Lotus 79 rides again at Imola

​The Lotus 79 is a revolutionary Formula 1 car the Lionheart Retro Series has been using to re-create the glories of 1980’s IndyCar action. For one night, however, the L79 is going back to it’s roots as the Lionheart Retro Series invades Italy for the Sam Maxwell Customs Grand Prix of Imola.
 
Last time out at Pocono it was George Sandman breaking through for his first Lionheart win in either series. That it came on the big oval at Pocono was a surprise to many, given Sandman’s road course prowess. But Sandman out-duel veteran Ryan Otis to win by a scant 0.03 seconds in a thrilling finish. Sage Karam shook off his recent heartbreaks with a bounce back 3rd place, while Lionel Calisto and Chris Lanini also had solid race to round out the top 5. In the points, Otis maintains is spot atop the points over Sandman and Karam, but, after 7 race, the points are still wide open.
 
The Imola circuit has changed in the years since the L79 last ran in anger around the circuit. Tamburello and Villenueve has been replaced by chicanes, Aqua Minerale has been reconfigured and the Variente Bassa chicane has been straightened out. But the essence of the track remains. Fast straights, large elevation changes and tough breaking zones. This race will be a race of car control, where theer will be no room for error.
 
For those expecting the results to look very different on the road course at Imola, you have not been watching the series this season. Sandman, Otis, and Karam have shown that they are bound to be at the top of any race on a road course.
 
Other drivers to watch out for this week include Mac Cohn, Dustin Wardlow, and Chad Dalron, all 3 of which have shown speed on the road courses thus far.
 
In the team standings Raven Motorsports Black maintained their lead over NLR sim racing. Firefly Racing moved into 3rd position over Raven Motorsports Silver, while Ridin’ Shotgun Motorsports moved up to 5th on the back of Calisto’s top 5.
 
The rookie standings are a close match between Karam and Sandman who are separated by just 5 points. Marc Cohn is 40 points back of Karam with Paul Jenkins and Dean Moll close behind as well.
 
Tune in on Thursday June 27th at 10:35pm eastern for all the action from the Sam Maxwell Customs Grand Prix of Imola, only on the iRacing eSports Network present by GSRC.