Melee in Miami
Formula One Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix
Miami, FL
Porsche Carrera Cup North America
May 8, 2024
At Racing to End Alzheimer’s, we are constantly being reminded of the power of community.
Year after year, event after event, we see first-hand how many people have been impacted by this disease. Hundreds of names on the livery, thousands of fans passing by the tent, countless conversations about loved ones. At times it can be humbling, highlighting the daunting path ahead.
But then, every race weekend, we are shown how much strength is behind those numbers.
In Miami, Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen, who was in town for the Miami Grand Prix — and whose grandfather’s name is on the Racing to End Alzheimer’s livery — came by the Porsche paddock to spend a little time with the team and sign autographs for fans. It was a huge boost for everyone involved and a welcome reminder of what matters.
People from all walks of life, coming together in support of awareness and treatment: that is what Racing to End Alzheimer’s is all about.
Bumps, Bruises and a Gentleman’s Move
Saturday’s qualifying laps and race were defined by collisions. During qualifying, driver Mark Kvamme and the No. 43 Racing to End Alzheimer’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car were only able to lay down one good lap before being derailed by an incident on course. Despite this, Mark started Saturday’s race only one place off the pole, still well within striking distance.
Just off the green flag, the No. 43 lost a position only to claw it back in the second lap. Almost immediately, Kvamme began setting up his move into first. Exhibiting just enough patience, he took advantage of an opening in lap five and slid past pole-sitter Chris Bellomo.
A determined competitor, Bellomo didn’t make it easy. He stuck on Kvamme’s bumper, threatening to pass at any hint of a mistake. Then, in lap 10, Bellomo got a little too close, tapping the No. 43’s bumper in turn 17 and causing it to spin out. Despite averting disaster, Mark dropped a position.
When the No. 43 caught back up to Bellomo after the incident, the lead driver showed what a class act he is. By deliberately conceding first position to Mark, Chris exhibited the kind of sportsmanship that is the absolute best of racing. Almost immediately afterward, another collision further back caused the race to finish under yellow, with Kvamme crossing the line in first place.
In the thin of it
Sometimes, despite endless preparation, it’s impossible to predict what will lead to success on race day. On Sunday, the unlikely key was not starting in pole position.
At the start of the race, Kvamme was second in class but seven positions back from Bellomo overall. Almost immediately though, disadvantage turned into advantage. In turn one of the first lap, a pile-up at the front caught the lead driver. With a slick move, the No. 43 skirted through the melee unharmed and found itself in first place as a 21-minute caution was instituted.
At the restart, there were just a few moments of full-speed racing before another incident caused damage to the track that would require a lengthy cleanup. When the caution period finally ended, Kvamme used the remaining five minutes to sail to a weekend sweep.
More to come
With Racing to End Alzheimer’s/MDK sitting at second place in the Masters class standings, upcoming races will be high stakes. Competition is stiff and the pursuit for another title will definitely not play out on easy street.
That’s just how we like it.
Stay tuned.
