Jr III Racing Returns to VIR for Prototype Challenge Enduro

Alton, Virg. (5 October 2021) – Following their IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship debut at Road America, Jr III Racing returns to Prototype Challenge (IPC) competition at VIRginia International Raceway – the penultimate event of the 2021 season. Two Jr III Racing Ligiers will be the feature of the three-hour endurance race on Sunday, October 10th (8:50 AM ET, TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold).

No. 3 Jr III Racing Ligier JS P320 

Drivers: Marc Sharinn and Mike Skeen

Sports car veteran Mike Skeen returns to the drivers seat of the No. 3 Jr III Racing Ligier JS P320 alongside Marc Sharinn. Skeen leads the Jr III Racing lineup with 15 race starts this season and will also be pulling double duty while also in a GTD entry.

The reigning Trans Am presented by Pirelli TA2 champion made his first start in the Ligier platform this season at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course where he helped secure the first podium appearance in team history for Jr III Racing, while earning the team’s best IMSA result  by finishing second.

Long-time vintage racer Marc Sharinn will make his second IMSA appearance this season having made his professional debut in July. Sharinn made the transition to the Ligier platform ahead of the round at Watkins Glen International where strong lap times in practice looked promising for the race. Unfortunately, a mechanical failure ended Sharinn’s IMSA debut before the green flag.

He returns with renewed focus and one goal – finish the three-hour endurance race.

“My first taste of IMSA did not go as planned but I am back and more determined than ever to race,” said Sharinn. “Our recent test allowed Mike (Skeen) and I more time to work together in preparation for the race at VIR. This will be my first endurance race but I am more than ready to push myself and keep us in a good position for Mike (Skeen) to take us to the finish.”

No. 33 Airbnb Ligier JS P320 

Drivers: Ari Balogh and Garett Grist 

With the 11-week IPC hiatus coming to a close, the No. 33 Airbnb Ligier JS P320 returns to on-track action with Ari Balogh and Garett Grist behind the wheel.

The driver duo first partnered up at the Watkins Glen International round in July. Significant rainfall limited the amount of practice but that didn’t slow the pair in the orange and yellow Ligier. Grist worked through the running order to claim the fastest lap of the race and close in on the top three. Grist would bring the No. 33 Airbnb Ligier across the line in fourth – the best result of the season for the Jr III Racing entry.

Grist will make his first start at the Virginia course since his last visit in 2019.

“I am looking forward to being back in IMSA competition after such a long break,” said Grist. “We had a great showing at Watkins Glen and the Jr III Racing team has put so much work and preparation into the car that we know we have a contender in the No. 33 Airbnb Ligier JS P320. VIR is a fun yet challenging track that requires focus and skill to get the most out of the Ligier. It’ll be a good weekend and I am ready to get to the track.”

The penultimate round of the 2021 IMSA Prototype Challenge season goes green on Sunday, October 10th at 8:50 AM ET with live streaming available on TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold. Live audio simulcasts can be found on IMSA Radio.

Media Contact: 
Paige N. Grimmer
pg@sundaymanagement.com