After fighting back from the toughest race of their collective careers, BAR1 Motorsports grabbed their first team win at the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron inaugural race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. 
 
Making the victory sweeter for the No. 8 Evident Capital, MBRP Performance Exhaust car was the fact that it was a flag-to-flag victory by Chris Cumming and Kyle Marcelli, and it was a victory shared by the entire BAR1 team. 
 
Brian Alder gave credit to the drivers and the crews for both cars and praised their hard work and dedication.
 
"Since BAR1 was founded two years ago, this is what we have worked so hard for. They say the first win is the hardest to get and I surely agree. While we have been on multiple podiums this year and last, to stand on the top step in the ALMS is nothing short of spectacular. To win at this level of competition, everything must be perfect, and perfect it was," said Team Principal Brian Alder.   
 
"This crew did excellent all week, especially given the disastrous week at Baltimore. These guys won the race for us at the shop. Everything was perfect as soon as we unloaded, allowing us to maximize our track time and nail the set-up. My hats off to everyone of them. They epitomize teamwork.”

"Now we are anxious to get to VIR and see if we can repeat the incredible week we had in Texas."
 
Drivers Kyle Marcelli (pictured) and Chris Cumming also expressed their excitement getting the win. 

"There is nothing more satisfying than winning. It's what fuels us, it’s why we prepare and its why we compete. At this level of motorsport, winning requires being perfect. Nothing compares to the thrill of victory," said Marcelli.

"I can't say enough about my co-driver Chris. He drove brilliant in the opening stint to give me the car already in the lead, I just had to maintain it.”
 
"Wow, what a dream week!  We had a really good car from the first practice session. When Saturday rolled around I knew we had a great shot at doing something special,” said Cumming.

"To lead wire-to-wire while getting our first ALMS win for both BAR1 and myself is deeply satisfying.”  

"I need to thank John Travis for a fantastic car and all the crew for their great work under the tent and in pit lane!  Once again their work was flawless!"
 
Next up for BAR1 Motorsports is the Oak Tree Grand Prix at Virginia International Raceway on Oct. 3-5.
 
Photo by John Thawley