Blackdog Racing is readying itself for a strong finale in its second season of Pirelli GT4 America competition… and hopefully kiss the bricks in the process.
Michael Cooper, Tony Gaples and the No. 33 Blackdog Performance McLaren Artura GT4 team will contest a pair of one-hour races around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course on Saturday and Sunday.
The Cooper/Gaples pairing and Blackdog Racing are still in the hunt for the GT4 America Pro-Am Drivers and Teams championships heading to Indy. Cooper and Gaples stand fourth in the Drivers Championship with a 29-point gap to the leaders while Blackdog Racing is 31 points back in the Teams standings. A total of 50 points are available across the two races at the 2.439-mile, 14-turn Indy road circuit.
The Blackdog McLaren has been a regular on Pro-Am podiums this year. Cooper and Gaples debuted the No. 33 Artura GT4 with a victory at Sonoma, and they’ve been on the podium five additional times in class.
Cooper already has won a race at Indianapolis in the McLaren, and he and Gaples teamed last year at the circuit in GT4 America – albeit with a weekend-best 10th place finish in the finale.
Blackdog Racing and the No. 33 Blackdog Performance McLaren Artura GT4 will race in the first of two Pirelli GT4 America races at Indianapolis beginning at 9:50 a.m. ET on Saturday with the season’s final race at 9:45 a.m. ET on Sunday. Live coverage of both races plus timing & scoring will be available at gt4-america.com and SRO’s GT World YouTube channel.
MICHAEL COOPER, NO. 33 BLACKDOG PERFORMANCE McLAREN ARTURA GT4: “We should be in the fight this weekend. I think my previous track experience with the McLaren is something we can use. It pays off on these race weekends with limited running. It should help get Tony some more time in the car. Hopefully we’ll roll off pretty good. Ray (Sorenson, team manager) has a pretty good relationship and history with the Speedway, too, so I know he wants to win there pretty badly.”
TONY GAPLES, NO. 33 BLACKDOG PERFORMANCE McLAREN ARTURA GT4: “I’m hoping we can be in the mix at Indianapolis. I feel like we’ve been in contention in a lot of these races. That’s encouraging but we really need and want to close out the season strong with a couple of podiums. I think the team has earned it and deserves it, so that’s what Michael and I will aim for this weekend.”
About Blackdog Racing
Ever dreamed of piloting a real SRO GT race car? Blackdog offers rental and “arrive and drive” racing in addition to purpose-built cars. Email sales@blackdogspeedshop.com to discuss the best way to put you in the driver’s seat!
About Blackdog Performance Cars
At Blackdog Performance Cars, luxury and performance converge in an exclusive collection of high-end vehicles, each designed to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. Our curated inventory is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and innovation, while our GT4 America McLaren Artura race team subtly underscores our passion for precision engineering on the track. Discover the ultimate blend of sophistication and speed at www.blackdogperformancecars.com.