Ben Johansson
28 Oct 2024
The final round of the MSV Trackday Championship was set to be a defining moment for PRO-AM Racing, but ultimately ended in heartbreak.
With only a 3-point deficite heading into the final race of the season, and momentum on their side, confidence was high for team owner Scott Thompson and co-founder Ben Johansson who would be the final driver pairing of the season.
The weather on race day was a challenge, with cold, wet, and windy conditions that turned qualifying into a battle of precision. Ben Johansson and Scott Thompson made sure to get the best out of the slippery track, securing an impressive P3 overall and P2 in class, out qualifying several faster class cars. Meanwhile, both of the team’s championship rivals struggled, qualifying P9 and P12 overall, giving PRO-AM Racing a strong buffer.
However, the race brought heartbreak. Despite a strong start, Scott was squeezed between two faster-class cars off the line, causing contact that knocked the steering out of alignment and cost crucial positions. Despite the setback, he pushed on, knowing the 45-minute race could still bring opportunities, recovering places as opportunities arose.
But disaster struck on Lap 9. As Scott approached Surtees in a train of cars, a lapped competitor lost control on the wet off-line surface and spun into his path. Despite evasive action, the Clio collided violently, spinning off the track and sustaining heavy damage. The crash sheared all four axle bolts, broke the left rear wheel free, and caused significant structural damage to the car. Fortunately, Scott emerged unscathed after a mandatory check-up at the medical center.
The team’s championship hopes however were dashed as they watched the race unfold from the sidelines. The title ultimately went to Wayne Cockerill, with rival Nathan McPhail in P2 after suffering late-race power issues.
A Season to Celebrate
While the finale didn’t go as planned, the team’s achievements this season were remarkable, with multiple podiums, fastest laps, and race wins showcasing PRO-AM Racing’s mettle. Finishing P3 in such a competitive championship, despite missing Lydden Hill and suffering a DNF, is an incredible accomplishment.
“We gave it everything this year,” said team principal Scott Thompson. “The result today doesn’t define us. We’ll rebuild, learn, and come back stronger next season.”
