P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Thomas Merrill had a perfect day at Watkins Glen International, earning his first pole of the 2024 season and going on to win the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series race. Merrill dominated the field, p…
Thomas Merrill had a standout day at Watkins Glen International, securing his first pole position of the 2024 season and ultimately clinching victory in the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series race. Merrill showcased dominance by building a substantial lead and controlling every lap en route to a triumph at the Mission Foods Watkins Glen SpeedTour. Starting from pole in his No. 26 HP Tuners/Cope Race Cars Ford Mustang, Merrill maintained his position even as the front-runners jostled five-wide into Turn 1. Despite challenges from competitors like Thomas Annunziata, Merrill successfully defended his lead and continued to expand it throughout the race. In the final reckoning, Merrill secured his second win of the season, with Austin Green and Rafa Matos claiming the remaining podium positions. Reflecting on the race, Merrill dedicated his performance to Jason Bowser, expressing gratitude for his exceptional race car and acknowledging the supportive crew behind his success. Additionally, in the Pro/Am Challenge class, Barry Boes faced early setbacks but showcased resilience by swiftly recovering from a compromised tire situation with a speedy pit stop before rejoining the race.
