Robert Wickens impresses in GTD qualifying at Lengthy Seashore

Robert Wickens practically pulled off an exceptional GTD pole run in qualifying for the Acura Grand Prix of Lengthy Seashore.

UPDATE: The pole-sitting #89 Vasser Sullivan was discovered to have a floor clearance violation in post-qualifying inspection, sending the Lexus to the rear of the grid. Which means DXDT Racing and Wickens inherit the pole place. This story was written earlier than technical inspection

The Canadian, who contests IMSA’s dash rounds with DXDT Racing’s #36 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, took the highest spot with underneath a minute remaining however was relegated to second within the closing moments by Vasser Sullivan’s Frankie Montecalvo. The outcome, which was 0.151s behind the 1m18.411s by Montecalvo, continues to be spectacular, particularly contemplating Wickens hadn’t been behind the wheel of a race automobile since final August at Virginia Worldwide Raceway.

“We have been having some radio points right here and there so I heard I went P1 on the checkered,” stated Wickens, 37.

“After which I did not hear something for the remainder of the lap due to the static. However yeah, P2 is alright! As quickly as I heard that I missed it by a tenth, I knew precisely the place I might have discovered that to snag P1. DXDT Racing offers me a great racecar, and the Corvette Z06 GT3.R is a dream round right here. Dwelling a great life!”

The tempo additionally reveals how comfy Wickens is already regardless of how lengthy it had been behind the wheel of a race automobile.

“It has been a steep studying curve,” Wickens stated. “Satirically, I felt extra ready final yr though it was my debut within the sequence. This group is so robust. Mason (Filippi, co-driver) has been doing an incredible job getting me up to the mark. It is a full group effort right here. Hopefully we are able to play from P2 and attempt to get a podium.”

There may be some extra satisfaction with the outcome, although, contemplating the chaos of final yr’s qualifying outing on the 1.968-mile, 11-turn momentary avenue circuit, the place he began the weekend off robust however was left ending fifteenth at school.

“A little bit of a redemption from final yr, even making it by means of FP2 and having a clear weekend this yr in comparison with final. DXDT Racing and Corvette Racing are doing an incredible job,” Wickens stated.

“The automobile is so good to drive. After I heard I missed it by a tenth (of a second), you instantly know as a driver the place you could possibly have discovered it. It’s a great downside to have. We had the gear to place it on the pole immediately. Hopefully with somewhat extra expertise, I can get somewhat extra from the automobile and from the hand management system from Bosch. Going into this weekend, if you happen to instructed me I’d be on the entrance row, I might have taken it.”

Images from Lengthy Seashore – Friday

#10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V-Series.R: Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque, Ross Gunn