Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 07:11PM

SALT LAKE CITY (August 16, 2018) – The last time Magnus Racing took to the scenic VIRginia International Raceway in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar competition, the team’s podium finish was thwarted by a post-race infraction.

In 2018, the team is aiming higher.

1mm higher to be exact.

“We’re hoping to finish higher than we did in 2016, that’s for sure,” stated Magnus Racing team owner and co-driver John Potter. “Our last IMSA visit here was a new low for the team. We were within a mm of walking away with a real championship shot. Regardless, now that we’re back, we’re definitely ready for redemption. Road America created some heavy setbacks for the guys, but they’ve been working extremely hard to ready the car for this weekend, it’s been a heck of an effort.”

After successive mid-season podiums for the No. 44 Audi Tire Center Audi R8 LMS GT3, the most recent round of competition at Road America would open with a lot of promise, however came to an end in dramatic fashion. After strong performance in practice, the high temperatures of the race would create challenging handling conditions for both drivers, with the car coming to life in the final laps as driver Andy Lally fought his way in to the top-five. Unfortunately, a last lap altercation would cause significant damage to the car.

With only 10 days before the car would unload for practice in VIRginia, the team has since been hard at work getting everything prepared, facing a significant project to be ready for Friday’s first practice.

At over four miles, VIR is one of the most scenic tracks on the IMSA calendar, and as the final GT-only event of the year, promises to deliver on excitement. With the circuit’s variety of corners and long straights, it remains to be seen just how the team’s Audi will perform, but based on previous races promise seems high.

Official practice begins this Friday, August 17, with race action taking place on Sunday, August 19. Live television coverage will be available Sunday beginning at 1PM ET via FS1, or IMSA.tv for international viewers.