The final five rounds of the Pirelli World Challenge Championship are among us, and DragonSpeed Racing driver Frankie Montecalvo is ready to get back behind the wheel at Rounds 16 and 17 at Miller Motorsports Park, August 21-23.
Montecalvo, 24, of Highlands, NJ, is no stranger to Miller Motorsports Park, situated just west of Salt Lake City in Tooele, UT. Montecalvo won his first IMSA Prototype Lites race in 2010 there and has worked as a driving instructor at several of the various driving schools hosted by the track.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back to Miller. I love the Salt Lake area and having one of my first professional victories at that track is really special,” explained Montecalvo.
“I’m hoping the good fortune I had there five years ago will be with me this weekend, but it’s definitely not going to be an easy weekend. I’m less than 30 points behind the class leader, Cisneros, in the Ferrari, so it’s going to be crucial to have a good set up, do well in qualifying and drive a really smart race.”
Although the track can be ran in four different configurations, the Pirelli World Challenge races will run on the Outer Track. The 3.08-mile, 15-turn track boasts picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains and will allow the cars to reach their top speeds on the long, front straightaway.
“Miller has some really long straights that will suit the characteristics of the Ferrari and my Mercedes AMG SLS well. I’m confident the DragonSpeed guys will have my car perfectly dialed in to the track, but I also know that when the Ferrari hits his top speed on the straights, it’s going to make it very difficult to pass. But again, we just need to focus on doing well in practice and qualifying. We need to get out front and stay there until the checkered flag.”
With the news that Miller Motorsports Park is set to close its doors at the end of the season, Rounds 16 and 17 of the Pirelli World Challenge Championship may be the last professional sports car race to be held at the Utah circuit.
“Knowing that this could be the last time a professional sports car race visits Miller is disappointing. It’s such a great facility, and I’ve enjoyed my time there whether I’ve been racing or instructing. I’m very happy to get the opportunity to race there again this weekend, and I can’t wait to get back on track with the Mercedes and see what the car can do there and hopefully go for another victory.”