Indianapolis, Ind. – Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Reece Gold claimed his second win of the season during the tripleheader event this weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Gold picked up the win in Round 6 of the Cooper Tires Grand Prix of Indianapolis Supporting INDYCAR Ministry.
The three-day Indy Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires event kicked off with two test sessions, followed by one practice on Thursday. Reece Gold driving the No. 55 The Ticket Clinic car came out strong, finishing the test sessions and practice fastest overall. Teammate Enaam Ahmed driving the No. 47 Clear Capital Markets car finished fourth in the final test session and fifth in practice.
Friday morning teams returned to the track for qualifying for Round 5. Gold qualified sixth and Ahmed qualified ninth. The day concluded that afternoon with the first race of the weekend. Gold, who started sixth was able to make his way to finish fourth, while teammate Amend moved up to finish fifth.
The weekend concluded Saturday with the final two races. The morning began with Round 6 under warm sunny conditions. Gold, who started fourth, again was able to make his way through the field, this time to lead. He went on to lead the most laps, earning an extra point in the championship, and pick up his second win of the season. Ahmed, who started ninth, unfortunately had contact early in the race, retiring the No. 47 to finish 15th.
Just a few short hours later the Indy Pro 2000 Championship returned to the track. Gold’s day did not go as planned after starting fourth, he experienced mechanical issues causing his car to come to stop on track. He ended his day 15th. Ahmed, who started ninth, was able to make his way up to the top five, finishing the weekend off in fifth for the second time.
After a long weekend, Gold now sits third in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship, just 11 points behind the leader, while Ahmed sits fifth. JHR now leads the team championship by one point.
Reece Gold, driver of the No. 55 The Ticket Clinic:
“Even though we didn’t finish the weekend off like we wanted, we still got a win and great points in the championship. It was great to get the win in Race 2, but unfortunately we had some issues in the last race that ended our day. Overall it was a great weekend to be at our home track and I am looking forward to getting on the oval at Lucas Oil Raceway in a few weeks. Thanks to the team for giving me a great car!”
Enaam Ahmed, driver of the No. 47 Clear Capital Markets:
“It wasn’t the best weekend. We didn’t have a great qualifying for the first time this year. In the first race we were able to move our way forward to finish fifth. The second race we got crashed into the back of, so we were not able to finish the race. Then in the final race I came all the way from the back to third and was fighting for third, but I made a mistake and fell back to fifth where I finished. We were able to gain some points and there is a long way still to go in this championship. We will continue to work hard and get back to where we belong.”
Ricardo Juncos, Co-owner and Team Principal of JHR:
“We had some ups and downs this weekend, but overall we walked away with more points in the championship and now lead the team championship. Both drivers fought hard each day. Reece did a great job in Race 2, getting his second win this year. Enaam made up a lot of positions, but unfortunately was not able to get the podium he deserved. Everyone worked so hard and I am pleased with our efforts. I want to thank everyone who came out to the track this weekend. It was great to be at our home track, less than a mile from our shop. We now have a lot of work to do before we get back on track for the first oval of the season, so we will stay focused and get ready to be back on track in less than two weeks.”