IPC: Mid-Ohio

The MLT squad pulled double duty at Mid-Ohio alongside the WeatherTech program; two new drivers joined the team for the Prototype Challenge race. Jason Rabe joins the team after a season of previous experience in IPC along with numerous successful years in Michelin Pilot Challenge. Tyler Maxson comes to the team as a young up and coming driver, showing speed and promise in the Michelin Pilot Challenge TCR category running with Bryan Herta Autosport’s Hyundai Factory supported effort. Tyler has had one previous start in LMP3 machinery. With this line-up set, Jason Rabe being the bronze was set to qualify and start the race with Tyler Maxson jumping in on the pit stop as the Silver rated driver.

With just 90 minutes of practice total Rabe and Maxson had precious few laps to get acclimated to their Ligier JSP320, as it was the first time for both drivers racing the French marque’s car. After running in the top five for both practice sessions, with Maxson placing the car second in Practice One, it was time to qualify. Jason Rabe set off in the competitive field of bronze drivers, again featuring former Indycar and sportscar pros. Rabe wound up in seventh narrowly missing out on the front two rows, a raceable starting position.

Sunday morning the green flag fell and Jason kept his nose clean letting a few overly aggressive drivers through on the first lap. He worked his way back up to his starting position of seventh and settled in to prepared to hand over a pristine car to Tyler Maxson for the final stint. On the stop Maxson climbed behind the wheel and proceeded to set blistering times. He scythed his way up to fourth and was threatening for the final podium spot. On the final lap the car ahead stumbled on fuel and Maxson charged past claiming the last step on the podium for he and Jason Rabe.