It isn't too often that we have racing news to share with you fine folks, which is awfully strange given our chosen professions here at Lithia Kia of Anchorage. Then again, our favorite automaker hasn't always been synonymous with the sport. But now that the 2013 Pirelli World Challenge has come to a close, all that is about to change.
For those who missed this year's season finale, it all went down last Tuesday on a rain-soaked 1.7-mile circuit near Reliant Park in Houston, TX. Only three competitors had earned enough points for a shot at the Grand Touring Sports class driver championship: Lawson Aschenbach behind the wheel of a Camaro, Jack Baldwin driving a Porsche and our very own Mark Wilkins in command of a turbocharged Kia Optima.
It was a race for ages alright, and with the Optima by his side, Wilkins was able to secure the fastest lap of the series with a time of 1:21.338 and snag himself a second-place victory in the process. Needless to say, we couldn't be prouder of such a successful team effort.
"We just had to be smooth and get the most out of the car in difficult circumstances. We struggled a bit in the wet, but the Optima turbo absolutely came alive as the track dried out," says Wilkins. "I really have to thank Kia Motors America, its team members, Kinetic Motorsports and everyone involved in the Kia Racing program for this great opportunity. It's an honor to drive the No. 38 Optima for this team."1
On the off chance that you missed it, no need to worry because you can still catch it at 4 p.m. ET on October 20 on the NBC Sports Network. Or if you'd rather experience the Optima for yourself, your test drive awaits you at our dealership here in Anchorage, AK. Can't let Wilkins have all the fun now, can we?
Source: 1http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kia-racing-captures-second-in-pirelli-world-challenge-manufacturer-championship-at-wild-season-finale-on-the-streets-of-houston-227001931.html