Meyer Shank Racing Wins Watkins Glen with Acura

2nd win in in 3 years at Watkins Glen

-First IMSA WeatherTech victory for Hindman after taking second IMSA pole in qualifying on Saturday

-Farnbacher posts fastest lap of the race of a 1:49.910

-Marks earns first Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen win

Watkins Glen, New York (30 June 2019) – Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) won the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen on Sunday as Trent Hindman, Justin Marks, and Mario Farnbacher scored a decisive victory in the No. 86 AutoNation / Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) Acura NSX GT3.

The victory is the fifth IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship win for MSR since moving to the category with the Acura NSX GT3 in 2017, and marks the third consecutive podium result for the team in the endurance classic, having won the 2017 edition of the race and scoring second in 2018.

The team demonstrated equal parts pace and execution through the weekend and at every click of the clock through the six hour race, which featured a flat out race with 197 laps of green flag running and limited caution periods.

The No. 86 AutoNation / Meyer Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3 started from the point after Hindman scored his second IMSA pole position of the season on Saturday. The young American had to make a big decision in the opening moments of the race as a GTLM car went spinning in the esses right in front of the GTD field.

Hindman missed the melee and was able to build a ten second advantage after the restart before taking to the pit lane for Marks to take over. Marks, who joins the team for the 2019 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup events, fought through the middle stages of the race through an extended set of stints and kept the car on track for a fight to the podium. Hindman returned to the cockpit for another fight to the front, moving to the lead again on lap 128.

Farnbacher strapped into the NSX for a final run to the checkered flag, reclaiming the lead on lap 201 and never ceding ground to score the victory. The win also provisionally extends the team championship points lead by 16 points over second (119-103).

The Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen will be broadcast on NBCSN at 7:00 PM ET on Sunday.

Meyer Shank Racing Team Quotes:

Mike Shank:

“Trent Justin and Marion all drove great today. Mario just drove an incredible race at the end there especially with the pressure of the BMW on the final laps. We have been knocking at the door of a win all season and we finally got it. The 86 crew guys did an amazing job with pit stops and strategy today. This GTD category is one of the most competitive categories and it’s really anyone’s race to win, so it makes the win extra special.”

Mario Farnbacher:

“Being able to see the checkered flag was such a relief. It was very important for everyone at Meyer Shank Racing to get this win. We knew the Acura NSX GT3 had been good at Watkins Glen in the past and the new aero kit helped us out even more. It was tough at the end having to double stint the tires but I am just so happy for the team and to be able to give them this win!”

Trent Hindman:

“It was remarkably stressful to watch Mario (Farnbacher) there at the end. I am a horrible spectator and we just didn’t know what was going to happen but Mario pulled it off, holding onto the lead. A big thank you to my co-drivers Mario and Justin (Marks) as well as the entire Meyer Shank Racing team for getting us in this position to win this race. That last stint was an unbelievable run by Mario!”

Justin Marks:

“I am really proud of the MSR team! I have been with them for over a year now and we have been chasing that first win with Meyer Shank Racing. The guys did an amazing job preparing this Acura NSX GT3. I don’t think we were the fastest car this weekend but the strategy and pit stops are what set us apart. Mario (Farnbacher) and Trent (Hindman) drove so great all weekend long! It was also a great points day for the No. 86 – extending that fight for the championship. I am already looking forward to Petit Le Mans and being able to fight again for another win!”