Pintaric podiums at Road Atlanta

May 11, 2014

(Team Release) Leading up to Round 3 of the 2014 Trans Am championship at Road Atlanta, driver David Pintaric said he and his KRYDERACING team needed to get on or close to the podium or lose any chance at the championship that was their goal. When the green flag dropped for the 100 Miles of Luna-C he put need into practice and scored his first ever Trans Am Series podium finish.

In the late laps of the race Pintaric stood 5th and pushing the pace. After a restart Amy Ruman and then Cliff Ebben spun. Pintaric claimed the 3rd spot and then held off a late charge from Ruman to earn his place on the podium. The result is a critical shot of confidence for a driver and team that were questioning themselves. "Its amazing what a modest amount of success can do for you.", Pintaric said. "Instead of dreading the next race we are looking forward to it."

Pintaric laid down a goal of getting to the podium and has now done that. "For the first step its mission accomplished, but there's a lot of work yet to do." Pintaric knows that his work is cut out for him, "Doug Peterson(the race winner and current points leader) has set a pretty high bar." The 3rd place does jump the #57 Corvette up four places in the standings to 7th with round 4 only a few days away at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park.

Now Pintaric wants to keep the momentum achieved at Road Atlanta and build on it at CTMP. He thinks that it fits his style. "It’s a fast Watkins Glen. I really like the track." Another thing that Pintaric really likes is the back to back races. "I need the seat time". Last year when we have three races in four weeks I was doing my best driving by the end of that 3rd race.

Now he is poised for another good result. David picked this track up quickly in his first ever visit there last year where he scored a 4th place finish. A repeat performance would solidify his goal for this two race run.

The next race is close but for a moment David enjoyed the fruits of his labor. crew chief Matt Miller and crew prepared to load the #57 Corvette in the hauler for ride north of the border, Pintaric appeared carrying a big box. He gave the box to his crew and said, "Open it up. Let's see it." The guys cut the box open, looked inside and then called to Pintaric to tell him he had won a box full of packing peanuts. With the good laugh that followed they driver and crew enjoyed a few moments of fun.

I asked him where he was going to put it. He said, "I'll have to make room. There are more coming."