Matthew claims first Podium at Home Track of Portland

Butson Racing was able to achieve it’s first podium finish in the TA2 class of the West Coast Trans-Am Series presented by Pirelli at our home track of Portland International Raceway. Matthew’s extensive experience at Portland having completed his SCCA drivers school and having raced numerous regional and Majors series events over the past three years helped Matthew feel comfortable right from the start of the weekend. After a few adjustments during practice, Matthew was able to qualify third knocking on the door of points leader Anthony Honeywell and local veteran Brad Mcallister.

As the race got under way, Matthew settled into third behind Honeywell, filling his mirrors until finding an opportunity to get past. Honeywell however continued to pressure him while Mcallister was able to build a few seconds on them both. When a mid race caution came out, the TA2 leaders found their way navigating lap traffic. Mcallister got held up as the race returned to green allowing Matthew the opportunity to follow him through traffic. Honeywell spun a few laps later allowing Matthew to focus forward and managed the gap between him and the leader. As the race wound down, a late race caution came out, bunching the field up once again. Although he would have loved to have taken his first victory at his home track, Matthew wasn’t able to find a way around the #26 Mustang of Mcallister but he gave him a fight.

The whole team was overjoyed with Matthew’s performance. It was truly a team effort and we are grateful for all of the help and support of our crew and sponsors. A second place finish felt like a win for us at our home race and we couldn’t be more thrilled.