After a season filled with bad luck and frustrating finishes, Thomas Annunziata finally broke through, securing his first victory of the 2024 season in dominant fashion at the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series race at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR). Annunziata, who had shown speed all year, led every lap of the race in his No. 90 Bayshore Mortgage Funding/Chriswell Ford Mustang, holding off multiple challenges and defending his lead through several restarts.
Annunziata held the point from pole position, fending off early pressure from second-place starter Jake Drew and maintaining control through two early yellow flags. The race was briefly interrupted again by a lengthy caution due to a two-car crash in Turn 14, but once the green flag waved again, Annunziata surged ahead, stretching out a commanding lead over his closest competitor, Thomas Merrill, in the No. 26 HP Tuners/Cope Race Cars Ford Mustang.
Behind the leader, a fierce battle unfolded. Drew, driving the No. 7 Silver Hare Racing Chevrolet Camaro, had to fend off challenges from up-and-comer Tristan McKee, while Connor Zilisch clawed his way through the field after starting last. Despite a spin that dropped him out of contention, Zilisch’s charge kept the race lively. However, it was Annunziata who dominated the field, finishing nearly nine seconds ahead of Merrill, with Drew rounding out the podium in third place after defending against Rafa Matos in the closing laps.
An emotional Annunziata expressed his joy after the race: “This feels great. These Nitro Motorsports guys deserve at least a few wins this year. We’ve had that speed all year, but silly things happened; that’s racing. It’s a bit emotional… Everyone’s super happy. I’m super happy to have Bayshore Mortgage Funding, Chriswell Ford, Chipoys, and Eat Clean Bro all on the race car this weekend.”
In the Pro/Am Challenge, Barry Boes fought back from an early mistake to claim the win in his No. 27 Team SLR-M1 Racecars Ford Mustang. Boes overtook Cale Phillips, who had led the category in his No. 99 Mincey’s Graphics/SNP Inc. Ford Mustang until seven laps remained. Keith Prociuk completed the Pro/Am podium.
Reflecting on his race, Boes said, “I made a mistake kind of early in the race, went to the back of the pack… but I was able to make my way back up and it feels fantastic.”
Annunziata’s long-awaited win and Boes’ Pro/Am victory capped an intense weekend at VIR, with both drivers overcoming challenges to emerge victorious.
