Atlantic VIR Weekend Notebook

New Entries

The Atlantic paddock has a fresh look, as a host of returning drivers like the Grant brothers are joined by a number of promising new entries.

Spencer Brockman is making his debut in the new Swift 014/Mazda combination, and is expected to be competitive.

At K-Hill, Peter Portante is joining Jenna Grillo as well as Blake Mount as all three are set to make their Series debuts.

Lee Alexander

"My goal of the weekend, much like everyone, is to have a good result," said Lee Alexander, driver of the No. 48 Factory48 Swift 016/Mazda from Comprent. "I have very limited track time at VIR."

That limited track time goes back to 2016, when Alexander was at VIR but barely ran laps due to a weekend-ending mechanical failure. Alexander is marking his second season of Atlantic competition. 

"I was really looking forward to it because it has been on my 'bucket list' for years. In the first session on the first day I had a catastrophic mechanical failure on the sixth lap that sent me home for the weekend. With the limited track time we have this upcoming weekend, my biggest challenge will be getting up to speed. I know most of my competitors have a lot of experience there," said Alexander.

Rich Zober

Another Comprent driver looking forward to a big weekend at the 2017 season opener is Rich Zober, driver of the No. 66.

"I think the biggest challenges are getting up to speed both the car and myself," said Zober ."So setup and making grip could be different than last year.

"My objectives this year are working improving lap times, improving driving and fine-tuning the car," he continued.