Pole and Positive Placements
July 14, 2021
Elkhart Lake, Wis.—The F.A.S.T Auto Racing Team did its best to live up to its name at the recent Road America round of The Trans Am presented by Pirelli. The event had the largest field of the year featuring some of NASCAR’s brightest and future stars. Despite stacked fields, the team brought home a pole and positive placements in the final standings.
“Overall, it was a solid weekend for the entire team,” said Team Owner Adrian Wlostowski and driver of the No. 3, Hawk Performance, Howe Racing Enterprises, Chevrolet Camaro. “We all had our issues during the event, but we battled back. Given the level of competition and the number of NASCAR drivers entered, we’re nothing but proud of our performances. In SGT, our man, Mike Phillips, got the pole in our F.A.S.T Auto Racing Corvette and despite a drive-thru penalty and failing rear brakes, Doug Winston also had a good race. Road America showed how much progress our team has made, especially in TA2.”
With 38 cars entered, getting clear laps was a challenge for all the teams both in practice and qualifying.
“I could not be prouder of our entire team and their efforts,” Wlostowski said. “During Thursday’s initial session, we were not happy with the handling of my No. 3 Hawk Performance Camaro. But the team kept after it and as the day progressed — the car really came around. Traffic was a constant issue, in qualifying I couldn’t get the gap I needed so I was unable to get the lap l knew we could do.”
Although disappointed with his qualifying, Wlostowski worked his way through the field from his 16th grid position to a great sixth at the flag.
“I really enjoyed the race,” Wlostowski said. “Battling with Austin Dillon lap after lap was awesome, he’s a clean racer, and it’s fantastic racing wheel to wheel with one of the best drivers in NASCAR. I must thank my crew and everyone at Hawk Performance. Now it’s on to Brainerd for me and my Hawk Performance Camaro!”
Doug Winston added, “As it was only my second time at Road America, I was quite pleased with my progress. I had just about recovered from an early drive-thru penalty when I completely lost the rear brakes with only one lap to go. Luckily, I was able to get it stopped and back to pit lane without any incident other than loss of several positions. Overall, it was a fantastic experience running at one of the most historic tracks in America and racing against some of the top NASCAR drivers – definitely one I’ll always remember.”
There is more to F.A.S.T. Auto Racing than TA2. The team has been a threat in SGT for several seasons. Team newcomer Mike Phillips in the No. 97 F.A.S.T. Auto Racing Corvette is no different. Having competed in only four races, Phillips sits second in the championship with two poles, three podiums and a win to his credit.
“This was my first time at Road America,” Phillips said, “and right away F.A.S.T. Auto gave me a great race car. Track conditions weren't ideal, but I was very happy to put it on pole for the team. Unfortunately, my performance on Sunday was a bit disappointing. After several mistakes on my end, I damaged something in front of car and was not able to finish race. This is my first season with Trans Am and feel like I'm learning so much every race. I’m walking away from Road America with several important lessons learned and really looking forward to my next outing at Watkins Glenn.”
Although Wlostowski will be the sole F.A.S.T. Auto Racing team members at Brainerd, he looks to do the team and his sponsor Hawk Performance proud.
“We’ve gotten better at each race. There are about half the number of entries at Brainerd, but all of the championship leaders will be there. TA2 is hugely competitive regardless of the number of cars that show up. As always, it’s going to be tough, but that’s why we signed up to race against the best Trans Am has to offer!”
Photos by Chris Clark
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