Watkins Glen, New York, May 17, 2016 | Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these racers from the swift completion of their appointed laps. That paraphrase of the Postman’s Creed might make it to an inspirational wall at Lux Performance Group’s shop in Aloha, Oregon after the May 15 Classic Tube 100. The Watkins Glen (New York) International round of the Trans Am Series’ 50th season was the 2016 debut for the two-car Viper ACR-X program and it was no easy opener. The weekend saw temperatures barely breaking the 40s and overcast conditions giving way to rain and snow. Combined with an electrical gremlin in the cars and Cindi Lux (Aloha, Oregon), driving the No. 45 Lux Performance Group Dodge, and Steve Streimer (Sherwood, Oregon) in the No. 42 Viper’s had their hands full. Nevertheless, the pair fought all the elements and the field to finish second (Lux) and third (Streimer) at the conclusion of the 100-mile race.
The weekend got off on a harsh note. With little on-track time scheduled for the TA3 machines, a newly paved “Glen” and unseasonably cold weather the challenge was tough enough for the pair of drivers and the Fred Lux-led squad. However, matters grew much worse when an electronics issue significantly cut the horsepower of the V10-engines beyond even the mandated restrictor prescribed by Trans Am.
After a poor qualifying effort of fifth and sixth, Cindi and Steve had their work cut out for them. Both Lux Performance drivers are well known for their racecraft and Streimer followed Cindi through the field with a focus on keeping their red and black American supercars clear of carnage. As competitors began to give-way, the Nos. 45 and 42 moved steadily up. Even as a heavy snow began to pound the windshields in the closing laps, the front-engine machines stayed a true course ultimately finishing second and third. The first race of the season and the first podium.
Quotes |
Fred Lux, Lux Performance Group Team Principal | “Never in our wildest dreams when we began the day, did I think we would end up with a double podium. It's a solid lesson of never giving up. No matter what the racing gods send your direction, just keep digging. Seriously, everything seemed to be thrown at us. The black cloud that was over us all weekend finally shifted away during the race. Cindi and Steve drove a smart race. Even though it wasn’t our best result on track, it was probably the most satisfying and rewarding.”
Brainerd, Minnesota, June 29, 2016 - Lux Performance Group returns to Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) for the Trans Am Series’ July 3rd "Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic" race. Despite having only raced here once before, the Brainerd, Minnesota-area track proved to be very good for the Aloha, Oregon-based two car, Dodge Viper ACR-X program. In 2015, lead driver Cindi Lux (Aloha, Oregon) drove to her first-ever Trans Am Series’ TA3 class victory from pole position. Showing the overall team effort, trailing just off the rear-wing of Lux’s No. 45 Lux Performance Group Dodge Viper ACR-X in both qualifying and the 100-mile race was Sherwood, Oregon’s Steve Streimer in the No. 42 Lux entry. The dynamic duo looks to repeat that performance this weekend and follow it with Fourth of July celebration at the Trans Am Series’ biggest party track.
Before you look at the 2.5-mile, 12-turn BIR facility or the weekend as just another racetrack, keep in mind this is Independence Day weekend and Brainerd is all about the party. 2015 proved that as the Fred Lux (Aloha, Oregon)-headed effort rolled into town and immediately felt at home. BIR is an old-school track without all the fancy amenities but with real character… and real fast lap times. It is a place of legend, the type those who missed the “golden era” wish they could enjoy today. It is a weekend of fireworks on and off the track, fans standing around campfires at night and drivers burning Hoosier rubber during the day. This track is 'merica.
Lux Performance Group is making its second start of the 2016 50th Anniversary season of Trans Am, billed as "America’s Road Racing Series". Lux and Streimer stood on the podium – second and third-places respectively – at Watkins Glen International earlier this year. Following this weekend, the team will travel over the state border to Wisconsin’s Road America (August 24-27), then down to VIRginia International Raceway (September 21-24) and to NOLA Motorsports Park in Louisiana, October 12-15.
Quotes
Cindi Lux, Driver, No. 45 Lux Performance Group Dodge Viper ACR-X - "Brainerd reminds me of old school tracks. It’s not perfect but that is what I like about it. Kind of reminds me of Nelson Ledges back in the ‘80’s when we raced in the 24-hour races there. The fans are super engaging and they love their racing. Our Vipers will be super good here. With long, high-speed sweeping corners and heavy braking zones, they will be put through the paces. Time to suck it up and have some fun on July Fourth weekend! Can’t think of a better place to celebrate our nation’s independence day with our team, who I consider family."
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