RYAN BRISCOE, one of three Aussies in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, was fastest in the Grand-Am Rolex Series Night Practice, turning a 1:41.609/126.131 mph, in Penske Racing’s new Porsche Riley Daytona Prototype with the updated chassis, He turned the lap near the end of the two-hour night session, edging then leader, A.J. ALLMENDINGER/No.6 Michael Shank Racing Ford Riley DP.
DOMINIK FARNBACHER/No.86 Farnbacher Loles Racing Porsche GT3 was the fastest GT car, and eighteenth overall. His time was 1:49.914/116.600 mph.
Forty-seven of the 51 cars in the field were on track. Sitting out the session was the DP pole position car, No.58 Brumos Porsche Riley and its sister car, No.59, which was the fastest overall car for the day with a time of 1:40.968/126.931 mph, earned in the Friday afternoon practice session. That driver was JOAO BARBOSA.
Still not back on course was the Battery Tender/MCM Racing Porsche GT3 Cup. The other parked car was Mastercar-Coast 2 Costa Racing Ferrari 430 Challenge car.
The fastest overall GT car for the day was SpeedSource’s No.70 Mazda RX-8, set Friday afternoon by team owner, SYLVAIN TREMBLAY, who is also on pole.
A Red Flag half an hour before close of practice shut down the track for ten minutes or so. Track blockage. Two or three cars were involved, including PHILLIP MARTIEN/No.33 Wright Motorsports Porsche GT3 GT, who was hit by Stevenson Motorsports Pontiac GXP.R GT. No one was injured.
Thursday’s weather was cold and clear, with bright sunshine making for optimum photography conditions. The low Thursday night is forecast for 39 degrees.
Friday’s weather promises to be much improved, with a high of 68 and mostly sunny. The low is set for 45 degrees, which is welcome indeed.
Friday’s schedule calls for two more Rolex 24 practice sessions and a final qualifying session, followed by the three-hour Koni Challenge Race.