SCCA: Exclusive Autosport Scores First Win of 2015

Homestead, Florida (January 12, 2015) – Exclusive Autosport, the North American Spectrum factory team, kick started its 2015 on-track campaign with a victory for Canada’s Thomas McGregor in the opening round of the SCCA Palm Tree Winter Majors, hosted at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Florida, Saturday 10th – Sunday 11th January.

The Canadian team headed south for the weekend running 2013 Quebec Formula Tour Champion McGregor in the FF Class, behind the wheel of an F1600 Spectrum 014 chassis, and Jayson Clunie – the 2014 Quebec Formula Tour Masters Champion and ‘Rookie of the Year’, in the FC Class racing an F2000 Spectrum 014Z.

Saturday’s opening races on the 2.3-mile road-course at Homestead-Miami Speedway proved fruitful with McGregor, piloting the No.91 Exclusive Autosport / Spectrum / Sparco / Dairy Queen / Exclusive Management Inc. / Honda Racing HPD entry, part of the lead trio throughout the afternoon’s 20-lap FF Class race.

Having qualified third, the Saskatoon racer claimed the lead in the closing stages of the sprint.  The 22-year-old held on to take the checkered flag first giving Exclusive Autosport a victorious and very welcomed start to 2015.

McGregor’s second run in the FF Class on Sunday saw the Canadian denied a second straight podium as he finished fourth at the Florida circuit.

Clunie’s FC Class race on Saturday rewarded Michael Duncalfe’s team with a second podium of the day as the rookie F2000 entrant raced from fourth to second following an intense 17-lap charge.  It was a solid outing from Jayson, the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan racer stepping up from his more familiar F1600 class to race the No.91 Exclusive Autosport / Sparco / Spectrum / Exclusive Management Inc. car.

Unfortunately for Clunie, a three-time winner last season, he would be forced to retire 12-laps into Sunday’s FC Class race.  Staring third and again challenging at the front, a fuel pump sensor issue ultimately forced his retirement from the action.

Both McGregor and Clunie will be back for Exclusive Autosport next weekend in the second round of the SCCA Palm Tree Winter Majors as the tour heads to the renowned Sebring International Raceway, Florida, Saturday 17th – Sunday 18th January.

“I’m happy to start the new season with a couple of encouraging performances from our drivers and another great showing for the Spectrum chassis,” enthused Exclusive Autosport team owner Michael Duncalfe.  “It’s always fun to come race in the sunshine and blast some cobwebs off.

“Thomas did a great job to win on Saturday and I know he loves the opportunity for any seat time in a race car.  He’s been fantastic in coaching Jayson on driving the F2000 car.  Jayson stepped up well from F1600 and I have to say I’m really pleased with how he performed.  It’s too bad a technical issue today robbed him of a chance to run to the checkered.  We’ll build on this outing and head to Sebring in a few days looking to improve.”

Formed in 2013, Exclusive Autosport has quickly forged a reputation as one of North America’s premier junior formula outfits.  Championship success came quickly under Michael Duncalfe’s leadership with notable achievements including back-to-back driver titles in 2013 and 2014 in the Canadian Toyo Tires F1600 A-Class Championship and in the Quebec Formula Tour 1600 Championship.

Exclusive Autosport Inc. is the official North American Importer and Distributor for Spectrum Chassis, designed and produced by Borland Racing Developments in Australia.