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This has been far to sad a day to be happy, but satisfaction is certainly in order as both Zip Porsche GT3R's are ready to go for tomorrow's Nextel 250.
Rolling out for a late day 45 minute practice, Spencer quickly found the groove on a set of Daytona scrubs, and rolled off a number of quick ones. Driver changing at race pace, Steve Ivankovich put in a steady session, despite the frustration of traffic "like the New Jersey Turnpike". To paraphase one of his complaints, what power on earth could induce someone to brake on the banking? The story of the day has to be 35's making it out onto the racing surface with a lttle more than 10 minutes to spare. Greg Fordahl quietly put the jigsaw puzzle back together, and Randy Pobst methodically tested the limits of the rebuilt car. Despite some quirks like a steering wheel that was off center, and a different handling characteristic on the right and left corners, the car is running and in the show. A plucky Kim Hiskey got in a few laps before the end of the session and regained her racing form. Because of the lengthy delay caused by the unfortunate incident this morning qualifying was cancelled. The cars will be gridded by TOP points, with the 35 car starting 4th in GT (on the 5th row) and the 34 paying the price for its Daytona breakdown, and starting 9th in GT (11th row). The race is a long one, and both the cars and the drivers are capable of a fine race. A podium finish (dare we even hope for a double?) is within reach. dlm |