Featured / Race Recap
Flores Charges Through the Field for Top-15 Finish at Watkins Glen
Jul 28
Watkins Glen International delivered exactly what everyone expected on Tuesday night - a demanding road course battle where every lap mattered. For Misael Flores and the No. 27 Team ACR Toyota, the night was all about perseverance, strategy, and making the most of every opportunity.
After qualifying 26th, Flores knew he had his work cut out for him. Staying patient through the opening laps, the No. 27 team steadily picked off positions while avoiding the mistakes that caught out several competitors throughout the race. As the laps wound down, Flores continued to make calculated passes and capitalize on strong pace, climbing an impressive 13 positions to finish the race in 13th.
"It definitely wasn't an easy race," Flores said afterward. "Watkins Glen is one of those tracks where one mistake can ruin your entire night, so the focus was staying clean, hitting our marks, and taking advantage when opportunities came our way. The team gave me a great car that got better as the race went on, and we just kept digging."
The result was another solid points night for Team ACR, with the organization showing speed throughout the field. Flores also praised teammate Braxton after an outstanding drive to a top-five finish, calling it a huge result for the team and a testament to the work everyone continues to put in behind the scenes.
"Congratulations to Braxton on bringing home a top five. That's a massive run, and it's great to see our team continuing to put multiple cars near the front. Everyone back at the garage deserves credit for the preparation they put into these cars every week. Nights like this don't happen without the people behind the scenes."
While a podium was just out of reach, moving from 26th to 13th highlighted the determination of the No. 27 team and provided another valuable points haul heading into next week's event. With momentum continuing to build, Flores and Team ACR will look to carry that confidence into the next race as they continue their climb up the championship standings.
Replay Clears the Air After Heated Lap 67 Clash in APEX Cup League
One of the biggest storylines to emerge from Tuesday night's APEX Cup League event came on Lap 67 when Trey Whitehead, driver of the No. 30 Chevrolet, and Misael Flores in the No. 27 became tangled while battling for position. The intense fight through the closing stages of the iRacing race ended with both drivers making contact and crashing into the outside wall, bringing an abrupt end to what had been a hard-fought battle. In the immediate aftermath, Whitehead believed Flores had caused the incident and voiced his frustration over the radio, creating one of the most heated moments of the night.
As the dust settled after the checkered flag, Whitehead returned to the iRacing replay to get another look at the incident. Viewing the crash from multiple angles, it became clear that the No. 30 had drifted up the track and initiated the contact that ultimately sent both cars into the wall. After reviewing the footage, Whitehead acknowledged that his initial assessment was incorrect and accepted responsibility for the accident, bringing a quick end to the post-race controversy.
While the Lap 67 incident briefly sparked emotions across the APEX Cup League paddock, it also highlighted the professionalism and sportsmanship that define the series. In a league where every position matters and competition is fierce from green flag to checkered flag, split-second incidents are inevitable. By taking the time to review the replay and own the mistake, Whitehead helped turn a heated exchange into a positive example of accountability. For Flores, the replay validated what he experienced behind the wheel, and the incident now stands as one of the defining moments from another action-packed night of APEX Cup League racing.
M. Flores Racing Launches Official Driver Website
The #27 program now has a central home for schedule updates, results, sponsor opportunities, gallery content, and team announcements.
Kansas Run Adds Three Spots For The #27
The #27 gained three positions at Kansas Speedway, starting 28th and finishing 25th in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Toyota Camry.
Next Up: Echo Park In Apex Cup Series
Misael Flores and the #27 program turn focus to Echo Park on July 14 for the next Apex Cup Series Season 2 race night.
Partner Slots Open For The #27 Program
Primary, associate, equipment, and content partner placements are available for brands looking to connect with sim racing audiences.