There is no place like Lime Rock Park. It’s a 1.5-mile sprint where every tenth of a second feels like an hour. This weekend was my debut in the VP Racing Challenge, and we decided to make a statement in the No. 26 Auto Technic Racing BMW M4 GT4 (G82).
Qualifying: Setting the Tone
The goal was clear: get to the front and stay there. Traffic at Lime Rock is the ultimate equalizer, so qualifying on the pole is worth its weight in gold.
On Friday, we went out and clocked a 55.849, securing the GSX class pole for both races. The BMW was dialed in from the moment it rolled off the trailer. Being able to give the Auto Technic crew a pole at their home race was the best possible start to the weekend.
Race 1: The Podium Sweep
Saturday morning was about execution. Starting from the pole, I knew I had to be aggressive on the start to keep the lead into Big Bend.
The race was flag-to-flag dominance. I was never seriously threatened, leading every single lap to take the win. But the best part? It wasn't just me. My teammates Jake Walker and Stephen Cugliari finished right behind me in 2nd and 3rd. There is no better feeling than an all-Auto Technic podium sweep at the team's home track.
"This one’s extra special for us... the team that took a chance on me and put me to work, they’re right here in New Milford. Three cars on the podium is the best way we could go today."
Race 2: Completing the Double
The second race on Saturday afternoon was more of the same, but the heat was rising. Again, the No. 26 BMW was a rocket. Starting from the pole, I led every lap for the second time that day, securing the weekend sweep.
Taking two poles and two wins in a single weekend is rare. Doing it for a local team at their home track, with your teammates flanking you on the podium, is the stuff you dream about when you're starting out in this sport.
Momentum into 2026
That weekend at Lime Rock solidified my relationship with the BMW M4 GT4 and the Auto Technic family. When the car is right and the team is clicking, the results speak for themselves.
— John Dubets