GMG All-In for Sofronas’ 20th Anniversary Long Beach Race

Photo: Fabian Lagunas/SRO

GMG Racing has gone all-in with a four-car GT America powered by AWS effort this weekend at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, in team owner/driver James Sofronas’ 20th anniversary at the famed Southern California street circuit.

The California-based team, which recently moved into its new headquarters at The Thermal Club, has expanded from a single GT America entry in last month’s season opener at Sonoma Raceway, which saw a breakthrough Race 2 overall victory for Kyle Washington.

Washington heads into Rounds 3 and 4 of the season second in the SRO3 class championship, just two points behind George Kurtz.

He’ll be joined in the top class by Porsche Sprint Challenge North America graduate Patrick Mulcahy in a Type-991.2 Porsche 911 GT3 R, as well as Sofronas, piloting his Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II, which finished third and second in last year’s two street races.

Additionally, CJ Moses will make his series return at the wheel of his Audi R8 LMS GT2.

“This will be my 20th anniversary at Long Beach,” Sofronas said. “For me personally, 2005 is when we first went there, and I know it’s a favorite race for Kyle. He brings in a bunch of friends and family.

“And then our new up-and-coming driver Patrick Mulcahy will be joining us in another Porsche. In fact, he will be in a type 991.2 Porsche, one of Kyle’s old and favorite cars. We have kept in tip-top shape.

“We expect that car to be competitive as Patrick has shown he has the talent and skill set to run up front. It will be his first time in GT America competition so we’re super excited.”

While not committed to the full GT America season, Sofronas, a four-time SRO America champion, said the allure of the event, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, brought him back to the cockpit.

“It’s such as special race for me that really gave our business a boost many, many years ago when we won in 2009,” he said. “I will have my Audi, and CJ returns to the mix in his GT2 Audi and it so great to have him and that car back on track.”

Sofronas has three victories at Long Beach, his first coming in 2009 followed by triumphs in 2013 and a class win in 2017.