ONE-TIME RIDE TURNS INTO BIG OPPORTUNITY FOR MACHAVERN
BRASELTON, Ga. (Sept. 30, 2014) - What started as a one-time ride for Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo North American Amateur driver Dillon Machavern has turned into what could be a championship-winning season.
With only two rounds left in the North American season, Machavern holds a seven-point lead in the Amateur classification. He will take the lead to Road Atlanta for the season-ending Rounds 11 and 12 on Oct. 2-3.
“It’s just incredible,” Machavern said. “I don’t know how else to describe it. It’s been absolutely fantastic from everything on track to off track. I had no idea I would be where I am at this point in the season, but a lot of it is thanks to the crew and to (team owner) Chris (Mitchum) for preparing me a good car.”
In his six starts in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series, Machavern has amassed four Amateur class wins among his five podium finishes. Machavern, 19, also is the only Amateur class driver this season to earn an overall victory, in mid-July at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in the No. 07 Lamborghini fielded by Mitchum Motorsport.
His rise has been unexpected since his first drive in a Lamborghini came in June at the first practice at Watkins Glen. Mitchum Motorsport, for which Machavern also drives for in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, called him and asked him to serve as a co-driver in one of its Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars during Rounds 5 and 6 at Watkins Glen.
“The first time in the car was an exciting day,” Machavern said. “Chris called me right before and said they had a spot they needed to fill. Lamborghini is a dream car, and not many people get to do that at 19. “
Since then, Machavern has been on a race-by-race schedule with Mitchum Motorsport owner Chris Mitchum. But competing at the season finale was a no-brainer for Mitchum and Machavern since the driver is on the cusp of an Amateur title and the team is only 12 points behind first place Change Racing for the Team Championship.
“I never dreamed I would be driving a Lamborghini, let alone racing one,” Machavern said. “We took each drive race by race. At VIR, I was trying to soak it all in on the cool-down lap because I thought it might be my last time in the car. But with being in the chase for the championship, it wasn’t really a question whether I would race at Atlanta.”
Machavern balances racing with being a full-time student. He is a business administration major with a passion for racing, something that runs in the family. His father raced for more than 30 years, but Dillon didn’t compete in racing until eighth grade.
“That first race I was hooked,” Machavern said. “I knew then it’s what I wanted to do, but I also knew I was starting later than a lot of people.”
That’s one reason the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo North America has been a perfect fit for the talented, young Machavern.
“This series is about the talent of the driver,” Machavern said. “There’s not a lot of difference between the cars, so there’s no benefit for different tools or equipment. It really does make it about how well you drive the car, and that’s great for someone like me or other young drivers coming up.
“Everyone in the paddock is really accepting of that, which isn’t always the case. It’s been incredible just to have the opportunity.”
