Rebel Rock Racing returns to Road America as defending race winners of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge event in central Wisconsin, Round Seven of the Championship for GT4 machinery. Last year’s ‘fuel-run’ win was in stark contrast to the team’s previous victory at the 4.048 mile, fifteen turn National Park of Speed. The 2019 race in dark and rainy conditions produced one of the greatest finishes in the history of motorsport as Frank DePew and Robin Liddell claimed victory in the #71 Camaro GT4.R with the Scotsman producing one of the finest last laps the sport has ever seen.
That extraordinary finish became the centerpiece of Director Adrian Bonvenoto’s documentary film “Rookie Season,” which followed the progress of the brand new team throughout that season. Returning to the scene of such a historic win adds an extra layer of motivation for the team as they strive to go back-to-back and hopefully kickstart a run to the title.
”To have been part of it as a member of the team that year was an honor in and of itself,” said Bonvento, the New York based Director. “And then to have been able to capture the entire race, inside the car and out, for my first ever feature-length film, was such an incredible feeling as a creator. I remember having to fight back my emotions – and the urge to jump up and down on the pit wall – while filming the celebrations after that photo-finish, in order to keep the footage usable! If you listen carefully in the documentary you’ll hear me scream along with the team. It’s the type of moment that stays with you forever. And so will the footage!”
Currently holding the sixth position in the championship standings, Rebel Rock Racing is determined to climb the ladder. While 390 points separate them from championship leader Matt Plumb, the team remains focused on the task at hand and is within striking distance of second place, just 90 points behind. No team led more laps in the first five races of the season than Rebel Rock Racing, a fact that will be recognized with the presentation of the VP Fuels Front Runner Award prior to the Green Flag for Saturday’s two hour race.
Team Owner and driver of the #71 Aston Martin Vantage GT4, Frank DePew is relishing the chance to compete for a third win in the last six visits to the classic road course. “We are excited to be back at Road America this weekend. We have definitely experienced both sides of what the track can offer with a couple of wins along with frustrating retirements. Hopefully we can emulate the success of last year and keep us in contention for the GS title.”
For DePew’s teammate, Robin Liddell, the annual trip to Road America is always circled on the calendar. “Road America is one of the finest road courses anywhere in the world. So it’s always a lot of fun to come and run here. We are naturally keen to see how the Aston can handle this. Having not had the ability to test here, obviously we are entering the race weekend with a bit less preparation but we’re certainly just excited to be here and looking forward to the weekend.”
The Green Flag for the Road America 120, Round 7 of the 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge at Road America drops at 2:45pm ET.
The race is live on Peacock in the USA. For International viewers without a TV broadcaster, the race can be seen live at IMSA.TV. IMSA Radio will also have non-stop live coverage of the race. For full event coverage please follow Rebel Rock Racing on Twitter at @RebelRockRacing, on Instagram at @rebelrockracing and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rebelrockracing2.0.