Following an eventful three hours of cumulative racing, Global Motors Group’s (GMG) Alec Udell, Jeffrey Cheng, and Matt Halliday all enjoyed a banner day for the team in two different series across two different parts of the country.

Running in GMG’s Pirelli World Challenge program, Alec Udell would take a dramatic victory in Utah to score his second GT-Cup win in successive events, meanwhile Jeffrey Cheng and Matt Halliday achieved third and second place honors during today’s first and second rounds of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo program in Virginia.

“What a great weekend for all of us so far,” stated GMG team owner James Sofronas. “Three podiums in two different states is an amazing testament to everyone here. Overall, this weekend is about teamwork. To be able to run two completely different programs across the country, at the level of performance both series expect, is a huge challenge. I’m very fortunate to have a crew that combines initiative with a great amount of diligence, and it’s these aspects that give us the team we have today. Being a part of both Pirelli World Challenge victories in Alec’s young career is a great moment for all of us. Not only does it showcase our driver development program and top-level of engineering on our Porsche, but Alec and the entire Udell family are simply great people. To see him score so many podiums during a challenging year is a great honor for all of us and we couldn’t be happier. Meanwhile in Virginia, Jeffrey Cheng was able to get his first taste of racing with two podiums in the same day! I’d call that a success. I’m so proud of everyone.”

Competing in the No. 17 Panther Pipeline Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 991 in the Pirelli World Challenge Series’ GT-Cup class, Alec Udell took to the wheel during today’s race in search of another victory. After a breakthrough win less than one month ago at Mid-Ohio, the 19-year old’s careful balance of speed and patience would prove pivotal during today’s first race at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah. Qualifying second, Alec would enjoy a quiet start to the race, settling in behind race leader Colin Thompson during the opening laps. With the two routinely serving as the top contenders all season, the stage was set for another close battle. Unfortunately for Thompson, a late-race spin would take him out of the top spot, with Udell taking the lead and never looking back en route to victory.

For Alec, now with title of repeat winner and having taken a podium in all but one race he’s competed in this year, the win was a welcome one.

“This was a great victory for everyone on the team,” stated Udell. “It was pretty incredible the way it all worked out. I hate seeing misfortune for someone like Colin, but at the same time everyone on this crew deserves a race like today. We had several guests with us from Panther Pipeline, so it was great to be able to deliver in front of them as well. We can’t celebrate too late because we still have a race tomorrow, but I’m going to enjoy this one.”

Meanwhile, at the scenic VIRginia International Raceway, driver Jeffrey Cheng received his first ever taste of professional competition during today’s double-header in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo North America. Driving the No. 88 Lamborghini Huracán LP 620-2, the team underwent a busy few days, with team principal and co-driver James Sofronas electing to sit out after re-aggravating a chronic back injury in practice. Taking the last minute call on Thursday, New Zealand’s Matt Halliday flew overnight from Los Angeles to replace James during Friday practice, barely getting a few laps in before today’s races.

With Cheng taking the green flag during this morning’s Race One, a steady and patient opening series of laps would prove critical for the Californian, not putting a foot wrong as he navigated his first ever professional race. When the series’ pit window would open, Cheng made the smart decision to pit at the first opportunity, with a faultless pit stop putting Halliday in the car. A veteran of several different categories around the world, Matt would take the reigns from there, moving up several positions during the final 30 minutes of the race until a late-race caution would halt his charge. The duo would take third.

Moving to the evening’s second round, which would serve as a make-up race for a previously rained-out event, a similar tale would unfold. Driving like a veteran, Cheng would start the race without putting a foot wrong, carefully managing his lap times and exercising patience before handing the car over to Halliday. Once in the car, Matt would once again climb his way through the field, this time taking second.

For Cheng, an incredible first day of racing made for some lifetime memories.

“This was an incredible day,” stated Cheng. “We’ve all been working so hard to get to this point, and I couldn’t have imagined a better reward for it. We know at the very least that we’ll walk away with two trophies, which means we can head in to tomorrow’s event relaxed. I can’t thank James, Matt, and this entire team enough for the opportunity. I’ve felt very well taken care of from the start, and the fruits came today. Overall I’m happy with my driving and progression, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

For Halliday, a similar sentiment is shared.

“To think that 48 hours ago I was in California and with no plans to be here, I’m pretty amazed at how it’s all gone,” stated Halliday. “The entire GMG crew has done a great job not only preparing the car, but staying on top of it over the weekend. They’re great at listening to my thoughts and working through everything, and today’s results have been the proof. Jeffrey is really coming up to speed nicely, and to have the patience and calm demeanor that he’s had means he has a great future ahead of him. I’m excited for tomorrow.”

With both series’ featuring multiple races over the course of the weekend, continued racing will occur tomorrow as part of the festivities. The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo North America will take place first, with the action beginning at 10:30AM ET from Virginia, followed by the Pirelli World Challenge at 2PM ET from Utah.