By John Goolsby, Motorsports Editor
LEEDS—Birmingham native Tyler Stone chose the perfect place to add another victory to his growing sports car racing résumé.
Stone and actor-turned-racer Frankie Muniz drove the No. 30 TechSport Racing Ford Mustang GT4 to victory in the Am class in Race 2 of the Pirelli GT4 America weekend at Barber Motorsports Park as part of the UAB Medicine GT World Alabama benefiting Teal Wings of Hope event.
TechSport Racing’s No. 30 Ford Mustang GT4. Credit: John Goolsby
The duo finished 12th overall while taking the Am class victory, rebounding from a last-place finish in the opening race of the weekend.
“It’s so hard to pass here, and I was just trying to set it up,” Muniz said. “Yesterday I tried to make a move for the lead and it didn’t go to plan, but I learned from that. You have to be aggressive and go when you can. I made the move today, it worked, and we held on for the win.
“Tyler did such an amazing job to start the race. For TechSport to come back from a last-place finish yesterday to a first-place finish today is incredible. We’re still in the hunt for the championship, so this is awesome.”
The victory was special for Stone, who was able to win at his home track during his first season in GT4 America competition.
“This is very special,” Stone said. “I can’t really put it into words. Being at home, sleeping in my own bed and then coming out and winning a GT4 race in SRO is unbelievable. I couldn’t be more proud of Frankie. He drove incredibly today.
“We’re so thankful to be here and to be part of Ford Racing and TechSport Racing. The team does an amazing job, and this is an incredible result.”
Stone serves as a vice president at Stone & Sons Electrical Contractors. He made his GT4 America debut in the season opener at Sonoma Raceway and has quickly become a championship contender alongside Muniz.
The duo entered the Barber weekend second in the Am class championship standings.
The Barber victory continued a strong stretch for Stone and Muniz, who were coming off a sweep of both Am class races at Road America earlier in the month.
Muniz is best known for starring as Malcolm in the hit television series “Malcolm in the Middle.” His acting career included nominations for both Emmy and Golden Globe awards, but motorsports has been a longtime pursuit for the actor.
Muniz began racing in the mid-2000s and has competed in several forms of motorsports during the two decades since. He also competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series while racing alongside Stone in TechSport Racing’s No. 30 Ford Mustang GT4 in Pirelli GT4 America competition.
The Pirelli GT4 America series heads to Indianapolis in October 8.
