Kvamme avoids incidents, races to finish second in Watkins Glen finale

Racing to End Alzheimer’s adds fourth place showing, advances to second in standings

WATKINS GLEN, NY (June 25, 2024) – The Racing to End Alzheimer’s team wrapped up a challenging Watkins Glen International event with a charge from near the back of the pack to finish second in the Masters class in the fourth Porsche Carrera Cup North America weekend of the season.

Mark Kvamme, driver of the MDK Motorsports No. 43 Racing to End Alzheimer’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, started seventh in class and avoided two near-incidents for his runner-up finish in Saturday morning’s race – missing the victory by only 1.680-seconds. He also finished fourth in Friday’s opening round. Kvamme now stands second in the points in a bid for a third-consecutive class championship.

Saturday’s 40-minute race began with a melee in Turn 2 that eliminated eight cars just moments after the green flag flew. Kvamme managed to snake his way through the incident and was up to fourth in class and 21st overall following the 21-minute caution.

“It was a crazy race,” said Kvamme, who won both rounds at Miami earlier this season. “I can’t believe I missed everything in the beginning. Cars were flying all over the place – it was nuts.”

After the cleanup, Kvamme patiently bided his time. He passed John Goetz for third with seven minutes remaining, and then took second with 2:20 on the clock, when the car he was challenging spun directly in front of him. Kvamme tried to challenge the leader but ran out of time. Starting 32nd, he wound up finishing 17th overall.

“I was P-4 after the crash and cleanup, and I just charged through to take second. After I got by Goetz pretty safely, then I was right on the tail the second-place car when he lost it and I almost hit him. It was close. It was a war of attrition out there. I’m happy to get second for the Racing to End Alzheimer’s guys and the whole crew. They did a fabulous job.”

In the first race of the weekend Friday afternoon, Kvamme was gridded 32nd overall in the 34-car field. He lost a position on the opening lap of the 40-minute contest and from that point, it was a gradual march through the pack. Kvamme was up to fourth position and challenging for further improvement when the race went yellow with 5:32 remaining. Unfortunately, the event ended under caution, with Kvamme managing to gain six overall positions and three in his competitive class.

“The car raced great,” Kvamme said following the opening race. “I was just trying to find that extra little bit of speed. The guy in front of me was strong, and I battled with him for the whole race. It was a lot of fun. I went from seventh to fourth and was battling third and second right in front of me. I think if the yellow light hadn’t come on late in the race I’d have had a chance.”

But once again, the bright purple and yellow tent positioned next to the MDK Motorsports working transporter was one of the focuses of the weekend. Racing to End Alzheimer’s founder Phil Frengs was on hand to talk to fans – and to share their stories.

“The Racing to End Alzheimer’s guys did a great job” said Kvamme. “We give fans the chance to honor loved ones who have suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s by donating to the cause and putting their loved ones’ name on the car. We added new names this weekend and that’s the most important thing about the weekend to me.”

To date, the No. 43 Porsche carries 142 names of family members and friends who have suffered from dementia or Alzheimer’s. For $250, names can be added to the car, with Frengs’ company Legistics matching the funds – and all funds go to the two beneficiary organizations.

For Racing to End Alzheimer’s founder Phil Frengs, the IMSA race weekends at Watkins Glen represents the chance to connect with so many fans, as the Porsche Carrera Cup North America paddock is a popular spot. And so many of those fans recognize Frengs’s mission.

“Watkins Glen is one of my favorite places where we race,” said Frengs. “The track and its history, as well as the village of Watkins Glen and its unique racing history (note: the sports car race originally ran in the streets of Watkins Glen) always makes me enjoy our chance to make new memories here.

“And the fans we meet here never disappoint. Having spoken to so many who share my experience with ALZ in their families goes to reinforcing our missions. Their stories move us and keep is going.”

Next up for Racing to End Alzheimer’s and the Porsche Carrera Cup North America will be the doubleheader in support of the IMSA SportsCar Weekend at Road America August 2-4. The races will be broadcast live in the U.S., on IMSA.tv, the NBC Peacock streaming app and PorscheCarreraCup.us.