Daytona Friday Highlights: Inside Sportscar365’s Latest Notebook
The 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona is shaping up to be a thrilling event. The past few days have been filled with intense preparations and developments ahead of the race.
Key Updates from Daytona Practice Sessions
The Autosport team worked tirelessly. They managed to get their Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R back on track for the final practice session on Friday. This came after the vehicle caught fire during refueling in the previous night’s practice. Fortunately, no engine damage was reported, according to a GM spokesperson.
Driver Matt Bell clocked the third-fastest time in the GTD class. His team, the reigning class champions, aim to replicate last year’s success. Team owner Orey Fidani expressed his confidence, stating, “I think it’s a perfect car and we’re ready for the race.”
FIA Bronze-rated Drivers Session
Earlier that morning, a 15-minute practice session featured FIA Bronze-rated drivers. Chris Cumming (LMP2), Kenny Habul (GTD Pro), and Ryan Hardwick (GTD) topped this particular session.
Balance of Performance Updates
IMSA’s managing director of engineering, Matt Kurdock, confirmed changes to the Balance of Performance for GTP and GTD categories. This weekend’s adjustments were based on each car’s homologation parameters, rather than previous track data. This decision was influenced by the introduction of Evo jokers for all LMDh cars, updates for three of the ten GT3 models, and modifications to Michelin tires.
Kurdock also indicated that a return to a rolling race average is planned for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in March.
Tire Strategy Insights
With warm temperatures expected, Penske Racing President Jonathan Diuguid shared insights on tire strategy. He noted that Michelin’s new Soft tire in the GTP class might not be as crucial as initially thought. IMSA allows the use of Soft tires from 5 p.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday, while the Medium compound remains unrestricted.
Diuguid emphasized the importance of track temperature in tire selection, hinting at a diverse strategy based on practice performance.
Porsche’s Future in GTP
Porsche Motorsport Chief Thomas Laudenbach affirmed the brand’s commitment to continue its partnership with Penske beyond next year. Reports suggest a robust contract lasting until 2027, despite previous disruptions in the WEC collaboration.
Reigning GTP champion Matt Campbell commented on the absence of long-time teammate Mathieu Jaminet, who is now racing for Genesis Magma Racing in the WEC.
Challenges and Aspirations
Felipe Nasr is aiming for a historic third consecutive overall win at the Rolex 24, joining legends Peter Gregg and Helio Castroneves.
The WRT team is optimistic despite facing challenges. They qualified ninth and tenth for their GTP debut, with team principal Vincent Vosse focusing on adapting to U.S. racing conditions.
- Lamborghini’s Mirko Bortolotti makes his debut with Pfaff Motorsports, revealing a familial connection with team manager Steve Bortolotti.
- Ferrari’s Ferdinando Cannizzo noted the positive feedback on the Evo update for the 296 GT3 ahead of its competitive debut.
- Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing is better prepared for this year, following last year’s struggles during the Roar Before the Rolex 24.
Overall, the excitement builds as teams and drivers gear up for the Rolex 24 at Daytona, looking forward to a memorable race ahead.
