Making a strong return to the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo North America, Global Motorsports Group’s (GMG) James Sofronas made an impressive return to the series by opening their 2016 campaign with a victory, followed by second-place, during this weekend’s season-opening double-header at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Not to be outdone, teammates Stefan Wilson and David Seabrooke would also prove strong, taking consecutive seventh-place finishes in their series debut.

“It was a great weekend overall,” stated Sofronas. “It’s a little bittersweet because we were so close to winning both races, but overall I’m incredibly happy with our performance. Both of our Lamborghinis were incredibly quick, and I think we showed just how good of a program we can put together. Every race we learn something new, and headed in to the rest of the season I think we discovered a few things that will absolutely translate for the remaining rounds, not to mention some areas that our street tuning side can benefit from. It was also great having David and Stefan on-board. They both came in with a lot of experience in their respective backgrounds, but it was their first taste of this type of machine and they both adapted beautifully. I’m sure they will only run stronger as the season goes on.”

A veteran of the series, Sofronas came in to the weekend with a prime focus on re-learning his No. 14 Mobil 1 / Spyder / The Thermal Club Lamborghini Huracán LP 620-2. With the team’s aim on car development and setting the stage for future drivers and development pieces, the Villa Park, California native came in to Saturday’s first round quietly confident of his chances. As the green flag fell, James wasted no time controlling his race, essentially taking the lead and never looking back, including a faultless pit stop and not putting a foot wrong in all 50 minutes of running. He would take the checkered flag with a commanding victory, showing the immediate strengths of the organization.

For Sunday’s Round Two, the story would be much the same, with the team owner controlling the majority of the race, and again running error-free on the track and in the pits. Unfortunately, as the laps closed down, a hard charging Trent Hindman in the No. 10 machine would engage Sofronas in a tough battle during the final laps, just barely managing to slip past and demoting James to second once the checkered flag fell.

For the No. 23 Canoe Studios machine of David Seabrooke and Stefan Wilson, a quiet run to seventh place during both rounds would underscore a tremendous potential from the duo.

During Race One, Wilson would take opening duties to gauge the team’s pace, pulling a series of quick lap times and threatening for a podium position. After a faultless series of laps, the young open-wheel standout would pit in favor of Seabrooke, however a small miscue during the stop would set the team behind, with Seabrook eventually rejoining the field in pursuit of the field in front of him. Proving the patience of a veteran who has driven some of the biggest events in the world, David would take the checkered flag without a scratch on the car, placing them in prime contention for Race Two.

During the Sunday round, the two would reverse roles, with Seabrooke taking starting honors, and once again proving faultless in his efforts to hold a steady pace throughout his opening stint. As the race neared halfway and in to the pit window, the team would stop for a driver change, with Wilson getting his chance to see the car through to the end. Unfortunately, a second delay in the pits would set Stefan back, with his focus turning to gaining ground on the field in front of him. Much like his teammate, Wilson would push his way through during the final 30 minutes, running a clean race and eventually crossing the line in seventh.

For David Seabrooke, returning to IMSA-sanctioned competition for the first time in nearly three decades, the potential from the event was definitely evident.

“This is a great series and I really enjoyed our first taste of it,” stated Seabrooke. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this car was an absolute joy to drive, and the series is very competitive. Everyone at GMG did a great job getting the car prepared, as well as giving Stefan and I all the access we needed to the data, etc. to really make a good run at it. Stefan did a great job out there, it’s a big change from what he’s used to, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

For Stefan Wilson, who will make his first attempt at qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 in less than three weeks, a similar sentiment is shared.

“It’s a very different type of car from what I’m used to, but the Lamborghini Huracán is a pretty impressive machine,” stated Wilson. “I have to thank James and everyone at GMG for running such a great team, I really enjoyed it, and above all I really have to thank my teammate David for making this all happen. It’s great to get back behind the wheel headed in to a very busy month of May, and I hope to be back.”

With an extended break until Round Two, the series will take a two-month break until returning to Watkins Glen International on July 1, returning to competition at one of North America’s most legendary circuits. While the team has yet to announce their intentions for the event, they are actively pursuing multiple opportunities to compete, and welcome additional inquiries from prospective participants.