It was just one week ago when Wojciech Swirydowicz led the first laps at Belle Isle only to surrender the lead and a points finish due to a litany of mechanical issues mid-race. This week, Swirydowicz rolled into Sebring and went the entire 1.2 hours with zero issues to bring home victory.

Swirydowicz ironically benefitted from mechanical failures himself this week. Race leader Slugnificent looked like he had a chance to run away and snag victory until he had to park it for good after suffering from mechanical issues, giving the lead up to Francois Shink. Shink would eventually lose the lead to Swirydowicz during the first pit cycle.

Francois Shink leads the field of 31 cars down to turn 1.

Slugnificent wasn’t the only driver beleaguered by issues. Jorge Zuñiga, in his first race back this season, was rounding a corner around the back half of the track when his pit limiter suddenly engaged. Unable to disengage it, Zuñiga rolled halfway around the track at 72 kph, almost causing a massive accident, until he could get back to pitlane. He was running in 4th.

Francois Shink once again showed stellar race pace but for the second week in a row ended up as the bridesmaid. He won’t be complaining too much, with 79 points he is currently resting just 4 ahead of championship rival Jérôme Bajulaz.

Shink has made it clear he is the best Veloster on the grid.

Matthew Rzepka had another career day with his second career-best 5th in a row, showing that his performance at Belle Isle was not a fluke. Ray Bartnikowski performed an excellent recovery drive. Initially condemned to start 31st due to a penalty from last week, he drove his Honda all the way up to 15th for a solid points finish. James D Carr also had a career-best showing, scoring a podium in just his second start in ATC.

From left to right: Bauer, McKinzie, Little. Bauer outpaced the two-time champion at Sebring.

Next week, the Alpha Touring Challenge will hold its first Sprint Challenge of the season at Laguna Seca.