Monterey, CA. - October 19 – The Championship battle has never been closer after Bob Faieta, in the # 4 CareLevel Racing/Care Level Management Porsche 911 GT3 Cup entry, started from the pole and never looked back. Faieta would lead the first lap after a wild start and go on for his third win of the season.

This year marks the 50th anniversary season of racing at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and fans lined the rolling hills of this legendary road racing circuit to watch theMonterey Sports Car Championships be decided. This track is also home to one of the most famous sections of track in the world known as “The Corkscrew.” Drivers are challenged by the tight left sudden drop in turn eight. This is the first time that the IMSA GT3 Cup by Michelin has competed at the historic 2.238 mile track, which will also be the site of the only 1 hour 15 minute endurance race of the season.

The IMSA GT3 Cup Championship is on the line and Bob Faieta, driving the # 4 CareLevel Racing/Care Level Management entry, is on a mission to win after driving a perfect race. This is the closest Championship battle in the three-year history of IMSA GT3 Cup, and only four points separated the top two drivers when the weekend began. The field got the green flag and immediately went four wide down the straightaway in a wild start.

“That was a crazy race,” said Faieta. “The start was nuts. I got passed by two cars but got them back on the first lap. I was hoping that a couple of guys would form a wedge between Charlie (Scardina) and I, but it didn’t turn out that way. He drove a smart race. That’s the way I would have wanted it if I was in his position. It looks like it’s going to be down to the long race tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it.”

Charlie Scardina, in the #33 Metro Racing Systems/Ansca Homes entry, was shuffled back to eighth at the start but would finish second behind Faieta. Scardina showed great patience as he picked off the competition never putting a tire wrong.

“The start was busy, very crazy,” said Scardina. “I guess Bob (Faieta) and Pierre (Ehert) got a slow start so we went around to the outside but Pierre made an aggressive move so I backed off. I got dive-bombed by some guys and went back to eighth. Then those guys started missing their line and going off, so I capitalized and moved up.” Scardina explained. “After the first caution I was behind Dino (Steiner) and I was able to see where I was faster than him. I guess he was having trouble getting into a rhythm or something but I was able to get around him after the next caution on turn four after he got loose. Hopefully for the hour and fifteen we can get some long green flag racing.”

Tony Rivera, driver of the #97 Kelly-Moss Racing Porsche GT3 Cup, is a Porsche club racer and race car fabricator by trade. Rivera had the opportunity to participate in this race weekend after a customer who owns the car asked if he would like to race it.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” said the stunned Rivera. “That’s basically it. I’m 34 years old, married, have an 8-year-old daughter, and I’m just living the dream.” Rivera went on, “The race was all about patience. At the start people were dicing and it was nuts, but I just held my line and took opportunities when I got them. I think I had a chance at second except for the last caution, but I guess that’s racing. There’s always tomorrow.”

The race ended under caution with just 5 minutes left after a car became stuck in the gravel trap in turn one.

With Faieta’s win and Scardina’s second place finish, there are only two points separating these drivers in the battle for the Championship. There are two scenarios for either driver to win. If the drivers have the same results as today and tie in points, Scardina will win due to a higher number of overall wins this season. For Faieta to win, Scardina must finish more then one place below him. A mistake by either driver will cost him the Championship. This promises to be the best race of the season and the longest 1 hour and 15 minutes of each of the drivers’ careers.

The final race of the season for the IMSA GT3 Cup by Michelin will be Sunday, October 21st, at 10:25 am at the Fiftieth Anniversary of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, with the American Le Mans Series.