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Negri joined Canadian Kenny Wilden in the #59 Rehagen Racing Mustang for this event. Negri had qualified the car fourth despite the light rain that fell in the morning session.
Race conditions had improved to 82 degrees and sunny skies. After the race began, it didn't take long for Negri to move into the lead. Passing Peter Ludwig on lap 14, Negri stayed in front for 19 laps until the event's only yellow flag session encouraged a pit stop and driver change.
"That was a good time. When you're leading the race, it's always fun. The car was working very well. I was pacing myself, building up a good lead. I was very pleased, and very happy that I had this chance. Kenny has a lot of experience and he knows what it takes to win, but there's still a lot of racing to do," he commented.
Wilden returned to the fray and brought the Mustang home in third place, the highest of any FR500C's on the track that day.
After the race, Wilden mentioned, "The Rehagen Ford Mustang was solid all day. We elected not to take on tires on that first step, and I was worried because we were falling back. But it was the right call, and I would like to thank Rehagen for giving me this opportunity. Also, I would like to thank Ozz, because he came here for the first time in this car and finished third."
Whether or not Negri will return for more Koni Challenge racing remains unknown right now, but he enjoyed his stint this weekend.
"I'm glad I tried it, and I'm very happy to have been part of the Rehagen Racing Ford Mustang team. It did really well, and I'm very glad to be a part of the podium, in front of many of my friends and family."
The race was won by the #18 Motorsport Technology Group Porsche 997 of Billy Johnson and Peter Ludwig. The second podium spot went to Andy Lally and John Potter in their #41 TRG Porsche 997.
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