The Thrilling Start to the 2025 TC America Season at Sonoma Raceway
As the green flag waved under the sun-drenched skies of Sonoma Raceway, the TC America powered by Skip Barber series launched into its 2025 season with a ferocity that only true racing enthusiasts can fully appreciate. In a weekend packed with adrenaline and seamless execution, Ricca Autosport emerged as the team to beat, showcasing their dominance over two intense 25-minute sprint races. But this isn’t just about who crossed the finish line first—it’s a tale of strategic prowess, emotional triumphs, and the relentless pursuit of perfection on the track.
Race 1: The Champion’s Return
The inaugural race on Friday afternoon set the stage for a season of high stakes and fierce competition. Defending champion Jeff Ricca took pole position in his No. 78 Ricca Autosport Hyundai Elantra N1 TC and immediately demonstrated why he’s a force to be reckoned with. Ricca’s calculated drive was a masterclass in maintaining a lead, as he built a significant gap from the chasing pack.
Meanwhile, Michael Garcia, piloting the No. 07 Skip Barber Racing Acura Integra Type S, exhibited a cool composure, holding steady in second place despite pressure from Ricca’s teammate, PJ Groenke, behind him. The tension escalated as Groenke, in his freshly minted No. 76 Ricca Autosport Hyundai Elantra N1 TC EVO, found himself under siege from another teammate, CJ Sepulveda. With just a lap to go, Sepulveda seized the opportunity, executing a skillful maneuver to clinch third place.
“It was awesome,” Ricca reflected, acknowledging the team’s off-season efforts. “We did a lot of development work with the guys in Korea. This new package, the one-class format is going to grow and it’s going to be great throughout the year.”
Garcia, new to the front-wheel-drive dynamics, was equally thrilled. I’m new to front-wheel drive, so I had a lot to learn, especially from Ricca. He did a great job as well. The race was so much fun.
Race 2: A Clean Sweep for Ricca Autosport
Saturday’s race continued the momentum, with Jeff Ricca once again seizing an early lead from the start. His clean getaway left the competition trailing as he carved through the Sonoma course with precision. CJ Sepulveda, buoyed by his previous race’s success, kept pace with Ricca, fending off challenges from Groenke in a display of teamwork that underscored Ricca Autosport’s strategic supremacy.
Further down the field, a spirited contest unfolded between JMF Motorsports’ Toyota GR Corolla TC entries, driven by Antonio Costantino and Jonathan Neudorf. This intra-team rivalry added a layer of excitement, illustrating the depth of talent present across the grid.
“I was kind of out on my own, but we’re walking away with a lot of good data,” Ricca recounted, looking ahead to future challenges. “I’m really excited to see Toyota out here, and I feel like they’re going to be a top contender throughout the season.”
Sepulveda, reflecting on his debut weekend, was euphoric. There are no words to explain this feeling. Getting two podiums on my first time in the series, how do you even top this?
Representing Puerto Rico, his pride was palpable, and the support from his family made the experience even more meaningful.
Looking Ahead: The Season Unfolds
The TC America’s curtain-raiser at Sonoma was more than just a racing event; it was a testament to the dedication and spirit of everyone involved. The Ricca Autosport team’s stellar performance sets a high bar for the rest of the season. With the next rounds scheduled at the iconic Circuit of The Americas, the anticipation is palpable. Racing enthusiasts can expect more strategic duels and heart-stopping moments as teams vie for supremacy in this highly competitive arena.
As the cars roar to life at COTA from April 25-27, the question on everyone’s mind will be: Can anyone dethrone Ricca Autosport, or will their dominance continue unchecked?
