LONG BEACH, CA (April 8, 2017) – The No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac DPi-V.R team showed throughout the weekend, it was primed to perform on the demanding streets of Long Beach and vie for the team’s first checkered flag of the season.
Christian Fittipaldi started second and remained in third throughout the early stages of the race. The Mustang Sampling Cadillac DPi-V.R completed fast laps and seemingly playing the right strategy when Christian was hit by a slower GTD car shortly before the halfway point of the 100-minute affair. The severe damage to the rear of the Mustang Sampling Cadillac required multiple pit stops for tires, fuel, and a driver change to Joao. However, the team never wavered and salvaged a seventh place finish along with key points toward the championship battle.
Joao Barbosa, No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac DPi-V.R:”Unfortunately, it wasn’t our day today,” Barbosa said. “We have a great team and we’ll keep moving forward. We were able to stay out of trouble the remainder of the day, and get as many points as possible before we head to the next race.”
Christian Fittipaldi, No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac DPi-V.R: “Not our day,” Fittipaldi said. “I passed a slower GTD car on the back straight then as I was entering the next turn, I felt a hit from behind. Unfortunate for our Mustang Sampling Team, but the guys fixed the car where we could finish the race. Now, we turn the page and move on to Austin and the Circuit of the Americas.”
The IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship travels to the Circuit of the Americas for the Advanced Auto Parts SportsCar Showdown May 4-6.
Points Standings:
IMSA Weather Tech Championship: 2nd (89 points)
Tequila Patron North American Endurance Championship: 2nd (16 points)
