As How many licks does it take, Oh Never Mind!
Originally wasn’t planning on getting so
carried away. But like I said, what does an Open Wheel Racing Blogger do in the
dead ‘O winter, eh? When Thars’ nothing but Pigskin games dominating the
Airwaves, Spew!
GTD
Pro
(1) Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo: Heart of
Racing, No. 007
(2) BMW M4 GT3 Evo: Paul Miller Racing, Nos 1 and
48
(3) Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Corvette
Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsport, Nos 3 and 4; Trackhouse by TF Sport, No. 91
(1) Ferrari 296 GT3: DragonSpeed, No. 81
(2) Ford Mustang GT3: Ford Multimatic
Motorsports, Nos 64 and 65
(1) Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo 2: Pfaff
Motorsports, No. 9
(1) Lexus RC F GT3: Vasser Sullivan Racing, No.
14
(2) Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo: GetSpeed, No. 69; 75
Express, No. 75
(2) Porsche 911 GT3 R: Proton Competition, No.
20; AO Racing, No. 77
The Heart of Racing team is presumably using
the Rolex 24 as a tune-up for the debut of its Bigger Brother GTP Valkyrie at
Sebring. As Roman De Angelis, Ross Gunn, Alex Riberas and Marco Sorensen will
pilot the “bond” mobile at Daytona. Whilst Arse-suming that De Angelis, Gunn
and Riberas will become the Valkyrie’s chauffeurs beginning at Sebring.
Corvette is typically strong at Daytona, and
returns with its typical solid, veteran lineups. As the No. 3 has Antonio
Garcia, Daniel Juncadella and Alexander Sims in the cockpit. While the Seester’
No. 4 see’s Tommy Milner, Nicky Catsburg and Nico Varrone at its controls.
Pfaff Motorsports has dropped its Mclaren in
favour of becoming Lamborghini’s new de facto Werks’ team. With Andrea
Caldarelli, Marco Mapelli and Jordan Pepper at the keyboard. While thee Mayor
‘O Hinchtown, aka James Hinchcliffe joins the team at Daytona, and perhaps the
other endurance rounds a la last season?
Proton Competition has a stout lineup with
Matteo Cressoni, Richard Lietz, Thomas Preining and Claudio Schiavoni. And the
Porsche’s tried ‘n tested 911 Panzerwagens should never be counted out, Ja Volt!
Whilst defending GTD Pro Drivers Champion Laurin
Heinrich returns to the#77 AO Racing Porsche 911, and obviously will be looking
to defend His title. As will we see Rexi-the-Dragon joining Spike at Daytona?
Naturally I’ll be rootin’ for the Mustangs.
With Rocky’, aka Mike Rockenfeller, Sebastian Priaulx and Ben Barker originally
in the No. 64 Steed. With Christopher Mies, Dennis Olsen and Frederic Vervicsh
in the No. 65 Stablemate.
Before
learning on January 7th that Barker’s been replaced by Day-Toner- 500 winner
Austin Cindric. After Ben broke His collarbone during a skiing accident. Being
ten years since Cindric made His debut at Daytona for Miltimatic in a Mustang
in the Michelin Pilot Challenge…
DragonSpeed will partner with Risi Competizione
for this year’s IMSA GTD season, while Risi isn’t expected to compete this
year. But will provide technical support to DragonSpeed, with Risi
Competizione’s #62 Ferrari 296 GT3 winning last year’s Rolex 24 GTD Pro category.
DragonSpeed’s drivers lineup is power-packed,
featuring Miguel Molina, Thomas Neubauer, Albert Costa and Davide Rigon at the
wheel.
Rigon is the only holdover from last year’s GTD
Pro winning No. 62 Risi competizione entry. While Molina won the 24 Heurs du
Mans outright last year in the #50 AF Corse Ferrari 499P. And Costa was part of
the Petit Le Mans winning Conquest Racing #34 GT Daytona entry…
While the No. 91 Vette’ has an All Star lineup which many IndyCar and NASCAR Fans will be paying Attenzione to . Which I’ll cover in another of my never ending Rolex 24 previews…
