Endurance... the sports car racing blog: May 2019

Friday, May 31, 2019

More IMSA news headed for Detroit

still more news from Le Mans headed for the test day

Looking ahead to Sunday’s test day for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, more news to delve into.

Porsche Unveils Special Liveries for 24H Le Mans
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/porsche-unveils-special-liveries-for-24h-le-mans/

JMW Launches 24H Le Mans Camo Design
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/jmw-motorsport-launches-le-mans-camo-design/

WEC Looking to Implement Success Ballast in LMP1
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/wec-looking-to-add-success-ballast-to-lmp1/

DragonSpeed LMP2 Driver Lineup Switches to Jota Sport
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/jota-sport-to-run-dragonspeed-lmp2-drivers-in-2019-20/

First Photos from Le Mans as Teams Unload for Test Day
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/first-photos-from-le-mans-as-teams-arrive-for-test-day/

Thursday, May 30, 2019

IMSA GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) Championship Watkins Glen - 1988

Check out the 1988 IMSA GTP race at Watkins Glen International Raceway in Watkins Glen, New York. ESPN has the coverage. Ken Squier, and Bill Adam call the action. The result is in the video description on YouTube, but, you will have to watch, to find out who wins.

What To Watch For: Chevrolet Sports Car Classic

Get ready for a 100-minute street fight on Detroit’s 2.3-mile Belle Isle Park circuit featuring the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Daytona Prototype international (DPi) machines and the production-based GT Daytona (GTD) race cars battling for the new-for-2019 WeatherTech Sprint Cup title.

https://www.imsa.com/news/052019/what-watch-chevrolet-sports-car-classic

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

6 Hours of Spa race broadcast

The full race broadcast from the FIA World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of Spa, the penultimate race of the 2018-2019 FIA WEC "Super Season".

Chevrolet Sports Car Classic Entry List Notebook

All about the entry list for this weekend’s IMSA race in Detroit, with DPi and GT Daytona As the featured classes.

https://www.imsa.com/news/052019/chevrolet-sports-car-classic-entry-list-notebook

Le Mans news

More news headed towards the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Winslow to Replace Roussel at Inter Europol
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/winslow-to-replace-roussel-at-inter-europol/

Photos Emergy of Next-Gen Porsche 911 RSR
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/photos-emerge-of-next-gen-porsche-911-rsr/

Toyota Signs Rebellion's Laurent as Reserve Driver
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/toyota-signs-rebellions-laurent-as-lmp1-test-driver/

Ford Unveils Celebration Liveries for 24H Le Mans
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/ford-unveils-celebration-liveries-for-24h-le-mans/

New WeatherTech Ferrari Shaken Down in Italy
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/new-weathertech-ferrari-shaken-down-in-italy/

Three Manufacturers Receive Extra Weight in Test Day BoP
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/three-teams-receive-extra-weight-in-le-mans-test-day-bop/

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

sports car racing this weekend

There are at least three major events on the sports car racing calendar, this weekend. Yours truly, hopes to cover at least one, right away. So, look for a race report on the IMSA race at Belle Isle in Detroit, the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. Also, this weekend is the 6 hour or 1,000 kilometer Blancpain GT Europe race at Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, in the south of France, and in northwest France, the test day for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. While yours truly will be able to cover the Le Mans test day, it appears the Blancpain GT race and the IMSA race, overlap, on Saturday. So, priority will be given to the IMSA race at Detroit, and then, look for a report and video highlights of the Blancpain GT Europe Endurance Cup race, from Paul Ricard, later on.

An Open Letter to the FIA/ACO

To: The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO)

You have told us as sports car racing fans, time and time again, you are working on a way to bring a new Hypercar concept to fruition, with production based race cars, and manufacturers at the forefront of the new regulations idea for the 2020-2021 season of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Folks, you are running out of time. This current season is ending in just a few short weeks, with the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans, which I am sure you are focused on making the best race it can possibly be. With that said, we, the fans of sports car racing, who are so passionate about it and follow it and how it will progress, on a daily basis, want to know, and soon, your new plan. You seem to want to take a very separate road from the IMSA Daytona Prototype International platform, but in doing so, you have been dragging your feet on new regs that can propel sports car racing into the future, and at the same time, you are losing manufacturer support, which is not good.

Yes, the privateer teams really do act as the backbone of sports car racing, but so do manufacturers. It has been said that large grids at the races, can be supported, even without major manufacturer involvement. FIA and ACO, I hope you are prepared to prove this theory right, as it may be where you are headed, if you guys, who obviously are very bright and know sports car racing, can't do anything but sit there and twiddle your collective thumbs as the sun sets on one season while soon rising on another. Will you let this be a carryover year? Will you come up with something new, different and exciting? That remains to be seen. But, you aren't going to get anywhere, but just looking into a crystal ball and waiting for an idea to fall out of the sky. You have to be as proactive as possible, and I know that you are.

I urge you to keep discussing ideas with manufacturers and see if you can't bring a few people to the table who might be interested. The main point is, however, the sands are trickling through the hourglass faster than the hours go by in the race at Le Mans at this point. It is crunch time, chaps. What do you have to offer? What can you tell us about your vision for the future of worldwide sports car racing. Please. We need an answer ASAP.

Signed,
A diehard sports car racing fan

Double Stint: News Recap; Tommy Milner Interview (5-28-19)

The latest episode of the Double Stint Podcast, discussing how in flux the Le Mans GT classes are as manufacturers are exiting the series. The FIA/ACO needs to sort out these proposed hypercar regulations, fast, or turn the World Endurance Championship into a "Cup" championship of some sort. The WEC, as far as manufacturer involvement, is on thin ice, even though the car count is up.

https://sportscar365.com/podcasts/double-stint/double-stint-news-recap-tommy-milner-interview/

IMSA news headed for Detroit

The second and final IMSA street circuit sprint race takes place on Saturday afternoon, supporting the double header for IndyCars at Belle Isle on the streets of Detroit, Michigan. Here is the pre-race news.

Hawksworth: Long-Awaited First GT3 Win Felt “Awesome” https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/hawksworth-long-awaited-first-lexus-gt3-win-felt-awesome/

Gavin: Corvette Racing’s Most Successful Driver
https://sportscar365.com/features/videos/gavin-corvette-racings-most-successful-driver/

Riley, Pfaff Among GTD Teams to Forgo Detroit
https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/riley-pfaff-among-gtd-teams-set-to-forgo-detroit/

MSR Commits to Detroit, Sprint Cup With Both Acura NSX GT3s
https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/msr-commits-to-detroit-with-both-acura-nsx-gt3-evos/

Robichon Joins Park Place for Detroit in Sprint Cup Bid
https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/robichon-joins-park-place-for-detroit-in-sprint-cup-bid/

23 Entries for Detroit
https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/23-entries-for-detroit/

BMW Gets Power Increase for Watkins Glen
https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/bmw-gets-power-increase-for-watkins-glen/

Monday, May 27, 2019

Weekly Racing Roundup (5-27-19)

Race reports from the weekend’s Super GT and GT Open races...

https://sportscar365.com/other-series/super-gt/weekly-racing-roundup-5-27-19/

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Scuderia Praha Wins 12H Brno for Third 2019 Victory

Czech squad Scuderia Praha takes 12H Brno honors to extend championship lead...

https://sportscar365.com/other-series/24hseries/scuderia-praha-takes-third-win-of-season-in-12h-brno/

Saturday, May 25, 2019

FIA WEC news

More headlines from the FIA World Endurance Championship.

BMW has canned their LM GTE Pro program after just a single season, as they are very uncompetitive compared to their competition from Aston Martin, Porsche, Ford, and Ferrari.

BMW Axes WEC Program After One Season
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/bmw-axes-wec-program-after-one-season/

TF Sport Set for GTE-Am Return with New Vantage
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/tf-sport-set-for-gte-am-return-with-new-vantage/

Knoors: BMW GTE-Pro Exit “An Opportunity Missed”
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/knoors-mtek-bmw-gte-pro-exit-an-opportunity-missed/

Ginetta Pursuing 2019-20 LMP1 Entry
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/ginetta-pursuing-2019-20-lmp1-entry/

R-Motorsport Waiting on Regs Decision for Le Mans Future
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/r-motorsport-waiting-on-regs-decision-for-le-mans-future/

Modified Version of Hypercar Regs in Discussion
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/modified-version-of-hypercar-regs-in-discussion/

Friday, May 24, 2019

Aero Development Lockdown on Agenda for Next GT3 Regs

FIA looking at cost-cutting measures to “control the growth” of GT3 platform.

https://sportscar365.com/industry/aero-development-lockdown-on-agenda-for-new-gt3-regs/

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Check Out The Art of Racing In The Rain Official Trailer

Check out the trailer for the new movie, based on the novel of the same name, The Art of Racing In The Rain.

https://www.imsa.com/news/052019/check-out-art-racing-rain-official-trailer

Chevrolet Sports Car Classic Entry List Notebook

Anytime you’re racing in the Motor City it’s a big deal.

After all, Detroit is the automotive capital of the world. It’s an especially big deal for the 23 race cars – representing 12 different manufacturers – that will compete in the 100-minute Chevrolet Sports Car Classic at the 2.3-mile Belle Isle Park street circuit on Saturday, June 1.

https://www.imsa.com/news/052019/chevrolet-sports-car-classic-entry-list-notebook

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Double Stint: CTMP Recap; Andy Soucek Interview (5-21-19)

The latest Double Stint Podcast, recapping Blancpain GT America at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and featuring an interview with one of the winning drivers in the second race of the weekend, Andy Soucek.

https://sportscar365.com/podcasts/double-stint/double-stint-ctmp-recap-andy-soucek-interview/

Hartley Gets First Laps In Toyota At Spa Test

Double FIA WEC Champion and 2017 Le Mans winner tests TS050.

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2019/05/22/hartley-gets-first-laps-in-toyota-at-spa-test.html?fbclid=IwAR22YXB24FPsfAKxhPuX55I5bXmsQnYvUrvCvUXG7iktp3fBRFZ6y5qY0Dc

An IMSA, SRO America Backed TCR North America Cup? Here's An Idea

From North American Racecar on Facebook, published last Monday, May 13th.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/north-american-racecar/an-imsa-sro-america-and-ctcc-backed-tcr-north-america-cup-heres-an-idea/2159921824127424/

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

FIA WEC news

Monday, May 20, 2019

Weekly Racing Roundup (5-20-19)

Reports from the weekend's DTM, ADAC GT Masters and British GT races...

https://sportscar365.com/features/roundup/weekly-racing-roundup-5-20-19/

Pirelli GT4 America Sprint & SprintX from CTMP (Part 2)

More racing action, and more race winners from Pirelli GT4 America at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport).

Fassnacht, Szymczak Win GT4 SprintX Race 2
https://sportscar365.com/sro/gt4-america/fassnacht-szymczak-win-gt4-sprintx-race-2/

Pumpelly Takes GT4 Sprint Points Lead With Race 2 Win
https://sportscar365.com/sro/gt4-america/pumpelly-takes-gt4-sprint-points-lead-with-race-2-win/

News roundup from CTMP for race 2 in Blancpain GT America

Rounding up pre and post-race news after race two for Blancpain GT World Challenge America at CTMP.

Molina, Vilander Take Points Lead With Race 1 Victory

https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt-america/molina-vilander-take-points-lead-with-race-1-victory/

Hindman to Sub for Curtis in Race 2; RealTime Moves to Pro

https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt-america/hindman-to-sub-for-curtis-in-race-2-realtime-moves-to-pro/

Parente/Soucek Bentley Scores Second Win of Season

https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt-america/parente-soucek-bentley-takes-second-win-of-season/

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Blancpain GT America: Mosport, Race 2

We are set to go, for the second race of the weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for Blancpain GT World Challenge America. Can Ferrari double up? Or will someone else take the race win the second time out, here, in Canada. The driver's are on their pace lap, scrubbing their tires in. Mercedes has a healthy lead in the GT World Challenge championship, but Ferrari are hot on their heels. The cars are formed up, on their warmup laps, behind the safety car as we get set to go for the second time, here, in Canada. We anticipate the green flag at the end of this lap. Lights out atop the safety car. As per usual, this race will be 90 minutes, with two drivers per team. One pit stop, halfway through the race, with a ten minute window to do the stop. Also, the teams cannot exceed a time delta of 62 seconds to get the stop completed.

Safety car easing away from the field, and we're ready to roll. The field is about to be unleashed! Alvaro Parente has pole, in the Bentley. Here they come. The green flag waves, and they're off and racing at Mosport! Dennis Olsen is fighting Maxime Soulet already, look, as they head downhill towards turn two for the first time. With his track knowledge here at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Scott Hargrove is the bloke making early moves as this motor race is just underway. Alvaro Parente is pulling a gap already, look, on yesterday's race winner, Toni Vilander. It's a fair fight between Bentley and Ferrari. Now, pay attention, too, in the middle of the pack as Kyle Marcelli has started the #80 Racer's Edge Motorsports Acura NSX GT3. Toni Vilander in the Ferrari dives down through turn four and then up again, into Moss corner for the first time of asking.

Big compression through Moss, and the pressures aren't up on these cold Pirelli P Zero tires just yet, so it's a bit iffy for traction for the driver's as they start this race. Holy cow! Alvaro Parente in the Bentley hangs on for dear life as he runs wide through Moss corner! Dennis Olsen in the Porsche is also up there. This is the #91 Pro Am class Wright Motorsports car he is sharing with Anthony Imperato. Olsen was very impressive in qualifying. We watch Kyle Marcelli who is sneaking up on Ryan Dalziel, and here comes Scott Hargrove! Hargrove wasting no time as he wants to get to the front, and fast!

Hargrove realizes the move he makes is just not on, look. He decides discretion is the better part of valor at this point. Hargrove has the experience here at Mosport, even though he lives 4,000 kilometers away from the track, in another part of Canada. Alvaro Parente is definitely the minnow here, as Toni Vilander, the icy cool Finn, is playing the role of the shark. Flat out as the tires are in their sweet spot. Parente has to tidy his entry up through Moss. Now onto the Mario Andretti straightaway once again. Parente just doesn't have the mechanical grip in the Bentley's Pirelli tires right now. Marco Holzer is harrying Kyle Marcelli as well. Scott Hargrove was the bloke moving through on Holzer.

Trent Hindman is running well aboard the RealTime Racing Acura NSX GT3 #43, taking the place for this race, of Bret Curtis, who is having back trouble, so he has to sit this one out. Hindman competed in Pirelli GT4 America this weekend here, at Mosport. Race one of that championship, spoiler alert, is posted on the blog. So, go back and watch it if you can. This lap, Alvaro Parente slows his entry to Moss corner and so he'll have a far better exit away from the turn. Vilander in the Ferrari, meanwhile, has some understeer to contend with. This group of three at the front is breaking free from the rest of the pack which includes Maxime Soulet, Ryan Dalziel, Scott Hargrove, Marco Holzer, Colin Braun, and Marc Miller.

So, we have quite a few brands represented. Bentley, Ferrari, Porsche, Acura, and Mercedes, among them. R. Ferri won their home race here yesterday, and he has a busy, busy schedule. He runs in two different sports car championships, here, in SRO, and in IMSA, and then, he commentates for Formula 1 for Finnish television, plus, he will be racing the 24 Hours of Le Mans coming up in less than a month, a race you will hear about, here on Endurance... The Sports Car Racing Blog, as always. Through turn eight, the Ferrari runs a tighter line and carries boatloads of speed. Vilander remains second, behind the Bentley of Parente.

Parente continues to lead up the Andretti straightaway once again. Maxime Soulet in the second of the Bentley's, is close at hand. Ryan Dalziel has been pleased lately with the handling of the Mercedes AMG GT3. The Ferrari uses much less track in order to get the speed. But Soulet just uncorked the fastest lap time of the motor race so far. It's warmer today than it has been all weekend, and so the tire and car engineers have had to extrapolate new ideas from the data, for car setup. There are certain parameters of the tire pressures that are recommended by Pirelli that they have to stay within. George Kurtz is confident in his first foray into GT3 after being a GT4 champion in years past.

So, it's Alvaro Parente still leading while his team mate, Maxime Soulet is reeling in Dennis Olsen in the Porsche. Trent Hindman is now running within a tenth or two of Kyle Marcelli. The start, in replay, was a clean one. Maxime Soulet in the sister K-PAX Bentley has joined the lead battle at the sharp end. Dalziel is opening an amount of daylight between himself and Marcelli. These high downforce GT3 cars and this track, stymies the drivers on being able to make moves. You have to attack immediately so you don't end up with rooted tires. People try to make their moves through turn ten as well. That's a brilliant overtaking place.

Hargrove is closing fast on Marcelli. Both Canadian drivers, have tremendous track knowledge here at Mosport, at CTMP. Marco Holzer is being pursued hotly by Colin Braun, while Trent Hindman is doing very well in the RealTime Acura, before co-driver Dane Cameron, takes over the car for the second half of this motor race. Hindman is a plug and play driver indeed. Again, Bret Curtis is not driving because of his sore back, probably watching the race at home, cheering on his team. Trent Hindman moves, forces his way by Michael de Quesada into turn ten. de Quesada is also under pressure, look, from the BMW, the #96 Turner Motorsports car in the hands of Takuya Shirasaka.

Michael de Quesada is falling into the clutches of the Japanese BMW driver. There was a touch there between the Porsche and the Acura. Thus, allowing Shirasaka to pass. Hindman has done very well for Acura in another championship. It is incredible, because you don't realize how much your muscles are being torqued as a race driver, and a track like Mosport will show that. Ryan Dalziel has dialed in the Mercedes. The Mercedes is very stable and very compliant over the bumps. Evolution packages for other cars have come out, but the current package for the Mercedes is working really well. However, Dalziel is being hotly pursued, by Kyle Marcelli.

Back to the sharp end, we can see that Alvaro Parente maintains his one second advantage in the lead of this motor race, over Toni Vilander. Parente has clocked the fastest lap so far at 1:17.114. Vilander and Parente are 1-2 in championship points right now. In 2018, the race was washed out in the first day, and the Bentley put on slick tires, and Parente put on a flier. Last year, it was a shorter sprint race, not a SprintX event, which they all are in 2019. Norway's Dennis Olsen, he has also been incredible, driving the Wright Motorsports Porsche today, so far. Great parity between the manufacturers in GT3, as all of them have different driveline and engine layouts. Bentley, Ferrari, Porsche, Bentley, top four.

The engine sounds are tremendous. But, Dennis Olsen feels a handling issue in that Porsche. A slight twitch means he might have picked up some clag on his tires. K-PAX Racing's Thomas Blam says that the tire pressures weren't too different between the two cars. Pit lane delta is a big deal for the Bentley boys. They are running behind an Am class Porsche at the moment. Parente is doing all he can right now. K-PAX and Wright have done very well on pit stops and so has R. Ferri. We have about 20 minutes before the pit stops occur. Stay tuned, folks. The pit stops will put the cat among the pigeons.

Soulet can begin applying the pressure to the Porsche. Everybody is in the game right now. Marco Holzer, Colin Braun, Marc Miller, and Trent Hindman, have their own four way battle. Marc Miller and Till Bechtolsheimer won in Pro Am yesterday. Braun went defensive on Miller and then scooted over to the inside. You have to be proactive, not reactive. Hindman closes, and here comes Colin Braun, trying to edge closer to the Porsche, as this scrap steams along for eighth overall. Marco Holzer runs eighth, with the rest of these aforementioned chaps behind him. Miller still closing on Braun, look. Hindman is also in there. He's not quite close enough to make a banzai move.

Hindman has to hand the car to Dane Cameron in good condition. Takuya Shirasaka is still fighting on in the BMW M6 as well. The motor in that car after their off course excursion yesterday, was fine. They were very lucky to not cook the goose yesterday. Parente moving away from Vilander, in turn, moving away from Olsen. That's how it looks in the top three at the moment. We are approaching the half hour mark in the race. The rim shot is the preferred line around Mosport, but you have to be really brave to make it work to full effect. Vilander still a second behind Parente. The parity, again, is unreal. The top seven are separated by just 3/10ths of second. Yikes!

It is much warmer now than it has been all weekend. The pit window will open soon. Parente over Vilander, with a second between them. Dennis Olsen leads Pro Am, running third in the overall. Toni Vilander commentates on Formula 1 for Finnish TV, and if he keeps the gap where it is right now, if this were F1 instead of GT3, he'd be in DRS range for sure. No DRS on a GT3 car. Kyle Marcelli had dropped behind Ryan Dalziel, but the Acura driver is now closing back up on the Mercedes pilot as we watch their battle for position. Martin Barkey is the Am driver for the pairing with Racer's Edge. Racer's Edge team boss John Mirachi hopes they can leapfrog places during the pit stops.

Vilander is closing the gap steadily on Parente, just 8/10ths of a second away. Who will blink first? No one at the sharp end of the grid has had a free and clear weekend. The points ebb and flow all the time even though this is only round six of the championship. This race is crucial for R. Ferri, as they are the home team, based in Canada. They won yesterday. Can they win again today? Olsen, Soulet, Dalziel, and Marcelli are next in line. Marc Miller has a tough time through turn four. The compression up that hill is tough. Hindman and Miller are getting back on the button in the Acura's. Trent Hindman has made his way around Colin Braun, at the wheel of the Mercedes. This four car battle for eighth involves Pro and Pro Am cars.

The pit window is now open. Marco Holzer continues holding off Marc Miller. Bentley are the first to blink and are in the pit lane, now. Maxime Soulet pits from sixth overall. It isn't always the leaders who blink first and head for the lane. Rodrigo Baptista takes over. Porsche in the lane as well. This is one of the Alegra machines. Ah yes. The #22 machine. 1:02.138 for K-PAX. Right at the bare minimum! #43 is in the lane as Dane Cameron takes over the RealTime Acura. They have a slow stop, 70 seconds. It's tough to get everything done within the delta. A couple minutes to halfway.

Motor racing is a team sport, and so, these pit stops put the responsibility on the pit crews as much as it does the drivers. Parente continues leading Vilander. Alvaro Parente is not ready to duck into the lane just yet. Vilander's most recent lap was within 3/10ths of a second of his best of the day. Vilander wants to sweep the weekend for Remo Ferri and get past the Bentley. On the pit stops, teams are allotted one, one minute joker pit stop, but they can only use it once per race weekend, either in race one or race two. Vilnder means business and flying Finn is reeling in the Bentley hand over fist here.

1:50 for yesterday's Pro Am winners, on their pit stop. So, Gradient Racing are behind the eight ball now. Don't cut your in lap too close. The Ferrari can run a more acute angle to the road on corner entry and apex compared to the Bentley which leaves a big swath of space. R. Ferri and Ferrari are in fine form. Marco Holzer has made his pit stop for Alegra Motorsports and has switched drivers over to Wolf Henzler. David Askew lets the leaders by after he comes off pit lane. Don't go over the pit lane line, or you will be pinged by the SRO stewards. Treat that line as if it were a concrete wall. Bentley and Ferrari are now in the lane at the same time.

Vilander into the box, and he will turn the car over to Miguel Molina. The duel is on. Now, Andy Soucek, the Spaniard takes the Bentley over from Alvaro Parente. It's the battle of the Spaniards, as the Bentley boys use the joker. It'll be a two second gap. K-PAX has a great level of experience in endurance racing compared to sprint racing. Team boss Darren Law wants the team to analyze and practice pit stops. Once timing cycles through, everyone will have completed their pit stops. Soucek leads Molina and Baptista with 39 minutes to go.

Dane Cameron is eighth overall and fifth in Pro. He has made up a lot of track position. He runs a 1:17.2. It's hammer time for Rodrigo Baptista who runs a 1:16.7, the fastest lap so far in the motor race! Dear me! Unreal. Cameron moves by the other Acura, Martin Barkey at the wheel of it. Mosport is Barkey's local track, but the pros are really going for it. Dane Cameron loses two seconds in traffic, look. Andy Soucek leads as Rodrigo Baptista wants by Miguel Molina. But what does Baptista have left in the locker? Anthony Imperato in the Porsche still leads Pro Am ahead of David Askew in the Mercedes. Dane Cameron in the Acura is next up in the overall.

Soucek still leads this motor race. New fast lap for Soucek in Bentley #9 as we watch Molina and Soucek scrap. Anthony Imperato continues leading Pro Am. Patrick Long is five seconds adrift in the sister Wright Motorsports Porsche. Rodrigo Baptista is dropping behind Miguel Molina at the moment. The Ferrari is gentle on it's tires which means they are cooler than they need to be. With the nature of Mosport, track position is crucial. This is a point stated earlier, but it still holds true. Anthony Imperato is cutting some great lap times, just a tenth or two slower than Porsche factory driver, Patrick Long. Long is fifth overall. Not good for Molina, as he has traffic, passing by the Mercedes, the #04, George Kurtz at the wheel of it. Kurtz can't just shroud himself in a smokescreen like a spy car driver.

Rodrigo Baptista has dropped back a shade. Patrick Long still runs fifth overall. Soucek has seven seconds over Molina. Molina still has his hands full with Baptista, as Imperato continues to impress as well. Patrick Long is catching Anthony Imperato. But, Imperato is an amazing driver, running for Wright Motorsports in the GT3 spec Porsche. Yesterday's Pro Am winner, Till Bechtolsheimer is not having the same race he did yesterday. Andy Soucek leads this race now by seven some odd seconds, look. He had no ABS in qualifying, but has been running real well today. Bentley might just score the win to equalize with Ferrari on points.

Rodrigo Baptista is reeling in Miguel Molina. He has plateaued on the aerodynamics trying to catch Molina. Andy Soucek just pipped his team mate for best lap of the race. Everyone else runs 1:17.2 or worse, while Bentley's run in the 1:16 bracket. Ferrari just does not have the same pace as the Bentley's do. Just under 24 minutes to go in the race. The Bentley is well suited to every track on SRO America's schedule. Miguel Molina is keeping the sister Bentley at bay up the Mario Andretti straight and then, into the final corner before the front straight. They just touch the deck on through turn five but don't damage the under body of these GT3 machines. Now, poor old Anthony Imperato is sinking like a stone. He had to make an unscheduled stop, with a recalcitrant fueling rig. Poor old Imperato is on the back foot now.

That moves Patrick Long and Scott Hargrove up, and also, Dane Cameron and Trent Hindman in the Acura, the RealTime car. Just 20 minutes to go now. There's some debris on the road, as Martin Barkey leads Pro Am. The Racer's Edge Acura is indeed the class leader, looking for a better race than they had on Saturday. Trent Hindman had an actual wake up call, awakened from his sleep to get into the car. He headed straight to track and got things together to get in the race car, in under an hour. Trent Hindman is thankful to Bret Curtis for giving him the opportunity, hoping Bret Curtis heals soon. Andy Soucek still leads, but the margin has shrunk from eight to five and a half seconds. It's so, so easy to lose a couple of seconds on the road.

Soucek has six seconds in hand over Miguel Molina as he passes Martin Barkey in the Racer's Edge machine. Naoto Takeda, the Japanese Blancpain GT Asia driver, has the Turner BMW 13th overall. Andy Soucek gets past Martin Barkey who does not want to hold up the race leader just about 15 minutes to race before we see the checkers here in Canada today. The Shirasaka/Takeda team did a one off with Turner Motorsports at Utah Motorsports Campus last year, and were eager to return, and now, this race has been the first of four they will compete in as the season continues. They've really shown themselves on a very tough track. 1:17.7 for Shirasaka bodes well for the rest of the season. He's done extremely well this weekend. Turner Motorsports has many titles and also lots of experience in World Challenge competition.

Dane Cameron has a slight off and on through turn four. Naoto Takeda is running really well. Till Bechtolsheimer is running well in the Gradient Acura. Patrick Long is fourth. Cameron wants to catch the factory Porsche pilot. Long had a difficult time in Saturday's race with the left rear tire of course. These long duration right hand sweepers really put a strain on the Pirelli tires. He has to clear Till Bechtolsheimer before the battle with P. Long can resume. Soucek still leads as Molina in the Ferrari is the meat in a Bentley sandwich as we close in on the finish here in Canada.

Andy Soucek is catching Takeda. Be cautious off the final turn, White's Corner, turn ten. Bentley has dominated race two here at Mosport. Without ABS issues, Andy Soucek could have indeed matched Alvaro Parente on lap times. Martin Barkey still leads Pro Am, sharing the Racer's Edge Acura with Kyle Marcelli. The tire pace of the Pirelli P Zero's are amazing, as Molina and Henzler cut their fastest laps so far. Daniel Morad, picks up a place, chasing down David Askew, but poor old Morad, also in his home race, floats it wide through the corner leading to the Mario Andretti straight! Woohoo! That was close! Big save there, look.

Rodrigo Baptista maintains third overall. The leaders are lapping cars running seventh and eighth as Askew and Imperato scrap for the Pro Am honors. This race has flown by indeed. Ryan Dalziel is on the radio to his co-driver to keep up the pace as Andy Soucek has the Bentley still in the lead. The margin back to Molina is under five seconds. Soucek probably has more left in the locker than we previously though, as Dane Cameron reels in Patrick Long. Traffic ahead for Dane Cameron. He will have to deal with Patrick Long, fairly soon. George Kurtz in the Mercedes is the bloke chasing, and George moves aside. Dane Cameron has coached George Kurtz to be a better driver. The rhythm of the third sector at Mosport is amazing. It's go time. Pull the pin, now, blokes. Molina has trimmed the margin to Soucek. Molina cuts a 1:16.8. Great lap!

Molina sets his personal fastest lap! Jeepers creepers! A red Ferrari with gold wheels. Absolutely classic. K-PAX has adopted the Bentley British Racing Green colors, so some great historic liveries. Molina trimmed another 3/10ths off Soucek. Soucek might just be able to eke out some time to see the checkered flag in a lap or so. David Askew has a half a second over Anthony Imperato in Pro Am. 1.6 seconds between Long and Cameron. Long is catching Cameron. The white flag is out. We are on the final lap of this motor race. Soucek responds, opening the margin over Molina. Martin Barkey and company will win Pro Am. The checkers are out. Bentley wins Sunday at Mosport! A win and a second for R. Ferri. Martin Barkey and Kyle Marcelli, win their home race in Canada in Pro Am, collecting their third Pro Am win of 2019.

Takeda and Shirasaka win in Am for Turner BMW! Wow! The Bentley's have a formation finish on the cool down lap and they get first and third today. The points will be very close. Racer's Edge Motorsports, Martin Barkey, and Kyle Marcelli win Pro Am. Celebration for the Canadian team, and the Japanese duo of Takuya Shirasaka and Naoto Takeda, sweep both races of the weekend in the Am class.

Overall/Pro: #9 Parente/Soucek     K-PAX Racing Bentley Continental GT3

             Pro Am: #80 Barkey/Marcelli Racer's Edge Motorsports Acura NSX GT3

             Am: #96 Shirasaka/Takeda   Turner Motorsport BMW M6 GT3

The next event begins the second half of Blancpain GT World Challenge America, in the wine country of northern California, at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California, coming up in just three weeks.

Pirelli GT4 America: Mosport, Race 1

We start day two of the Victoria Day Speed Fest at Mosport Park, with the first sprint race for Pirelli GT4 America, and join Gregg Creamer, Calvin Fish, and Ryan Myrehn, for the race call.

Saturday, May 18, 2019

Pirelli GT4 America Sprint & SprintX from CTMP (Part 1)

Yours truly has yet to find race broadcasts from Pirelli GT4 America at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport). Both the Sprint and SprintX GT4 categories were in action. Nonetheless, here is a recap of how the races went down, including race two on Saturday.

Race 1 Report

Nolasport Claims GT4 SprintX Race 1 Victory in Canada
https://sportscar365.com/sro/gt4-america/nolasport-claims-gt4-sprintx-race-1-victory-in-canada/

***

Wittmer: CTMP Event "Already a Win" After Last Minute Ride

https://sportscar365.com/sro/gt4-america/wittmer-ctmp-weekend-already-a-win-after-landing-last-minute-ride/

Elghanayan Beats Pumpelly to Win GT4 Sprint Race 1
https://sportscar365.com/sro/gt4-america/elghanayan-beats-pumpelly-to-win-gt4-sprint-race-1/

Fassnacht, Szymczak Win GT4 SprintX Race 2
https://sportscar365.com/sro/gt4-america/fassnacht-szymczak-win-gt4-sprintx-race-2/

More action coming, for GT4 Sprint and GT4 SprintX, tomorrow.

RACE 1 - Canada - Blancpain GT World Challenge 2019 USA..

The race broadcast from race one of Blancpain GT World Challenge America at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport Park). Gregg Creamer and Calvin Fish call the race from the booth, and Ryan Myrehn, covers the action in the pit lane.

Blancpain GT America: Mosport, Race 1

Blancpain GT World Challenge America, goes north of the border, to Canada, eh, for two races, at the legendary and yet fearsome Mosport Park, now corporately known as Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, but to legions of fans, in their hearts, always called, Mosport Park. Can Am, Formula 1, Group C prototypes, and other categories have raced here throughout the years, and the venue is one of those hallowed ribbons of asphalt in the world of motor racing. Patrick Long has pole. Two Porsche's on the front row of the grid, with Daniel Morad alongside. Miguel Molina and Rodrigo Baptista are on the second row. 12 drivers in total, are accruing points for the global World Challenge manufacturer's cup.

Mercedes, Colin Braun and George Kurtz, along with David Askew and Ryan Dalziel, are scoring points. Mercedes leads Ferrari in the global manufacturers championship. Scott Hargrove is at his home track. He is 4,000 kilometers away from home, but, Mosport is Hargrove's home track, as he is sharing with Patrick Long. Hargrove says there will be tough competition indeed. Race two, happns tomorrow. So, this is the firs chapter to be written. Andy Soucek had an ABS failure in the second K-PAX Bentley and he strill qualified the automobile. Anthony Imperato puts the #91 Wright Motorsports car on pole in Pro Am. The top five in Pro Am are separated by mere tenths of a second. Miguel Molina starts for R. Ferri Motorsports and Ferrari, another team from Canada, right at home in their backyard here at Mosport.

The engines have fired for the 90 minute race. The best of the best in manufacturers, team,s and drivers, are ready to roll. Mosport has ten turns on a 2.5 mile course. Be up on the wheel. No place to rest. Moss corner is the slowest corner on the circuit, and hit top speed up the Andretti straightaway, and a bucketful of downforce also helps. Tire degradation might just be a factor in this motor race today. The pit lane delta is 62 seconds, maximum. That's real tight. So, pit strategy will be a big deal. It's a sporting time. Don't lose time in the lane. That's the key.

The long duration turns here at Mosport, the Pirelli tires will be thrashed. Porsche will be up to speed quicker, but Ferrari will be able to save their tires through the race. Drivers are generating tire and brake temperature as we get set to go. The top six drivers in the championship are covered merely by a point. Last time out at Virginia International Raceway, things happened that tightened the points margins indeed. The Acura NSX teams have struggled here at Mosport. The car's handling is a tad edgy running a higher ride height on the car than they do in other GT3 based championships. Form up, boys. Don't poke out of line.

Safety car into the lane. Green flag out, and away we go! n Patgrick Long is being harried by Daniel Morad and Long wiggles,a nd saves the car! Jeepers! That was so close. Debris on the road, look. Was there damage incurred? Wolf Henzler pressurizes Rodrigo Baptista. Through Moss corner up the Andretti straight. These blokes are flat out as Bret Curtis has a great start in the RealTime Acura NSX GT3. One lap, done and dusted. Patrick Long is opening a lead as Andy Soucek wants by Wolf Henzler, look. Down through turn three. Fall down into turn four, a quick turn, and into Moss corner again. The tires are about to hit their sweet spot as Patrick Long is dialed in, putting a big bunch of daylight between himself and Daniel Morad.

Miguel Molina has The Prancing Horse in third. Long changed to Wright Motorsport in 2016 and they swept the races here, that year. Plunging downhill again, back through Moss corner and back uphill again. Long is setting sail. Miguel Molina has all sorts of traffic behind him. Andy Soucek has pace in the Bentley. Morad tried hard to run on the outside at the start as we look at the replay. Something flew off a car right at the start. Not sure what it was or who it came from. Downforce is a big deal on these GT3 cars. Wolf Henzler is harrying Rodrigo Baptista at the moment, look. Andy Soucek is doing the same. He has to be patient as we are just six minutes into this race. Massive commitment into turn two, which is almost a double apex turn.

You just can't relax. If the car is on edge, it's a nightmare, a bugaboo to drive. The competition has started behind Patrick Long who is so far, on a Saturday afternoon cruise. Long's best lap time so far is 1:17.816. Wright Motorsports leads both the Pro and Am classes. Patrick Long overall and in Pro, and Anthony Imperato in Am. Daniel Morad has Rodrigo Baptista and Miguel Molina all over him, and similarly, Andy Soucek is applying the blowtorch to Wolf Henzler at this moment. Soucek is still in the role of the hound, as Wolf Henzler is the rabbit. Or, you can describe that as the shark swimming after the minnow.

They breathe the throttle through the last corner. GT3 cars are so good for the sweeping turns here at CTMP. Former driver Ron Fellows is now the owner/manager of this track. Fellows' son, started his career here this weekend in Porsche GT3 Cup Canada. Wolf Henzler has made a name for himself in World Challenge competition, and he won the first race he ever ran at the Sonoma Raceway in California, called Sears Point, back in the day. Am drivers start the first race if you have Pro Am lineup. Pat Long's lead has been cut back to under two seconds. Andy Soucek is still harrying Wolf Henzler up the Mario Andretti straight.

Patrick Long's lead is diminishinhg. He has the fast lap, but continues to be reeled in. Soucek is still frustrated by Henzler and Miguel Molina is applying the blowtorch to Daniel Morad as well, look. At 40 minutes, the pit widow will open. It's cold here in Canada, and so, the tires have just not been able to come up to temperature. Cold tires are a big deal. If you stay out on hot rubber, that's good. It's an advantage here, in the Canadian cold. K-PAX race strategist Thomas Blam are looking for an overcut or an undercut on the traffic depending on how their pit stops go. Blam mentions that it's harder for the Bentley boys to try and make a move on the other blokes they are racinng against here.

This is a game of high speed chess. No question. At the tail end of the field, well, further down the other, there are good battles as well. Bret Curtis, George Kurtz, Naoto Takeda in the Turner Motorsports BMW M6 GT3, and another Mercedes. Takeda is off the road to keep the car straight. Bret Curtis has been passed by both Till Bechtolsheimer and Martin Barkey, another Canadian. He is up into the top three in Pro Am at the moment. Curtis tweaked his back during practice, somehow, sharing with Dane Cameron of course. Curtis was scrunched into the car, and Dane Cameron, stretched out. Beinng scrunched into the car is a bit of a problem. But, when the adrenaline flows during the race, the boys just have to go for it.

Rodrigo Baptista is moving up to join the Morad/Molina scrap. Takeda has cut a right front tire. Dear me. He might be overheating. Takeda is also competinng in Blancpain GT Asia. Molina still chasing after Morad, and it's game over for the BMW. That motor is toasty with all the steam billowing out of the V8. Tons of grass is clogged innto the radiator inlet. Thwere's very little urgency, and it's game over for Turner Motorsports on their first race of the season. Takeda just becomes a giant lawnmower, packing grass into the radiator, overheating the BMW. How to make your M6 into an M5 and 3/4.

Miguel Molina is running very consistently as Daniel Morad sets his best lap of the race, in the 1:17.9 bracket. Baptista lowers that, for new fast lap at 1:17.792. Takeda might get back out for this race, and gets set for race two. Will Turnner's team will run three additional events in Blancpain GT World Challenge America in 2019. Takeda was scrapping hard with George Kurtz and David Askew. Miguel Molina is pushing Daniel Morad, as Patrick Long is whistling off into the distance. Patrick Long ran very well last year, but again, in 2016, he was very strong. Oh no! Patrick Lonng is slowing! He has a problem! The left rear tire is down, look.

Long is in the pit lane. What is the problem with the tire? It may be off the stub axle. Left rear. It needs a new tire. This is emergency service, but now, Patrick Long will be out of the picture for the time being. He has three hot tires. Daniel Morad now leads his home race. Miguel Molina in the Ferrari continues to push. Miguel Molina is flying, while Daniel Morad is fighting the handling on his Porsche. Trouble in paradise, too, for the #91 Wright Motorsports Porsche, Anthony Imperato at the wheel of it. We have a five car battle for the overall lead. Who will blink first on the early stops? The undercut, as it were. Don't go too far to the outside so you pick up clag on your tires.

There's a big bump through Moss corner right when you mash the throttle. The Pro Am boys will be in the lane soon, to get the Pro drivers into the cars in another 17 minutes. 57 minutes still on the board. Bret Curtis is off the pace. His sore back is taking it's toll. If you have a physical ailment, Mosport will be a very hard track to race at. Miguel Molina is still second, and he wants the lead before the pit window opens.; Daniel Morad, the Canadian, is fending off the challenge of the Ferrari. Wolf Henzler and Andy Soucek are also in this scrum. David Askew is about to be lapped by the leaders. Team boss John Wright says they had tires cut down on both cars in succession. They are not concerned it will happen again.

Molina swamps David Askew in the DXDT Mercedes. Morad is using more of the road throught turns nine and ten. Alegra Motorsports may be on the alert that their tires could be in trouble as well. Don't divulge performance secrets from your rival teams, but at least let them know about tire safety. Morad leads Molina, Baptista, Henzler, and Soucek. Till Bechtelsheimer leads Pro Am in the #5 Gradient Racing Acura. Molina still wants a bit of the apple, chasing Morad. Till Bechtolsheimer is British, but lives in New York. He does a lot of historic and vintage racing with old Allard's and cars like that from motor racing's great past, back in the days when the drivers were fat and the tires were skinny.

The Ferrari is more planted to the road than the Porsche as the pit window will open soon. Who blinks first? The Pro Am boys are going to hit the lane early. These boys are coming up on George Kurtz in the Crowdstrike Mercedes he is sharing with Colin Braun. Andy Soucek is fifth in the overall right now, chasing Wolf Henzler. The pit window is open. Any takers? Ah yes. Morad in the lane early, and Kurtz stays out. Rodrigo Baptista also in the lane. Martin Barkey turns the #80 Racer's Edge Acura NSX GT3 over to Kyle Marcelli. K-PAX struggles to get the tires on. That was not a good stop for the K-PAX blokes there.

Miguel Molina now into the race lead, look, as Baptista is also still on course. Bechtolsheimer in the lane for Gradient, turning the #5 Acura over to Marc Miller. Miguel Molina is still leading the motor race up the Andretti straightaway again. Molina will have to pull the pin to get away from Baptista. He has clear track, and has a very good Brazilian driver right behind him, Rodrigo Baptista sharing with Belgian Maxime Soulet. You run a risk by staying out if there is a Full Course Yellow. People who pit and stay on the lead lap end up behind you. But, the overcut has a big advantage.

Miguel Molina is going to press it one more lap. They could squeak it out one more lap, but that will be really squeaky at the moment. More like a squeaky wheel. The Ferrari hugs the road with an earlier entry into the corner while the Bentley slides through the middle of the turn as Molina gets loose through Moss corner! He saves it! Ferrari and Bentley both in the lane, with just 41 minutes on the board. Pit stop execution is crucial. Driver change for R. Ferri. Toni Vilander is now in the car. Stay calm. Go through your routine. Alvaro Parente is monstering Michael de Quesada as Toni Vilander and Maxime Soulet will both get the track position, but they will have no tire temperature.

de Quesada and Parente both have tire temperature. Soulet pinches de Quesada, Alvaro Parente has the advantage, but now it is team mate wars at K-PAX. Alvaro Parente vs. Rodrigo Baptista. Parente squares the corner. Check that, it's Soulet in the sister car. Maxime Soulet is washing out the front end on his Bentley. Meanwhile, Michael de Quesada is closing up on Toni Vilander. Toni Vilander's gap at the sharp end is stabilizing a bit. Maxime Soulet and Andy Soucek have their first race opportunities here at Mosport.

Parente had an amazing qualifying run for the race tomorrow. When he is on, Alvaro Parente is tough to beat. Michael de Quesada is running very well in the Alegra Porsche, the #24 car. Toni Vilander will start on the front row for tomorrow's race. Maxime Soulet is second. So, it is a Bentley 1-2 at the moment. Mosport is not the easiest track to pass on. That's for sure. Keep up the pressure. Vilander easing away from his rivals. Michael de Quesada is keeping Alvaro Parente at bay at the moment. Just over a half an hour left in the race. Marc Miller continues to lead Pro Am in the #5 Gradient Acura. Kyle Marcelli is pushing Miller, and Marcelli of course, has an identical machine, another Acura NSX GT3.

The Miller/Bechtolsheimer car underwent some setup changes, and they've done so. Kyle Marcelli is next in Pro Am. Marcelli is a wheel man, and you give him a chance for a victory, he'll grab it. Alvaro Parente continues closing in on Daniel Morad, and here comes Maxime Soulet as well, look. Cue the Jaws music. Soulet is the shark, while his team mate is the minnow. Toni Vilander runs wide! Yikes! Alex Riberas, in qualifying here, destroyed an R. Ferri Ferrari here, a couple years ago. Vilander way off the road into the gray area, the clag off the outside of the road! Yikes! Remo Ferri was a Ferrari tech in the 1970s racing here at Mosport with cars like the awesome 512S prototype.

The Bentley Boys continue battlig each other. Michael de Quesada has been running extremely well and fending off Parente. The gap between De Quesada and Parente has ballooned back out again. Once again, the Bentley Boys are after each other. Parente leading Soulet. The Morad/de Quesada duo has had good speed, but their luck just hasn't been there. It would be a great result for these two, in general, and not just because they are at their home speedway. The season is still young. Scott Hargrove has taken the #58 Wright Motorsports Porsche over from Patrick Long, fifth in the overall. This is Hargrove's home track, too. Marc Miller is being harried now by Kyle Marcelli, look. These two Acura driver's are chasing each other for position. Team boss John Morachi for Racer's Edge has been doing very well. Marc Miller is also a regular in Trans Am.

We're into the final 20 minutes as Maxime Soulet is all over Alvaro Parente like the proverbial el cheapo suito here. The body language of the Porsche just isn't as comfortable as the Bentley. The Porsche is fidgety while the Bentley is really compliant on the road, with their new Gen 2 car that K-PAX is now campaigning, compared to the Gen 1 Bentley from last year. Parente closes back up on de Quesada here, look. Marco Holzer is reporting he has a problem with a tire. No worries on the telemetry from the team. We'll have to watch this development. The sister Wright Porsche, now with Norway's Dennis Olsen at the wheel of it, is flying. Olsen is at his first race here at Mosport. That's what makes these GT3 races so great.

Michael de Quesada continues to keep Alvaro Parente at bay. Kyle Marcelli is closing up on Marc Miller. Martin Barkey has won at Mosport in GT4 as well. The cooler weather helps the tires. The #5 car is bounding over the curbs through Moss corner compared to the #80. Identical cars, handling completely differently right now. Marc Miller has won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GTE Am class. The Pro Am battle continues between the two Acura's. Miller leads over Marcelli as we are nearly done with this race. Third place is Colin Braun in the #04 DXDT Mercedes, followed by Ryan Dalziel in the sister #63 DXDT Mercedes, and Dane Cameron is next in the #43 RealTime Racing Acura NSX GT3.

The marginn has come down under 3.5 seconds between Toni Vilander and Michael de Quesada. Alvaro Parente knows he has to attack now, and Maxime Soulet will be right there too. Miller continues to get the best of Marcelli in the battle of the Acura's, and Miller is still having trouble into Moss corner. Ten minutes to go now. Parente is right on the tail of de Quesada in the Porsche. They plunge over the hill down into turn two. That's another diabolical turn on this course. Back in the day you had nothing but guardrail and trees when the Formula 1, Can Am, and Group C drivers drove here. Bentley on Porsche here, look. de Quesada will be hanging on by the skin of his teeth over Parente.

You have to fight to find the last hundredth of a second over your competition, flying through the forest here at Mosport. Parente creeps up on the Porsche another time as we have seven minutes left. Toni Vilander still has 3.5 seconds over Michael de Quesada. Clear sailing for the Prancing Horse? Maybe. Marc Miller and Kyle Marcelli, these two chaps continue to battle each other. Gradient vs. Racer's Edge. The tires chirp, and now, Parente is really trying to wrestle the spot away from Michael de Quesada. de Quesada takes the rim shot in turn two. He runs very wide, and two wheels will touch the curbs. Parente goes inside and some argy bargy, look. Maxime Soulet is back in it, look, as these two bloks are fighting, and here comes Parente, slamming the door in his face! Maxime Soulet wants the isndie, but no dice.

Trouble for Michael de Quesada? Yes! Right rear tire down on the Porsche! Jeepers creepers! R. Ferri is going to have a tough go of it in these last three minutes trying to keep the Bentley's behind. Vilander now leads by five seconds. He might just have this one in the bag. Two laps left to run. Then, Remo and the boys at R. Ferri can celebrate. If Parente hadn't been snookered by de Quesada, he could have given the Ferrari a run for it's money, and poor old de Quesada, you just have to feel for him after his stonking drive today. White flag out, for Toni Vilander and the R. Ferri Ferrari. One lap to go. Ferrari will gain in the global constructors championship. No further action from the stewards in the Parente/de Quesada fracas from earlier.

Once more through Moss corner, for the final time. Vilander has the lead over the Bentley boys. Toni Vilander and Miguel Molina have run a flawless race. Ferrari and R. Ferri win at home!
Marc Miller and Till Bectolsheimer win Pro Am for Gradient Acura! The Am class, despite the troubles the team had, is still won by the #96 Turner Motorsports BMW M6 GT3 in the hands of the Japanese duo of Takuya Shirisaka and Naoto Takeda, who normally race in Blancpain GT Asia competition.

Overall/Pro: #61 Molina/Vilander     R. Ferri Motorsports Ferrari 488 GT3

             Pro Am: #5 Bechtolsheimer/Miller   Gradient Racing Acura NSX GT3

             Am: #96 Shirasaka/Takeda   Turner Motorsport BMW M6 GT3

Tomorrow, race two beckons. Stay tuned for a full report on that one, as we take to the track at Mosport, once more. See you tomorrow. Good night, from Ontario, Canada, everyone.

pre-race news before Blancpain GT America at CTMP

Quick pre-race headlines before the Blancpain GT World Challenge series, and the GT3 monsters take to the track at Mosport.

Lally to Make Ferrari GT3 Debut at Sonoma
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt-america/lally-to-make-ferrari-gt3-debut-at-sonoma/

CTMP Weekend Notebook
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt-america/ctmp-weekend-notebook-2/

Pirelli GT4 America: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Race 1

Nolasport, with their Porsche Cayman GT4 in the hands of Matt Travis and Jason Hart, take race one honors at Mosport (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park).

Nolasport Claims GT4 SprintX Race 1 Victory in Canada
https://sportscar365.com/sro/gt4-america/nolasport-claims-gt4-sprintx-race-1-victory-in-canada/

Friday, May 17, 2019

Pirelli GT4 America news from CTMP

All the news from CTMP for Pirelli GT4 America. The first race of the weekend is underway, now, and when it is over, stay tuned for a highlights package.

Hindman Tops Combined GT4 Friday Practice
https://sportscar365.com/sro/gt4-america/brynjolfsson-tops-combined-gt4-friday-practice/

Fassnacht Hoping to Complete Sprint Season After VIR Sweep

https://sportscar365.com/sro/gt4-america/fassnacht-hoping-to-complete-sprint-season-after-vir-sweep/

Elghanyan Grabs First GT4 Sprint Pole of Season
https://sportscar365.com/sro/gt4-america/elghanayan-grabs-first-gt4-pole-of-season/

Fassnacht, Hindman Share GT4 SprintX Poles
https://sportscar365.com/sro/gt4-america/fassnacht-hindman-share-gt4-sprintx-poles/

Blancpain GT America Practice & Qualifying from CTMP

News from practice & qualifying before the Blancpain GT World Challenge races this weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport Park), in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada.

Pro-Am Wright Porsche Leads CTMP Thursday Practice

https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt-america/pro-am-wright-porsche-leads-ctmp-thursday-practice/

Vilander Quickest in CTMP Second Practice
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt-america/vilander-quickest-in-ctmp-second-practice/

Law: K-PAX Bentley Escaped VIR Fire With "Minimal" Damage

https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt-america/law-k-pax-bentley-escaped-vir-fire-with-minimal-damage/

Long, Parente Secure CTMP Poles for Wright, K-PAX
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt-america/long-parente-secure-ctmp-poles-for-wright-k-pax/

Stay tuned for a race report tomorrow, as the race begins at 1:10 P.M. Central Time, 2:10 P.M. Eastern Time. The GT4 America championship's first race is underway, now. Stay tuned for a brief summary of what happened, coming up later on this evening.

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Michelin Pilot Challenge: Mid Ohio

Mid Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Its round three of the Michelin Pilot Challenge.

The track today, is very wet. 2.25 miles, elevation changes, and it's easy to overdrive the corner. Get a drive into turn four. The esses are very narrow. One lane. Watch out for The Carousel. Kenton Koch and Tyler Cooke are on the pole aboard the #2 Audi R8. Tom O'Gorman wants a win for Honda at their home track. The race is underway now. The track is damp. There are weepers off turn two. The starting line is on the backstretch. Jesse Lazare vs. Kenton Koch on the front row. Audi vs. McLaren! Go! Big move by Nate Stacy in the KohR Ford Mustang. Tiptoe through the damp. It's been cool and wet. Alan Brynjolfson makes a big move in the Porsche Cayman, the Volt Lighting car.

Kenton Koch leads Jesse Lazare and Paul Holton. Compass360 debuted their GT Daytona McLaren in the WeatherTech race. The sand trap is a mud bog right now. Tons of rain has fallen before this race began. Kenton Koch, Jesse Lazare, Robby Foley, Jeff Mosing, they are all in it. Nate Stacy and James clay battle. Stacy in the Mustang gets past the BMW. Robby Foley is harrying Russell ward as the #71 Frank DePew driven Chevrolet Camaro, and he spins it, look. He shares with veteran Robin Liddell. Now, we still are watching Jesse Lazare chasing Kenton Koch as we are under Full Course Yellow. We expected a yellow this early in the motor race due to the conditions out there.

Rebel Rock Racing, rescued. The safety car lights are off. Kenton Koch, is in the pound seats at the moment but here comes jesse Lazaere and here comes Paul Holtom, look. The McLaren's can fly when they drop the hammer. The McLaren's have lost weight and have a new ECU since the most recent race at Sebring back in March. Holtom is all over Jesse Lazare like a cheap suit. Holton has been going from strength to strength. Just amazing. The track has been a tad dry, but still damp. Go stiffer on the suspension, just a little bit.

Keep an eye on the amount of mud and clag getting onto the road. Clean your tires. Kenton Koch had trouble with that on the restart. Chad Gilsinger is second to Brian Henderson in TCR at the moment. The Atlanta Speedworks Honda leads the HART Honda, who have been in racing now for 30 years. Congratulation. Shelby Blackstock and Tom O'Gorman want the hat trick for the #37 LA Honda World Honda Civic TCR. Robby Foley, James Clay, and Nate Stacy have been all over Russell Ward who is the first driver in the #33 Winward/HTP Mercedes AMG GT4 he shares with Indy Dontje.

Holton is in the danger zone as he's trying Jesse Lazare. The Hyundai has moved up to third in TCR, look. Mark Wilkins calls the Hyundai a "corner rascal", and indeed it is, because he is all over the Honda of Shelby Blackstock. Good racing so far. Mark Wilkins shares the #98 BHA Hyundai Veloster with Michael Lewis. We are just 20 minutes into this race and the TCR cars are battling Grand Sport/GT4 cars. Shelby Blackstock passes Jade Buford, in the PF Racing Ford Mustang he shares with James Pesek. Now, Mason Filipi is having hood issues on his Veloster, the #21 car Mason Filipi is sharing with Harry Gottsacker. He hits the poit lane to fix the bonnet. He has also run really well in the TCR class of another championship.

Get within your pit window, but don't go down a lap. Mason Filippi might lose a lap. Nate Stacy, defending champion of this race, he jumped the original start of this race. Alan Brynjolfson got a good start, but Stacy may have pulled out of line and made it three deep. Jesse Lazare leads aboard the #69 Motorsport in Action McLaren, coming up on Frank DePew in the Camaro as Shelby Blackstock is 21st in the overall, leading TCR. That's Honda Civic TCR #37. We have our second yellow flag as a car is off the road. Bryce Ward slides across the grass in his Mercedes AMG GT4. Jesse Lazare is in the lane for fuel ands tires. No driver changes yet.

We are 1/4 into this race. A tech problem for the #46 Mercedes AMG GT4 of Owen Trinkler and Hugh Plumb, the Team TGM car. Kenton Koch, Robby Foley, James Clay. and more didn't pit as James Clay wants by Foley. Tyler McQuarrie and Jeff Westphal won at Sebring and they are competitive here, too. Clay tries foley and foley nearly slams the door in his face! Jeff Mosing is coming in the #56 Mercedes AMG GT4, the Murillo car. Chad Gilsinger makes contact with Ted Giovanis and Giovanis is off the track.

All the TCR cars are on a heavier weight limit except for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCR. We have a third Full Course Yellow, chaps, to rescue Ted Giovanis sharing his TGM Mercedes with Guy Cosmo. We are set to race here at Mid Ohio once more. Green flag back in the air. Kenton Koch, James Clay, Robby Foley, James Clay, the top four. Gavin Ernstone and Ryan Nash battle in TCR. Ryan Nash also makes contact with Chad gilsinger, as Tyler McQuarrie passes Robby Foley. In pit lane, Henry Schmitt hands his BMW M4 GT4 over to Greg Liefooghe. Kenton Koch is still leading. He won in Mazda MX5 Cup here at Mid Ohio. Off the road is the #40 PF Racing Mustang, James Pesek at the wheel of it, gets nudged by the #59 Ford Mustang. Rod Randall snuck up on Pesek, and, whack!

Big damage, look, for the #40, the pink car. Shelby Blackstock is hounding Mark Wilkins, stuck behind the #31 Porsche Cayman GT4, of Jeff Courtney and Fred Roberts, the Bodymotion Racing Porsche Cayman GT4. Courtney ran a Maserati GT4 car before, sans the ABS. Kenton Koch still leads, with pit stops to come. We are close to halfway through the motor race, and rain is moving in. This motor race is about to get spicy. James Clay still has Tyler McQuarry right on his six. Jesse Lazare is languishing down in eighth even after his pit stop. McQuarrie still can't make the move. Tyler McQuarrie recently ran an off road race. Keep an eye on the sky. Kenton Koch is frustrated with Greg Liefooghe, but Liefooghe isn't giving an inch.

Ditto for Tyler McQuarrie trying to press by another of the BMW's. The sprinkles are increasing. The #75 Compass Racing McLaren is behind the wall. Paul Holton and Kuno Wittmer, game over for those blokes. Wet tires could come out for the cars in the last hour of this motor race. NBC Sports' Calvin Fish says Mid Ohio is an ice rink in the rain, as he was a driving instructor here at this track during his career. James Clay is holding off Tyler McQuarrie, but McQuarrie, he isn't giving up by any stretch of the imagination.

Another Full Course Yellow! Jeff Mosing has taken his turn on the waterslide, spinning off the road trying to power past the Rebel Rock Camaro. Poor old Jeff Mosing is off in the puddle and it looks like game over. James Vance has slid off the road, driving out of the way due to a tech problem. Vance and Nick Galante, share the car. It's still misting out there. Tires will be a big deal as we close in on the finish of this race with less than 55 minutes left. It is not wet enough for rain tires. Keep the slicks. #2 in the lane, as Tyler Cooke gets into the car. Different spelling, no relation. Devin Jones takes the #82 BMW M4 GT4 over from James Clay.

Jones will push the Bimmerworld car to the end. They are going for rain tires. But, if it's half dry, those rain tires will be toast. GS cars come in first, then TCR cars. Back time it to the end. Michael Lewis will take over the Hyundai from Mark Wilkins, and Tom O'Gorman taking over from Shelby Blackstock. Chad Gilsinger is handing his HART Honda Civic TCR to Ryan Eversley. Slicks for the Hyundai Veloster, Michael Lewis taking over and he is now at the wheel of it, on slicks, with Phil Howard and John Ward on team management. Argy bargy for Chad Gilsinger, and it shows on the side of the automobile.

Jesse Lazare is in the lane and Corey Fergus, are in the pits and Fergus is now at the wheel. He has come to Mid Ohio, since he was a babe in arms at eight days old. 46 minutes left now. Mark Wilkins' late father, Greg, was a star in a Porsche in Michelin Pilot Challenge, several years ago. Rain on the road. How severe will it get? Less than 45 minutes to go as we head for a restart. go for wet tires! How about that! James Clay and Devin Jones, they will be in the pound seats. Trent Hindman leads Dylan Murry. Porsche Cayman GT4 vs. Mercedes AMG GT4. Michael Lewis is hanging tough on slick tires.

Jon Morley in the #61 Audi RS3 TCR is running really well. The race track has not been lost to the rain yet. Tom O'Gorman is chasing Michael Lewis. O'Gorman is going for the hat trick with Shelby Blackstock. On the outside, don't hang a wheel off in the grass, or you will wreck. Eversley is off the road, look. He is trying his best to run outside the line to avoid the oil in the track surface. Too much speed for Eversley. John Morley is cutting through the TCR field like a hot knife through butter. He is the co-driver with Gavin Ernstone. Trent Hindman leads the motor race in the #7 Park Place Motorsports Volt Lighting Porsche Cayman GT4 with just 35 minutes left to race.

Rain is still falling, but not enough for full wets. Hindman runs a 1:31.7, and Kyle Marcelli in the #60 Mustang is down in the 1:37 bracket on slicks, Nate Stacy's co-driver. James Clay says that Devin Jones is flying, and with their tire strategy, they may be in the driver's seat. Super ugly argy bargy between the #12 Audi now in the hands of Russell McDonough. Devin Jones can't get the power down on the slick tires. The TGM Mercedes is back on track now. It is far from game over for Joe Varde and that team. The Mark Motors Racing Audi RS3 has also been in the TCR fight. Marco Cirone and Remo Ruscitti sharing the car.

Under 27 minutes to go, and Trent Hindman is still your leader as Bill Auberlen has changed over to slick Michelin tires. Matt Pombo, second in TCR has slid off the road, chasing michael lewis. In replay, he drops rthe righrt side wheels at turn one, spins, and... bang, into the wall. Pombo didn't have too big a smash into the wall. He will have a little damage, but might get back into the race. Honda reps from all three plants are here, after 45 years of racing the Honda Civic, since 1974. Poor old Tom O'Gorman might be busting up his tires. Harry Gottsacker in the Hyundai, second in TCR, he has a fuel issue. Shut down the electronics and restart them again to run at full power, much like powering down your computer at home.

Sixteen minutes to go, as Dylan Murry wants to take the fight to trent jindman, and here comes murry. No dice. Go back inside? Maybe. Murry has to run wide and square off the corner. hindman leads the motor race with just 15 minutes remaining now. Here comes Eric Foss in the Murillo Mercedes to get a lap back, and Robin Liddell is moving up having taken over from Frank DePew. Rain intensifying. Michael Lewis gets passed by Harry Gottsacker. Remo Rusciti and John Morley are also in the fight in TCR. Remo Ruscitti has been flying. TCR cars are stuck behiund the GT4 machines, the Grand Sport class.

Gottsacker defends from Ruscitti and here comes Lewis! No lane there, and ruscitti is in the TCR lead! John Morley is also in this fight. This is great stuff here, mate. Lewis gets a run on remo ruscitti. Wow. He makes a pass at The Carousel as we hace our sixth Full Course Yellow. Stephen Simpson is off the road in the #54 JDC-Miller Motorsports Audi RS3 LMS TCR. Less then ten minutes to go now as the safety crew rescues the Audi. Trent Hindman, Dylan Murry, and Jeff Westphal, are still your top three in Grand Sport/GT4 as the end of this race draws near.

Green flag out again. Trent Hindman is flying. Mike Lewis is back in the lead in TCR now. He has pulled a gap on Remo Ruscitti. John Morley is pushing his way past to try and get to the front of TCR along with co-driver Gavin Ermstone. The track is drying. Lewis has found a rhythm. Lewis needs to clear the GS traffic. They clear Greg Liefooghe. TCR cars, these blokes are passing the GS boys art will. Ruscitti tries to block and here comes John Morley! Can Morley hang on over Ruscitti? Nope. Ruscitti goes back under lewis and lewis has to push to get back past the Audi as they round up the McLaren, gapping Morley in the Audi.

Jade Buford has been playing catch up aboard the PF Racing Mustang and Kenny Wilden is finishing the race in the #59 Kohr Racing Mustang. Less than a minute, one lap to go as Lewis passes Rusciiti, and Ruscitti was blocked by Kenny Wilden! Wilden has to give way! Morley and Ruscitti resume their battle. Trent Hindman is going to win this race overall. Bryan Herta's teenage son Colton has won in IndyCar, and now, his team will win with Hyundai in Michelin Pilot Challenge. Park Place Porsche and Trent Hindman, and Alan Brynjolfson win!

TCR not over yet and rusciutti gets turned by Morley as Hyundai wins TCR, Michael Lewis and Mark Wilkins!

Overall/GS: #7 Brynjolffson/Hindman Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport
TCR: #98 Wilkins/Lewis Hyundai Veloster N TCR

The next round of the championship for Michelin Pilot Challenge, is at Watkins Glen International Raceway, in upstate New York, in late June.

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Michelin Pilot Challenge news before Mid-Ohio

Pre-race news before the Michelin Pilot Challenge cars take to the track at Mid Ohio.

McLaren GT4, TCR Field Undergo BoP Reset Ahead of Mid-Ohio
https://sportscar365.com/imsa/impc/mclaren-gt4-tcr-field-undergo-bop-reset-ahead-of-mid-ohio/

Bodymotion, JCR Team Up for Porsche GT4 Entry
https://sportscar365.com/imsa/impc/bodymotion-jcr-team-up-for-porsche-gt4-entry/

Points-Leading Honda TCR Car to Debut Throwback Livery
https://sportscar365.com/imsa/impc/points-leading-honda-tcr-to-run-throwback-livery/

Wilden, KohR Mustang GT4 Quickest on Friday at Mid-Ohio
https://sportscar365.com/imsa/impc/wilden-kohr-mustang-gt4-quickest-on-friday-at-mid-ohio/

Koch Claims GS Pole; Gilsinger Quickest Overall in Qualifying
https://sportscar365.com/imsa/impc/koch-claims-gs-pole-gilsinger-quickest-overall/

Blancpain GT America stories

A couple of stories from Blancpain GT America, headed for their race on Victoria Day this weekend, at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Turner Set for Four-Race BMW GT3 Program
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt-america/turner-set-for-four-race-bmw-gt3-program/

GT World Challenge Entry Sees Further Decline for CTMP
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt-america/gt3-entry-sees-further-drop-for-ctmp/

Blancpain GT Europe news

Some brief news from Blancpain GT Europe, including the latest Double Stint podcast.

Sanna: Lamborghini Popularity an "Important Achievement"
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt/sanna-proud-of-lamborghini-popularity-in-endurance-cup/

Double Stint: Weekend Recap; Gar Robinson Interview (5-14-19)
https://sportscar365.com/podcasts/double-stint/double-stint-weekend-recap-gar-robinson-interview/

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Full 24H Le Mans Entry List Released

Full 62-car entry list for the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans issued, plus Test Day runners...

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/full-24h-le-mans-entry-list-released/

FIA WEC news

More FIA WEC news as we prepare, in a month's time, for the finale of the "Super Season", yet another edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

High Class LMP2 Squad Signs Beche for Le Mans
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/high-class-lmp2-squad-signs-beche-for-le-mans/

Keating Not Ruling Out Additional Ford GT Outings
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/keating-not-ruling-out-additional-ford-gt-outings/

BMW Sets Le Mans Lineups
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/bmw-confirms-le-mans-lineups/

Princess Charlene of Monaco Named 24H Le Mans Starter
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/princess-charlene-of-monaco-named-24h-le-mans-starter/

Moore Completes Inter Europol 24H Le Mans Lineup
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/moore-completes-inter-europol-24h-le-mans-lineup/

Clearwater Set for "Total Pause" After Le Mans
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/clearwater-set-for-total-pause-after-le-mans/

James Calado's latest column, looking back at the snowy 6 Hours of Spa.

CALADO: Four Season in One Day
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/calado-four-seasons-in-one-day/

Weekly Racing Roundup (5-13-19)

Reports from ELMS support series at Monza plus news and notes from the sports car world...

https://sportscar365.com/features/roundup/weekly-racing-roundup-5-13-19/

post-race Blancpain GT Europe news after Silverstone

All the post-race Blancpain GT Europe news after Silverstone.

Rigon Takes SMP Ferrari to Blancpain GT Win at Silverstone
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt/rigon-takes-smp-ferrari-to-blancpain-gt-win-at-silverstone/

Rigon “Didn’t Expect” to Break Six-Year Ferrari Win Drought
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt/rigon-didnt-expect-to-break-six-year-ferrari-win-draught/

Silverstone Post-Race Notebook
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt/silverstone-post-race-notebook-5/

Monday, May 13, 2019

Blancpain GT Europe: Round 2, Silverstone, England

Relive the drama and excitement of the second race of the 2019 Blancpain GT Europe Endurance Series, at the famed Silverstone Circuit in Silverstone, England, this past weekend. We join commentators David Addison and John Watson, for all the action.

Spoiler Alert: Ferrari wins at Silverstone, as Ferrari and the Russian team SMP Racing, are your winners. The #72 SMP Racing Ferrari 488 GT3 of Davide Rigon, Mikhail Aleshin, and Miguel Molina, win the race. Honors in the Silver Cup go to the first of the GRT Grasser Lamborghini entries, the #19 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 shared by Lucas Mauron of Switzerland, Arno Santamato of France, and Austrian, Gerhard Tweraser. In the Pro Am division, it's the #74 RAM Racing Mercedes AMG GT3 of the duo of Tom Onslow-Cole from England, (the veteran touring car and GT racer), sharing with Dutchman Remon Vos.

Just as they did at Monza, Barwell Motorsport dominates the Am category with their #77 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 in the hands of Adrian Amstutz of Switzerland, Leo Machitski from Russia, and Portugal's Miguel Ramos.

Overall/Pro: #72 Rigon/Aleshin/Molina     SMP Racing Ferrari 488 GT3

             Silver Cup: #19 Mauron/Santamato/Tweraser     GRT Grasser Racing Team
                                                                                           Lamborghini Huracan GT3

             Pro Am: #74 Onslow-Cole/Vos     Ram Racing Mercedes AMG GT3

            Am: #77 Amstutz/Machitski/Ramos   Barwell Motorsports Lamborghini Huracan GT3

The next Endurance race for the Blancpain GT Series is the 1,000 Kilometer or 6 hour event at Le Castellet, the Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track in Le Castellet, in the south of France, in about three weeks, on the 1st of June. We'll see you then, for more GT3 racing action.

Sunday, May 12, 2019

pre-race Blancpain GT news from Silverstone

The race for Blancpain GT Europe, from Silverstone, for the Endurance Cup, starts soon, and so, here is the latest news before the drivers get down to business on the legendary circuit.

Largely Unchanged 48-Car Entry List For Silverstone
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt/largely-unchanged-48-car-entry-list-for-silverstone/

Pepper Puts Bentley on Top in Free Practice
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt/pepper-puts-bentley-on-top-in-silverstone-free-practice/

Bortolotti, Grasser Quickest In Silverstone Pre-Qualifying
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt/bortolotti-grasser-quickest-in-silverstone-pre-qualifying/

Grasser Scores Pole at Silverstone, Rivals at Back of Grid
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt/grasser-scores-pole-at-silverstone-rivals-at-back-of-grid/

Silverstone Weekend Notebook
https://sportscar365.com/sro/blancpain-gt/silverstone-weekend-notebook-3/

Watch the race live, on the GTWorld YouTube channel, or, if you have the Motor Trend app installed on a mobile device.