Rising Stars and Racing Stripes
Crossing the Atlantic, VAMR were cautious about the races at the picturesque Road America circuit. The team had brough yet more new parts for the car to improve it's straightline performance which would be tested during practice. Hopes were raised when Rose and Grain both set strong times early in the sessions and this was backed up by increased pace from the Beechdean drivers too.


Third on the grid for Grain behind the dominant ONR BMWs and a fantastic 7th for Beechdean's Wilson was, perhaps, better than expected given the nature of the circuit. It did, however, indicate that the continued development and set up changes were proving effective.
Race 1 saw a close battle between Grain the ONR BMWs and the ever present VVV Evonik Audi. At the flag it was the Aston Martin that prevailed, a feat that was repeated in Race 2, bringing the titles tantilisingly into focus for VAMR.


Siddall, Ford and Maughan all enjoyed strong races. Hunter's pace in the #45 was vastly improved, only a gear selection issue in the opening phase of Race 1 dampened the spirits but ignited a fight through the field the Devonian would be proud of.

Keeping your head when all others lose theirs...
The TORA GT circus headed south to Florida and the historic Sebring circuit for a GT double header. VAMR had enjoyed mixed fortunes at the 12hr race here in the week between races. But what the GT team lost in positions during the 12hr enduro they more than made up for in vital set up knowledge ahead of what could be a vital title deciding round.

Indeed, with the field marginally depleted, it was time for VAMR's title hopefulls to take advantage. The weight of the championship hunt could be felt among the drivers but the mood was positive as the cars headed out for Qualifying 1. After the session, Grain and Rose were 1-2 and over half a second clear of the leading Vodafone BG BMW of Wumba in third. At the fall of the flag the Kinfaun VAMR drivers had maintained position and claimed the team's first 1-2 of the season. This was then folowed by another 1-2 in the second race. An astonishing weekend for the team and one which proved the tipping point
for the Sprint Championship. Beechdean enjoyed a strong weekend too with great results for Wilson and Maughan. Hunter had his most competitive outing to date with only a one off steering issue part way through the final race losing him positions.


Once all the results were in it was clear just how good the Sebring races had been. With one round of the Sprint Championship to go, Kinfaun VAMR had won the Teams and Works Championships. A massive result for a team that in it's previous guise as ATR had ultimately struggled in 2012. Beechdean held on to second in the Works Championship after a poor weekend for main rivals, WestCoast Racing. The next race at Laguna Seca, could seal the Drivers title for Grain, but how would the Astons react to the undulating twists and turns of the Monterray circuit?


A Champion's drive
Laguna Seca has long held a place in TORA GT lore. A fixture since the first series back in 2008, the West Coast circuit has played pivotal roles in deciding the fates of GT champions. With VAMR arriving as Sprint Teams and Works Champions, hopes were high for securing the triple crown.
With qualifying complete, it was another front row lock out for the championship leaders with Grain and Rose running very closely throughout the session. Wilson and Maughan started the weekend strongly, leading for Beechdean with 6th and 13th. Siddall and Hunter had troubled sessions but both new the pace could be regained in the races. For VAMR's competitors, an ominous start to the weekend.
For race 1 it was the threat of a fellow CQR driver, Andy Patterson in the CQR Yokohama Ferrari that stood to upset the Aston Martin apple cart. With Grain able to gap the battling Rose and Patterson behind a win was all but assured. Both Aston Martins made the podium, the CQR Ferrari splitting them. Behind, it was the Beechdean/WestCoast Racing battle for second that raged. Wilson narrowly edged out WestCoast's Luke Edwards for 11th place and with the next best WC BMW finishing
way down the order, the runners up spot was looking all the more secure for Beechdean.
Race 2 also went to Grain with Rose fighting off the attentions of the Ferrari that had held second off the line for the rolling start. The third 1-2 of the season for the Cyber Racing lead duo confirmed Grain as the Sprint Championship winner for 2013 and rounded off an incredible two weeks for the whole team.
Final weekend positions of 10th and 13th for the top two Beechdean drivers ensured 2nd in the Sprint Works Championship and 4th in the teams title.

Endgame
All the cards are on the table. VAMR now heads home to Silverstone to claim the Endurance Works crown as well as the GT World titles. VAMR can win all three this weekend. Every step has been taken to ensure victory on home soil. Reigning ISCC champion and VAMR prototype racer, Dan Austins has been drafted in to drive the latest customer car for Craft Racing VAMR.

Could the #007 prove to be the tactical advantage needed for the Kinfaun Racing team to take on all the titles? Tune in to TORA Live Timing from 7pm on Sunday 31st March
to find out!