Lehdistötiedotteet - Wheeler, Bennett find Top 5 in Russia

Wheeler, Bennett find Top 5 in Russia

A full Rage team entry into a Custom Series late in Season 10 turned a few heads, but as always, generated a lot of attention to the series. The 4 Rage drivers entered a competitive field, with notable drivers like the Latvian McLaren driver Marcis Freiverts Jr, American Arnold Justasarni, and Portugese speedster Serg Stan. Also of note in the 1K+ ratings at the start were Adam Seres, Ati Nagy, and Tristan Rogers.

Speculation as to the success of Rage in a series with strong competition rose early. Several series reporters suggested that they looked out of place, and that the FIA points would kill their chances at a strong result, but with 2 team podiums, 11 appearances in the top 5, and 20 finishes in the points, the 4 drivers showed their worth. Nick Wheeler and Drummond Bennett found themselves in the top 5 after the final race.

Jason Anderson, as always, found Wheeler as he stepped off the stage podium in Sochi, having just inched his teammate out for 4th in the standings.

Anderson: Nick! Congratulations on yet another Custom Series top 5. This makes 6 in as many attempts if I'm not mistaken. How does it feel to get this one alongside your teammates?

Wheeler: It always feels good. I was hoping Drum could work his way further up the field and we could settle the 4th place battle a bit more 1 on 1, but with his first leg problems it wasn't meant to be. I had no time to check my mirrors for teammates today, I had to make a few moves myself to guarantee the top 5 overall finish. Andy [Aceto] was breathing down my neck in the points and was a strong battle on the track all series. I just did my best to keep someone in between him and I all race.

Anderson: A lot of people didn't think your team would perform very well. But 4, 5, 10, 11. Are you satisfied with those results?

Wheeler: I mean you're asking me, the one that finished P4, so obviously I'm satisfied. I know Brandon and Bruce are a bit disappointed with their finishes. Bad luck for them, really. Brandon just hit the engine bug that I was dealing with for a couple weeks. I mean it knocked me out of F3 America, but if there's any restitution for me, it's a top 4 in a custom series with an F1 driver and a list of entries that ranked me 14th prior to the first green flag.

Anderson: Any surprises in this series for you? For the team?

Wheeler: Well, Ms. Vos tossing out the pre-series challenge was a bit surprising. But we love Lyn. She's great in the garage area, always has a positive attitude. Let's be serious, she nailed down 2 podiums in this series, and beat 2 of us in the end. A great show from her in 8th. If she didn't have trouble with the machine today, she probably would've challenged for 7th or even 6th overall. I expect Rage will see plenty of her in the near future.

Anderson: So what's next for Rage?

Wheeler: Right. It's the end of the season isn't it? I should be expecting questions about Season 11. I'll leave it at this. You'll be hearing from us soon. For now, Bruce and I have a heck of a battle ahead of us in California. 2 of us, and only 1 podium spot left. It should be fun.

As always, Rage drivers continue to be secretive of their next moves in MRC. We'll just have to wait and see what they have in store for next season