Columbia City, Ind. – Coming off a dramatic pole and win at Lime Rock Park Memorial Day weekend, Stevens-Miller Racing (SMR) is looking to put “Big Mo” into full effect. With three teams, neck-and-neck at the front of the standings, SMR looks to build on their momentum during Saturday’s Trans Am presented by Pirelli’s TA2 event at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Team Owner Joe Stevens said, “Mid-Ohio here we come! We arrive with some serious ‘Big Mo’ from Lime Rock Park. Momentum is so important, especially when the points battle is so tight. We’re near the halfway point of the season and we must build on our success if we are to win three championships in a row.”
Defending TA2 champion Mike Skeen and driver of the No. 1, Liqui Moly, Turn 14 Distribution, Camaro, could not agree more. “Getting the pole and the win at Lime Rock Park was important to give us momentum in this championship. We have been getting the car stronger and stronger every time out, now we need to put it out front if we are to take the championship lead.”
TA2 teams face four races in six weeks, making preparation and consistent finishes vital for the three drivers in the hunt for the championship.
Stevens said, “With so many races coming one right after the other and our fielding five to six cars at each race, we must focus on what we do best – preparation. With the back-to-back at Road America, we need a podium finish and the car to come off the track ready to prep for the next round. The weather, like Lime Rock, may be a factor and when you add 29 cars and thunderstorms together it will make for an exciting weekend in TA2!”
Along with Skeen and team regular Alex Wright driving the Berryman Products Mustang, will be 15-year-old phenom Evan Slater, who will be behind the wheel of SMR’s No. 71, Cube 3, SRT Dodge Challenger.
Wright said, “I’m very excited to be back and racing at Mid-Ohio with the Berryman Mustang. It’s my home track, and it looks like we’ll have a great field for the race. I’ve got a lot of friends and family coming, and I’m confident that TA2 will put on another excellent show. The race is open to the public and I’m sure we’ll have a big crowd!”
After an amazing debut at Lime Rock Park where Evan Slater qualified fifth, he comes to SMR looking for more.
Slater said, “First, wanted a shout out to Cliff White and B2 Motorsports for believing in me and working hard to introduce me to the Trans Am series. We had a great event and I’m absolutely hooked on Trans Am and TA2!
“I also want to thank my sponsors Nik and Brian from Cube3, they’re behind me all the way, and I couldn’t do this without their support. It is a blessing to have such a great company and people surrounding me. I’m looking forward to driving the Dodge with it’s Hemi power. Joe and his guys have welcomed me and have been very supportive. The team has a ton of experience with the Dodge, and I’m really looking forward to working with Joe and his championship crew.”
“It’s time to get it done,” Stevens said. “If we can string great results together over the next four races, we could take the lead in the championship and possibly build a points cushion. No doubt it will be tough. The other teams in contention are excellent and very experienced. We have a great crew, and we know what it takes to win this deal, now we need to execute.”
Photo by Chris Green
About Stevens-Miller Racing:
Stevens-Miller Racing (SMR) has one of the highest winning percentages in Trans Am’s TA2 category. SMR’s staff has earned 40-plus podiums, three championships, multiple Hard Charger Awards, Rookie of the Year, and more. The team’s focus is achieving the driver’s desired goals. SMR has what drivers need, be it GT2, SVRA Group Six, or TA2. Whether it’s to have fun, develop your driving ability, or win a championship, SMR does it all and has the winning history to back it up. See www.stevensmillerracing.com for more details about our programs and Arrive & Drive and car prep opportunities.
