think. Las Vegas is a bit of an unknown, but honestly, I expect we’ll be competitive at all three remaining tracks.

“Other than that, I couldn’t really say that I expect to be especially strong at any one of them.”

What can you tell us about how your 2020 programs are coming together?

“Ahhh, 2020… We really like the Blancpain GT World Challenge America series and expect to be back next season.

“We’ve forged a solid relationship with Acura Motorsports and HPD while the NSX has proven to be an effective race car, so we’d like to continue to build on that partnership.

“We have a great driver line-up, so we’d like to keep going with Martin and Kyle. Coming up with the budget is always the biggest challenge!

“A second car is a possibility and there has been some interest. We’ll see! Nothing is in place yet and our goal right now is to deliver the championship for our drivers, MBRP and Acura Motorsports.”