The Detroit Grand Prix was on of the most anticipated events of the 2023 schedule. The 9 turn course provided high speeds, narrow corners, and an unforgiving surface that resulted in a very exciting double header weekend with the Trans Am series.
“I actually like the track layout, but the bumps are really gnarly pretty much everywhere. Between conserving your equipment and managing brakes it should make for a great race weekend,” Michele explained.
After a few practice sessions and qualifying Abbate was able to improve her personal best time by 3 seconds and earned the P28 position. After post qualifying she would move to P26 to take the green flag.
Abbate worked her way around the gruesome track during Race 1, but she clipped an inside curb with her left rear that sent her into a spin into the tight turn 1. Fortunately she was avoided by the other cars, and kept it off the walls. In fact, she threw it in reverse in order to get to a wider section of the track and get turned back around. Although the incident put her a lap down she crossed the finish in the P21 position without a scratch on the car.
“Its good to get the finish, but I am definitely wanting more out of tomorrow,” she said.
For race 2, Abbate would start from the P26 spot. The 60 minute race was going very well, as she made her way up to the 18th position.
Unfortunately another competitor lost his brakes going into Turn 3 and drove into the drive side of the #30 GHOST Energy x Lucas Oil Camaro. Michele was sent into a big spin, but was able to get it fired back up and continue on with cosmetic damage.
As the checkered flag came out over the finish line Michele earned the P19 spot. “It feels good to be back in the top 20, but I know there are some changes I need to make if I want to finish higher, and I am really going to focus on them as we look to head to Mid-Ohio in a few weeks. I want to thank my sponsors for keeping me on the track and for all their support, I wouldn’t be here with out them. I am also very thankful for the Franklin Road Apparel Showtime Motorsports team for bringing me a competitive car for this epic event. I’m looking forward to stepping my game up as we reach the halfway point of the 2023 season”, she said.
Catch the Detroit Grand Prix highlight recap of race 1 and 2 on MAVTV Thursday, June 8 at 8:00pm EST. Followed by a new episode of Road to Glory at 10pm EST.
