ELKHART LAKE, Wis. - Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Indy Pro 2000 team had an eventful weekend during rounds nine and 10 of the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires at Road America. Enaam Ahmed earned one podium while Reece Gold took home his third pole of the season in the Cooper Tires Grand Prix of Road America Powered by Elite Engines.
The four-day event on the 4.014-mile, 14-turn road course began with two test sessions Thursday. The following day the Indy Pro 2000 Championship returned to the track for practice followed by qualifying for Round 9. Enaam Ahmed, driving the No. 47 Clear Capital Markets entry took the second fastest time overall in practice followed by Reece Gold in the No.55 The Ticket Clinic entry finishing fourth.
JHR came out strong that afternoon during the first qualifying session of the weekend, as Gold picked up his third pole of the season and Ahmed took the second qualifying position, putting both JHR cars on the front row.
Saturday morning kicked off with the final qualifying session. Gold narrowly missed the pole and would settle for the second starting position on the grid. Ahmed would have qualified fourth, however a technical infraction would disqualify the No. 47, putting him at the back of the 16-car field.
That afternoon the field was set for the first race of the weekend. Gold and Ahmed who started on the front row, went to battle early for the lead. Unfortunately, both cars went off track in Turn Five and lost positions. Ahmed went on to fight for the podium and claim third. Gold, who set the fastest lap of the race, finished sixth.
Round 10 concluded the weekend early Sunday morning. Ahmed, who started at the very back of the field, put on an exciting show as he battled his way through the field, running as high as third. Ahmed went on to finish fourth, along with earning the Tilton Hard Charger Award after making up 12 positions. Gold, who also faced many on track battles to fight for a podium went on to finish fifth.
After 10 rounds of the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Gold currently sits second, while Ahmed is fourth. JHR continues to lead the team championship.
“This was a very eventful weekend for the entire JHR Indy Pro 2000 team,” said JHR Co-owner and Team Principal Ricardo Juncos. “We faced a lot of highs and lows, but overall we gained some very valuable points in this championship. Enaam had an incredible run this weekend. Not only did he get a podium in the first race, but he put on one of the strongest runs the series has seen this year after starting all the way in the back, to get up to the drivers fighting for a podium. Reece fought hard as well, and brought home another pole position. Even though he didn’t get a podium finish, he still gained some great points to keep him in second in the championship. We have a lot of work to do and a lot of the season left, so I am looking forward to getting back on track in a few weeks at Mid-Ohio.”
“It was a fun time at Road America," said Ahmed. "We had a lot of speed. We finished third in the first race. It was a great race, however when me and my teammate were fighting for the lead, we went off track and fell back to ninth and 10th. I fought back to finish third. Unfortunately, during the second qualifying I got disqualified which meant I had to start from the very back. I didn’t give up though during the second race and fought my way to finish fourth. The good thing is that I outscored nearly everyone in front of me in the championship. It was a very strong drive for myself, and I just really enjoyed running here in Road America this weekend. This team is great and Ricardo has given me so much confidence.”
“The cars were amazing during both qualifyings here at Road America, so hats off to the team, they gave us both great cars," added Gold. "We were first and second in the first qualifying, just super-fast. I feel like we had the best car out there, we just didn’t get the result in the races. So I am just sorry to the team, but I want to thank them all for giving us amazing cars each weekend. I want to thank my sponsor The Ticket Clinic and I am looking forward to Mid-Ohio. I love this track so hopefully we can get back on track there.”