Why Corvette Racing's COTA Performance Has Fans Buzzing Ahead of the Lone Star Le Mans
Photo Credit: TF Sport
AUSTIN, Texas (August 31, 2024) – The excitement at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) was palpable as Corvette Racing’s No. 81 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R secured a promising start position for the highly anticipated Lone Star Le Mans race. The 3.4-mile, 20-turn circuit, known for its challenging layout, will host the FIA World Endurance Championship’s only American race this season, and Corvette fans are eager to see their favorite team in action.
Helmed by driver Tom Van Rompuy, who qualified fifth, the No. 81 Corvette displayed remarkable speed, clocking in at 2:06.287 (97.680 mph) during an intensely competitive Hyperpole session. The session proved to be a nail-biter, with the Corvette just a mere 0.7 seconds away from pole position, underscoring the level of competition in the LMGT3 class. Van Rompuy’s performance is nothing short of exceptional, as this marks his fourth Hyperpole appearance this season, showcasing a consistent display of talent and potential.
Meanwhile, the No. 82 Corvette Z06 GT3.R, driven by Hiroshi Koizumi, finished just outside the Hyperpole contention with a lap time of 2:07.328 (96.872 mph). Although the time positioned him outside the top-10, it was nonetheless the best starting spot for Koizumi, alongside co-drivers Sebastien Baud and Corvette factory driver Daniel Juncadella, since their season opener in Qatar. This promising performance reflects the team's gradual improvement as they gear up for a strong showing at COTA.
In preparation for this critical race, both Corvette teams showcased their prowess during the practice sessions leading up to the event. Notably, during the first practice, both Z06 GT3.Rs finished in the top-five, with Juncadella clocking the fastest time in both Friday’s second session and Saturday’s final practice. This solid performance established TF Sport’s first-ever 1-2 result in a WEC session this year, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming race.
It’s worth mentioning that the Corvette Z06 GT3.R had previously raced at COTA during this season, where DXT Racing dominated both rounds of the GT World Challenge America series. The engineers capitalized on the data gathered from that experience, further refining their setup for the LT3 class and utilizing Chevrolet’s Driver in the Loop simulator for performance predictions.
The atmosphere during this race weekend is particularly electric as it marks the first FIA WEC race at COTA since 2020—the mid-engine Corvette C8.R made its championship debut at that event. The heritage and legacy of Corvette Racing in America resonate deeply, making this weekend extra special for both the team and its legion of devoted fans.
In a delightful prelude to the race, drivers Juncadella and Eastwood engaged with the vibrant culture of Austin, enjoying visits to some of the city’s iconic landmarks while cruising in a Corvette Z06 production car. This connection to Americana is not just about racing; it’s about embracing the spirit of the brand that has persevered through decades and evolved into a beacon of high-performance engineering.
The Lone Star Le Mans race is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. CT on Sunday, September 1, and fans can catch all the action live on MotorTrend TV, with streaming also available on the FIA WEC app and the MAX app in the U.S. Radio Le Mans will provide audio coverage, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of this exhilarating event.
Driver Insights from TF Sport
Reflecting on the qualifying performance, Tom Van Rompuy expressed a slight disappointment at not clinching a higher position: “From my side, qualifying was a little disappointing because we had a really strong car. There’s a lot of potential for a podium finish tomorrow. Now it's all about consolidating our strengths for a strong race.”
Charlie Eastwood echoed the optimism, stating their strong starting position offers a glimpse of their potential: “We just need to put it all together. We’re probably in the best position we have been in for a while.”
Hiroshi Koizumi spoke about the tight margins at Hyperpole and the focus needed for the race: “It is the closest I have been to Hyperpole. I know I can clean up my laps tomorrow.”
As fans gear up for an exciting race day, the anticipation for a gripping showdown on the track is palpable. With a blend of skill, strategy, and sheer speed, the Corvette Racing team is primed for an unforgettable performance at their home track.
Sources:
CorvetteRacing.com
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