Returning to GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series competition with the Next Generation team, Byron Payne faced a weekend full of struggle, but remained focused on the job at hand at the 2010 Homestead 200.
Driving the #34 NGM BMW 330 in the ST-class, Payne and teammate Squeak Kennedy struggled with driveline issues all weekend. On Friday, the team had to replace the gearbox in the #34 machine forcing them to miss the morning practice session. Kennedy would qualify the car in the #25th spot for Saturday’s race.
The team made a good start and ran consistent laps working their way to as high as 13th place before Payne took over for the second half of the race. Byron settled into a strong pace working his way through traffic when his motor suddenly began to feel strange. Payne attempted to get the car to the pits, but his motor expired with about 15 minutes left to go in the race. The #34 would finish 25th in class, 54th overall.
Byron Payne thanks his sponsors United Financial and eprodius for their support at the Miami Grand Prix. “It was a just one of those tough racing weekends, we all have them. We’ll keep our heads up and focus on getting back out there before the season is over.” commented Payne.
For official results of the Miami Grand Prix and Homestead 200, visit the GRAND-AM website > www.grand-am.com