2021
Sebring SCCA Majors Race 1/15-1/17
The Breathless team started off the year in Sebring. The competition was tough but that’s when we thrive. There is much work to do this year, but we are prepared to do whatever it takes to keep winning. Big goals and very exciting things happening this season. Great start!
Sebring Trans-Am Championship 2/19-2/21
The anticipation was brutal! But Sebring 2021 finally came and it didn’t disappoint. Although the team got soaked on Friday after a brief rain shower…Saturday and Sunday’s weather was perfect for racing, a chili 70 degrees with clear sunny skies. And racing we did! Ernie Francis Jr. set a new track record for fastest lap, previously held by himself. Breathless racer Oscar Téran also hit the track and showed off his talents with his flawless driving. This year both racers got new car colors and the heads were turning! The crew, like always, performed great. They worked tirelessly to get the racers in the best position to get the W. We are super proud of them. Couldn’t have asked for a better start, and it will only get better from here!
Atlanta Trans-Am Championship 3/26-3/28
Busy weekend at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. However, everyone at Breathless is very proud of all our drivers who did a great job despite much rain….
Future Star Racing driver Ernie Ty Francis Jr. led most of the race with the #98 Breathless Racing Team’s Future Star Racing car. He led most of the laps and was clearly the dominant car, but with 5 laps to go, a puncture in a rear tire losing air caused him to give up the lead but still managed to bring home a 2nd place win. Congrats to Boris Said for a strong competitive run! This weekend’s results has nonetheless contributed to a strong lead in TA championship points.
Ernie Francis Jr. also performed very well in the Future Star Racing FR car as he has had barely any seat time and is already very competitive in the top 5 with his times.
Oscar Teran in his # 3 Ford Mustang performed incredibly as his first time at Road Atlanta. He raced very competitively among other top drivers familiar with the circuit finishing an impressive 6th and leading in the ProAm championship points. Great job to Lance Ausec and Joe Moholland for racing their Corvettes in SVRA…..
Laguna Seca Trans-Am Championship 4/30-5/2
Our expectations were beyond high for Laguna Seca! Ernie Francis Jr. proved his skills once again at Laguna. In the practice session, he finished 1st with the fastest lap time 💨 (1:25:312). He delivered in qualifying as well, with a second-place finish and a blazing fast lap time of 1:24:677. However, the official race didn’t quite go our way. While following close behind the leader on the 14th lap, Junior’s car sustained rear axle failure. This unfortunate event took us out of the race 😔. But in Francis Jr’s words “this has happened to us before and we know how to come back from it.” YES, WE WILL!
We had phenomenal Cali weather and off-track we had a chance to observe some breath-taking views of the Pacific Coast and admire the sea lions!
Next up is Lime Rock, and everyone better believe WE. WILL. BE. READY! 😎
Lime Rock Park 5/28-5/31
A chilly 45 degrees, dark gray skies, and a wet track… Not exactly optimal racing conditions, but this is when EFJ thrives—and his advantage showed early.
In the practice and test sessions, he handled his car masterfully; finishing in second or third place each time. He even took first place in qualifying. But the biggest thrill came Saturday in the main race.
While closing the lead on Chris Dyson EFJ spun out; forced off the track and losing quite a few positions. What happened next speaks volumes of his skills and greatness.
Within seconds of spinning out, EFJ realigned his car and got back on the track. He was now 6 or 7 cars behind the leader. At this point many drivers would play it safe and accept the position, but not Junior. The number 98 car started zooming by its competitors with ease! It almost seemed like it had a rocket attached to it!
Within a few laps, EFJ made his way back to third place—it was beautiful to watch.
Unfortunately, in lap 27, mechanical issues struck, leading to an early finish. Not exactly what we envisioned but we will come back stronger! Overall, we had a great time at Lime Rock. Mid Ohio Next!
