DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.Freedom Autosport got the 2013 GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge season off to a good start by finishing 6th in Fridays 2.5-hour opener. Andrew Carbonell and Rhett ODoski were the co-drivers responsible for the solid finish in the No. 26 Mazda MX-5.

Tom Long and Derek Whitis finished 13th in the No. 25 MX-5, meaning both cars left Daytona with valuable points in the Street Tuner standings.

#26 Freedom Autosport Mazda MX-5: Andrew Carbonell, Rhett O'Doski

Photo by: Eric Gilbert

This year, Freedom Autosport is honoring Marine Cpl. Christopher Singer, who made the ultimate sacrifice on January 21, 2012, during combat in Afghanistan.

Freedom Autosport has always supported the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, but we are also honored to remember those who have died in the line of duty, says Whitis. Fans will be able to see Cpl. Singers picture on our car all year long.

Both of the Freedom Autosport MX-5s pitted during a caution, which allowed Carbonell to get behind the wheel of the No. 26 while Long took over in the No. 25.

The pit stops were both so flawless that the cars gained positions, edging out other competitors who also took advantage of the caution.

Carbonell and Long ran nose-to-tail for a while so they could carry more speed on Daytonas banking. Carbonell had to stop under green for fuel as the race neared its end, but the teams strategy worked well, and Carbonell crossed the line in 6th.

Meanwhile, Long had to pit under green with a bent fender. The team used the stop to refuel the No. 25, so they avoided making any extra stops during the race. Long and Whitis eventually finished 13th.

Originally posted here:

Freedom Autosport starts SCC season with 6th at Daytona