WestCoast Racing team owner Greger Petersson says his team have “much to be happy about” after American driver Kevin Gleason claimed his first win in the TCR International Series at the Salzburgring.
Gleason was the form man throughout the Austrian weekend, taking pole position on Saturday, his second of the season, and converting it into a maiden TCR win in race one on Sunday.
“That was a very mature drive by the young man; consistent and assured driving without a single mistake from lights-to-flag,” said Petersson. “It’s thoroughly deserved by Kevin and the great team around him, while Gianni extended his championship lead with a solid weekend. We have much to be happy about.”
By taking the win in race one, Gleason became the first North American to take a victory in an international touring car championship. The 27-year-old is pleased to have finally taken his first win, after experienced team-mate Gianni Morbidelli stood on the top step three times already this year.
“I am really happy to get this win and to be part of this great team,” said Gleason. “After achieving two pole positions and two podium finishes so far, I needed to make the jump to the top step of the winners’ rostrum and it’s great to have done it here today for my championship and for all those who have helped me make it possible.
“Luckily, I had a very good start in race one, which here is absolutely crucial, as we saw in race two, and was able to stay ahead. I tried to be as clean as possible to keep the gap and I think I did it OK. The only concern was [Stefano] Comini, who was quite close during the entire race and was very fast in the third sector, but I could defend well and rebuild a little gap on the straight at every lap.”
Gleason is now level on points with Andrea Belicchi in fifth in the drivers’ championship, whilst Morbidelli has extended his advantage at the top by one point to 175 points, with an 18-point advantage over Pepe Oriola in second.