Gian Buffomante Stands on the Trans Am Series Podium for Nitro Motorsports
May 6, 2025
May 6, 2025 — It was back-to-back weekends of racing for the Trans Am Series Presented by Pirelli's CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series, as Nitro Motorsports continued its West Coast swing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Despite late-race drama, the North Carolina-based team secured another podium finish to keep their momentum alive.
“You can’t win them all, but we sure tried — with two drivers running first and second at the white flag,” said Nitro Motorsports Owner Nick Tucker. “It was an unfortunate turn of events, but we’ll regroup and be ready for the next round. Congratulations to Gian Buffomante on earning his first Trans Am Series podium. I’m confident it’s the first of many.”
Qualifying Results for Nitro Motorsports:
- Thomas Annunziata – 4th
- Sam Corry – 5th
- Brent Crews – 6th
- Julian DaCosta – 9th
- Mia Lovell – 11th
- Seamus McKendree – 17th
- Boris Said Jr. – 18th
- Gian Buffomante – 21st
When the green flag waved on Saturday afternoon, four Nitro Motorsports drivers started inside the top-ten, all aiming to extend the team’s winning streak. After a hard-fought race, it was Buffomante who led the way, charging from 21st on the grid to finish third. His impressive drive also earned him the Basset Hard Charger of the Race Award.
Buffomante took advantage of late-race incidents, keeping his car clean and focused to capture his first podium of the 2025 season. Behind him, Boris Said Jr. crossed the line fifth but was promoted to fourth in class after a post-race penalty was issued to another competitor.
Thomas Annunziata, a two-time winner this season, finished just ahead of Said but was penalized post-race, dropping him to 19th overall and ninth in class. Brent Crews was classified 15th overall, just ahead of Julian DaCosta in 22nd after the last-lap shuffle. Seamus McKendree finished 23rd, while Mia Lovell encountered issues early and could not complete the race but is looking to bounce back at the next round.
Tucker added, “It’s only a few weeks until we’re back on track. We’ll regroup, rebuild, and come back stronger.”
While the big cars were on track in California, the Nitro Motorsports karting program was taking on the United States Pro Kart Series at Trackhouse Motorplex with much success. Taking a pair of national wins and three podium results in the Cadet ranks, Park Ives won the Mini Swift division, followed by Jayden Francisco in second. Slate Harrell climbed to the top step of the podium in Micro Swift taking top honors on the weekend and providing Nitro with another karting victory.
Up next, the Trans Am Series Presented by Pirelli heads to Lakeville, Connecticut, for a stop at the beautiful Lime Rock Park over the May 23–26 weekend.
For more information on Nitro Motorsports, please visit them online or contact Nick Tucker via email HERE or visit them online at www.RaceNitro.com.
