Freedom Autosport claim 2nd in CTSCC driver, team championship at Lime Rock

LAKEVILLE, Conn.Freedom Autosports season finale at Lime Rock Park wrapped up a year of consistency and hard work that earned the team second in both the Street Tuner team and driver championships in GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

#25 Freedom Autosport Mazda MX-5: Tom Long, Derek Whitis

Photo by: Luis Betancourt

For most of the race, the team was poised to do just that. After starting on the pole, Whitis was never out of the top two and led the race during his stint. After a quick pit stop, Long took over and was also running up front. As the race progressed, though, a misfire developed that slowed lap times.

Eventually, Long crossed the finish line in tenth. Although it wasnt enough for a championship, both Whitis and Long are quick to note that the finish caps off a season with no DNFs for the No. 25 Mazda. In fact, they won the Continental Tire Driving Confidence Award for completing the most ST miles during the season.

Whitis comments, I couldnt be prouder of all the Freedom Autosport folks who put us on the track with the fastest and most dependable Mazda possible. All of our success this year is due to their work and their efforts. Thanks to Mazda, the amazing Freedom crew, and most of all, the veterans and troops who make it all possible.

The Freedom Autosport crew really proved themselves with the new cars they built this year, says Long. They are the reason weve had such consistency and reliability all season, and theyve given so much hard work and dedication this year: in the shop, at the track, and especially in pit stops.

The No. 25 Freedom Autosport Mazda MX-5 took second in the Street Tuner team championship with 226 points, just three points behind the leader. The same points spread gave Whitis and Long second in the driver championship. Freedom Autosport also helped Mazda finish the season with second in the manufacturer championship.

In addition to racing, Freedom Autosport also hosted Liam Dwyer throughout the weekend. Dwyer was injured in Afghanistan while serving in the Marines, and hes not only a race fan but a track day enthusiast. He has even rigged up a system so he can drive with his prosthetic leg.

On Saturday night, Dwyer was Freedom Autosports guest at the championship banquet, where he was introduced and received a standing ovation from the series teams.

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Freedom Autosport claim 2nd in CTSCC driver, team championship at Lime Rock