Norman First at Mid-Ohio
Lexington, OH - From the outside of the front row, K-Hill Motorsports driver Ryan Norman charged into the lead on the opening lap at Mid-Ohio and led from there on out, taking the victory in round eight of the Atlantic Championship Series season.
It was a bounce-back drive for the No. 48 of Norman in his Swift 016/Mazda after gearbox trouble dropped him from second to third in Saturday's race.
"We had an awesome start, going three wide. I out-braked everyone and was able to run consistent laps from there in the lead. I need to thank all the friends and family members that came out to support me, and K-Hill Motorsports for a great car," said Norman, who extends his Atlantic points lead.
Starting third, David Grant, who won on Saturday, passed pole-sitter and brother Keith for second on lap three and pulled a gap. However, there was drama for the 2012 Atlantic Champion on lap 16 when David Grant fell back to fourth due to a spin - promoting Keith Grant to second and Chris Ash to third.
Four laps later, Grant took his No. 29 back to the podium by passing Ash for the third spot.
Richard Zober also made a move on Ash for fourth a few laps later as the two Comprent teammates battled for position at Mid-Ohio.
Towards end of race, Keith Grant picked up the pace and cut a seven-plus second lead down to three, but could not close any further on race leader Norman.
"Someone my speed comes at the end of the race. I have to work on that," said Keith Grant, in the No. 40 Polestar Swift 016/Mazda.
David Grant said: "I had a pretty good start. I got past Keith early and was slowly catching Ryan. I caught a slower car that held me up and I lost my concentration and lost it. It was my fault for spinning and it is what it is. It took a while for the car to come back to me. Thank you to Polestar for the help this weekend."
Zober would finish fourth while Lewis Cooper Jr. moved around Ash late in the race for fifth. Those three drivers had a early race battle and were often running in close proximity on the track battling for position.
Bob Corliss had a solid weekend in the Atlantic Challenge category, taking home twin victories in the No. 17 Swift 014/Toyota from Comprent Motorsports. Corliss' points haul will surely help him in his bid to take the Challenge title at the end of the season.
Of note, Bruce Hamilton retired with reported electrical issues.
With the double-race weekend in the books at Mid-Ohio, the Atlantic Championship Series next assembles at Pittsburgh International Race Complex, August 5-7.