Independence Day Weekend Celebration - Machavern captures first TA2 victory of rookie year

Dillon Machavern had never turned a lap at Brainerd International Raceway until this weekend yet showed he is a quick study. He locked in a spot in the “Fast Five”, qualifying the No. 24 Heritage Motorsports Mustang in 3rd and posted the quickest time in the final practice session in the Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic.

Machavern exhibited maturity beyond his years; managing the car and tires as he worked through lapped traffic in a vigorous last half battle. Surging from third to first on the 37th lap of the 40-lap race, Machavern fended off challenges for the final three laps of the race and emerged victorious securing his first TA2 victory.

“We’ve worked really hard to get here,” said Machavern. “Finally we get the win! We’ve been working all season— every race we’re getting better. We’re improving, and we’re learning more about the car and this platform. I just want to thank Heritage Motorsports, the crew and our partners for giving me a great car. It was a hard battle out there, and I was just lucky to come out on top.”

Machavern has been competitive all season as he continues his rookie year in Trans Am; while the victory marks his fourth podium appearance on the year, the competition certainly has not made it easy on him. “I have to say I think the competition in TA2 is some of the best out there,” said Machavern. “It’s been incredibly challenging getting to this top step. These cars are a blast to drive; I wouldn’t want to be anywhere other than TA2 right now.”

Machavern also reaped the points benefits of his win, propelling him to second in the TA2 Championship points standings and into the lead of the Rookie of the Year standings.

Round 6 of The Trans Am Series will be televised July 25th at noon on CBS Sports Network.