Talented Teens Lead M1 Contingent at Laguna Seca Doubleheader

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2026) – TeamSLR is turning its attention this weekend to the West Coast, where teen development drivers Graham Jacobson and Turner Brown will take on the iconic and demanding WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca near Monterey, California, with one chasing the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series Western Championship title and the other embarking on a new chapter in his young career.

Jacobson, the 18-year-old from Marietta, Georgia, returns to TeamSLR M1 Racecars equipment after a solid debut with the package two weekends ago in the TA2 national series penultimate round at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton. He arrives at the 2.238-mile, 11-turn circuit with the Western Championship points lead entering Saturday’s and Sunday’s rounds three and four of the five-race series within a series for 2026.

He’ll strap into the No. 48 Nomotorsports/M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro with a seven-point lead over Kyle Kelley and a 10-point lead over fellow M1 Racecars competitor Cole Moore after opening the Western Championship season during the April doubleheader weekend at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway with finishes of fourth and first. After getting his first taste of competing in an M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro in the national series at VIR, where he qualified a season-best sixth and rallied for a 13th-place finish after an early race off-course excursion not of his doing, Jacobson will have the opportunity to put the carmaker’s coaching and technical resources to work with a championship on the line.

Meanwhile, the 15-year-old Brown will have an entirely different box to check when he climbs into the No. 28 LIYT Hydration/Niagara Water/TeamSLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro for the first two TA2 races of his career. The teen from nearby Alamo, California, already has made plenty of noise this season, most recently driving to victory in last weekend’s Allen Turner Hyundai Pro Late Model 100 at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. In August, Brown, the grandson of Trans Am Hall of Famer Greg Pickett – the three-time TA champion and the only driver to score victories in each of six consecutive decades – scored a notable victory of his own over 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick in the CARS Tour Northwest Pro Late Model Shootout 100 at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington. Brown was a decorated kart racer before moving this year into pavement Late Models.

Joining the M1 Racecars camp this weekend are Californians Tim Carroll of Costa Mesa and Moore of Granite Bay. Carroll, a regular on the Western Championship tour in recent years, opened the season in his No. 46 CRD MFG Inc., Chevrolet Camaro with finishes of sixth and eighth, respectively, in the Saturday-Sunday Western Championship doubleheader at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway in April. He returned to the track for cameo appearances as a Pro-Am Challenge entry in back-to-back TA2 national tour events in June at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Carroll qualified on the Pro-Am pole and finished second in class at Indianapolis, then followed with a third-place finish in class the following weekend at Road America. Moore, driver of the No. 99 JM Environmental entry, finished fifth and second among Western Championship competitors at the Sonoma weekend doubleheader and holds down the third spot in the standings behind Jacobson and Kelley. Moore also leads the TA Cup-class standings with just the season finale at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, remaining on the schedule.

Riding along with TeamSLR drivers and their M1 Racecars this weekend are season-long partners Guthrie’s Garage, CUBE 3 Architecture and longtime supporters Franklin Road Apparel Company and Kallberg Racing.

TeamSLR also welcomed new partner Focal One® for the first time in the June race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Focal One® is the leading robotic focal therapy platform in prostate cancer, leveraging advanced imaging, intelligent treatment planning, robotic precision, and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to deliver personalized, minimally invasive therapy. By enabling precise tissue targeting while helping preserve quality of life, Focal One is redefining the standard of care in focal therapy in prostate cancer. Focal One is developed and commercialized by FocalTherics, a medical technology company focused on expanding access to focused ultrasound-based robotic therapies worldwide through continuous innovation, clinical research, physician education, and strategic market development. For more information, visit FocalOne.com

This weekend’s rounds three and four of the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series Western Championship begin Friday with official practice 12:05 p.m. PDT, followed by qualifying at 4:30 p.m. Twin 45-lap, 75-minute races are set for Saturday at 12:10 p.m. and Sunday at 12:15 p.m., with live television coverage available at no charge at RacingAmerica.TV, as well as the official Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli YouTube channel (@gotransam).

Graham Jacobson, Driver, No. 48 Nomotorsports/M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

You got your first race weekend experience with the support of TeamSLR two weekends ago at VIR. What are your impressions of the team and your experience working with its people and equipment?

“Quite honestly, TeamSLR is just on a different level from anybody else I’ve seen. I was blown away seeing everything they do to get the cars prepared. Seeing it firsthand was definitely crazy. VIR was a big introduction for me and kind of a learning curve to get thrown in with the sharks. Being able to piggyback off of the other drivers and have all the support of every single person under that tent and in that hauler is incredible. It’s not even just the cars that are fast, it’s the coaching, being able to compare and talk with the other drivers, and having all the setup changes. Pretty much anything that I want done to the car, I can describe it and somebody knows what to change. The level of precision that TeamSLR operates with is just incredible to me.”

You traveled to Laguna Seca last weekend on your own to take advantage of a track day so you could learn the how to get around there. What did you learn about the track that you think will help you this weekend?

“I had been searching for track days and opportunities we could find out there at Laguna for the past six months, and I finally found a way to get on track in what was essentially a street car. I actually really, really liked it, and so I’m looking forward to it this weekend, especially because the Corkscrew is crazy enough in a 200-horsepower street car. I can’t even imagine what it’s like in a TA2 car. Something just clicked for me in real life that I could never quite get driving that track on the sim, and I really, really liked it.”

What do you expect to be the biggest challenges at Laguna Seca, particularly when you put a TA2 car on the track?

“It is absolutely no mercy. There’s no runoff, there’s no asphalt or anything. It’s just giant gravel sand traps everywhere around the track. If you go so much as an inch off track, then you’re in the gravel. It’s definitely going to be a wild place, and it’s going to be really, really tough in a TA2 car. I think it’ll be a pretty good combination with the handling of a TA2 and the power of a stock car. Going there last weekend and getting to experience the place firsthand and learn just how far you can push it through each corner, especially on exit, definitely helped a lot. The other thing I noticed was how much the conditions can change. By the end of the day it was super windy and there were giant dust clouds everywhere on track. Having a plan for all that stuff is going to make it a really interesting race. I think whoever leads the first five or 10 laps, it’s a toss-up as to who’s going to lead the last five.”

You come into this weekend leading the Western Championship with three races remaining. How much does that championship opportunity factor into your mindset?

“Having that Western Championship point lead and kind of being able to dwell on it for the last half a year is definitely really nice. After every race, I’m able to circle back on something and have at least one thing to motivate me to make it to the next race. So we’re finally here at Laguna after a really, really long time of waiting. I kind of wish we got to do another Western Championship race in between because I like having my trophies. But yes, it’ll be a fun weekend.”

Turner Brown, Driver, No. 28 LIYT Hydration/Niagara Water/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

You’re taking part in your first race weekend in a TA2 car after having had one test day two weeks ago. What was your first impression of the car, and how would you describe what it’s like to drive?

“The best way I’d put it is it’s like a Late Model on a road course, but they just have a lot of power. The experience of speed was definitely noticeable the first time out. But the closest thing to it, I’d say, is a Late Model, based on what I’ve driven before.”

What have you come to know about TeamSLR as you have been preparing for your first race weekend with the team?

“I think they’re an unbelievable program. I’m just trying to soak up what they have to offer. I thought they are super helpful with the driver coaching from Scott (Lagasse Jr.). I’m excited to learn and progress with them and go into more depth into their program.”

This will be your first time racing at Laguna Seca, and you’ve only experienced the track on the simulator to this point How are you approaching the doubleheader race weekend and the prospects of having a lot of track time ahead of you?

“I’m just looking to learn as much as I can in a short amount of time. It’s going to be a steep learning curve, obviously, and it’s going to be a couple of long races. Seventy-five minutes will be the longest race I’ve ever done. So I’m making sure I go into the weekend knowing I’m learning and knowing it’s going to be a tough learning curve.”

With that learning curve in mind, what are your goals for the weekend, and what would make this a successful first TA2 weekend for you?

“My goal is definitely to compete well and try to have a great weekend, obviously, results-wise. But mainly, it’s just getting the gist of the cars, staying out of trouble, being smart and adapting to the scenarios. Whatever happens, happens. Obviously, I’d love to go out there and do well in the races.”

Tim Carroll, Driver, No. 46 CRD MFG Inc./M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

Laguna Seca has been a track where you’ve had some good opportunities in the past, even if the results haven’t always followed. What do you think it will take to put together a strong run there this year?

“I’ve done well at Laguna in the past. Two years ago, we had a really great run there, and that was our first chance to lead a race. Last year, we were positioned at the end of the race to probably be on the podium, but we got turned with 200 yards to go and didn’t even make it across the finish line. So I feel like the comeback for this year, the car’s as ready as it can be. I got a lot of lessons learned from working with Helio (Meza) and Alon (Day) at Road America and Indy, and I’m going to try to bring some of those tips with me to Laguna. I believe the car’s in a great position to do really well. I’m going there knowing that I have the confidence to have the ability to win, and I’m going to do all the things I can to try to position myself to be in the lead. I’ve got my work cut out for me, but I believe we can get it done. That’s what we want to start the weekend with – the approach of, think first and be first and act first.”

You had the opportunity to run the back-to-back TA2 national weekends at Indianapolis and Road America in June, and Indy in particular was a big weekend for you with the Pro-Am pole and a runner-up finish in class. What did that stretch mean to you?

“Those were awesome bucket-list items for me, and it worked out with the Western Championship schedule having a gap there. I had the pole at Indianapolis, and it was one of those weekends where I felt like, ‘OK, I’m one of the fast guys.’ I felt like I could have done even better. We were leading the race with three to go, and unfortunately I got a little complacent on the brakes and spun the car. But we had the pace, and we had put ourselves in position to win. Overall, the work we did back at the shop and the patience that we had put us in that position. That whole experience, being able to do those back-to-back weekends and then go to Road America, was absolutely one of the feel-good moments of my career. It really helped me see where I want to operate, which is at the Pro-Am level in the national series.”

What does your relationship with TeamSLR mean to you, particularly as someone who is bringing your own program into the team’s operation?

“I really appreciate that I get to participate as more than just a customer. I really like that I get to be part of the team in the aspect that I can support Rick (Markle) and Scott (Lagasse Jr.) with things that I can bring to the table on our end, whether it’s supporting and providing parts and pieces for the chassis, or the CAD design ability that we possess. I really feel welcomed and part of the family for what Scotty and Rick have done, in addition to what they’ve provided to help me elevate my program.”

Cole Moore, Driver, No. 48 JM Environmental/M1 Racecars Entry:

Your dad got to race your M1 chassis in the April Western Championship races at Sonoma, and now you get your first chance to race it at Laguna Seca. What is your impression of the M1 after having had a chance to test with it?

“It’s re-sparked the passion for the TA2 cars, that’s for sure. When I got in the M1 car and immediately was running really well, I felt like, if I had run that car at Sonoma, I would have been in the top-three. I feel really good taking it to Laguna Seca. I’ve been racing long enough to know that wins just don’t come easily, but this has definitely got to be my best opportunity to go get a win in a TA2 car. I feel really good, really passionate and excited. It’s always good to have a good car underneath you, knowing you have that before you’re even at the race. That’s a great feeling. I’m really excited. You just have to pray that everything goes smoothly, the car’s in one piece and we get some good results.”

With the M1 car comes a working relationship with TeamSLR. What has that relationship meant to you and your program so far?

“It’s been really good. I was obviously aware of how good those cars were, and I just knew that I wanted to get to know Scott (Lagasse Jr.) and try to develop a relationship there. Scott’s been super cool to me. We’ve built a relationship this year, and I’ve been able to speak with him and get his mentorship however I can. I just want to be in a car that I can exercise my talents to 10 10ths, and this gives me that opportunity. I’ve been doing this for a long time, whether it’s circle track racing, motorcycle racing or road racing, and that’s all you can ask for is somebody who’s passionate about racing.”

Laguna Seca has a pretty special place in your racing history. What does the track mean to you, and how comfortable are you there?

“The area itself has a lot of history for me and my family. My dad used to live in Monterey when he was a kid, and I go down there every year for Car Week since I was 7 years old. The track itself is where some of my roots in learning how to drive a road course started. We used to run C6 Corvette Z06s out there, learning how to heel-toe and learning how to run a road course when I was younger. I have a lot of laps there, so I don’t feel like I’m getting there and having to learn the track by any means. I feel super groovy there, so I’m stoked.”

About TeamSLR:

TeamSLR (Scott Lagasse Racing) competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli in a multifaceted effort that includes dedicated entries in the TA2 division, customer programs, driver coaching and car construction. Its history dates back to 1985 and covers a wide spectrum of motorsports, including NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and ASA. TeamSLR is a family-owned organization run by Scott Lagasse Sr., and Scott Lagasse Jr. The father-and-son duo have combined to win more than 130 races and 10 championships across a variety of series and styles of racecars, from paved ovals to road courses to dirt tracks. TeamSLR would like to thank its supporters CUBE 3 Architecture, Franklin Road Apparel, Kallberg Racing, and Guthrie's Garage. For more information, please visit us online at www.TeamSLR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

About M1 Racecars:

M1 is an Official Chassis Supplier to the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli. M1 Racecars are professionally engineered for the Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series, SCCA Competition, and Track Day events. We offer chassis only, rolling chassis and complete race-ready builds in Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger body styles. We utilize only the highest quality materials and our race-winning technology to produce the most stable and predictable racecar on the track today. The proprietary chassis design by M1 has been CAD-perfected by our engineering staff to ensure that each completed chassis is identical and performs as expected. Our chassis materials are CNC Mandrel bent and cut to our exacting standards, which results in the most precise and cost-effective build. M1 has selected Scott Lagasse Racing to be the exclusive distributor for M1 Racecars worldwide. The race team also provides M1 with vital technical assistance and on-track feedback to support our performance development efforts. This combination is a powerful asset to M1 and to every M1 customer.

-TeamSLR Release