Unleashing Speed: Corvette Racing's Dazzling Performance at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Photo Credit: Richard Prince for Corvette Racing

BOWMANVILLE, Ontario, Canada – In the thrilling world of motorsport, few things compare to the unmatched velocity and precision exemplified by Corvette Racing. At the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) on July 13, 2024, racing-qualifying-the-glen-sims-catsburg-2024">Alexander Sims seized the day by clinching his inaugural pole position of the season with an extraordinary lap in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R. This marks the third pole position of the year for the iconic Corvette in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, showcasing the potent blend of engineering excellence and driving prowess.

Sims didn’t just claim pole; he shattered the GTD PRO track record during the fiercely competitive qualifying session. With a blistering lap time of 1:14.373 (119.027 mph), Sims' performance nearly bested the previous record by an impressive seven-tenths of a second. This remarkable display of speed and control comes on the heels of a commendable third-place finish at Watkins Glen, setting the stage for a race where expectations are sky-high.

Behind Sims, teammate Antonio Garcia is brimming with ambition for this weekend's race. Their collective goal is to secure the first GTD PRO victory for the first-year Z06 GT3.R. Historically, CTMP has been a stronghold for Corvette Racing, yielding 12 class victories over the years. Recently, the track was a stage for Garcia’s triumph last year in a Corvette C8.R, and the team hopes the trend of success continues during this event.

Tommy Milner secured a solid third place in GTD PRO during qualifying, clocking a best lap of 1:15.105 (117.866 mph) in the No. 4 Corvette Z06 GT3.R. Milner’s drive, along with teammate Nicky Catsburg, reflects determination as they strive to improve their podium finishes for the year. The strategic element of their race, characterized by calculated decisions, is accentuated by the unique challenges presented by the CTMP circuit, known for its high-speed corners that demand both skill and bravery.

Corvette Racing's season thus far can be described as a mix of ups and downs, but one thing remains constant: their drive for excellence. In the GTD category, AWA’s Orey Fidani qualified 11th in class during his home race, signifying a promising path forward for his team. Fidani has experienced a productive run, securing top-10 finishes in three of the last four races. His aspiration to enhance his standing in the Bob Akin Award, a coveted accolade for Bronze drivers, drives the team towards a strong performance.

As the Chevrolet Grand Prix approaches, fans from near and far are buzzing in anticipation. The race will kick off at 11:05 a.m. ET on Sunday, July 14, and can be viewed live on the USA Network, as well as streamed on Peacock for U.S. audiences, with internationale coverage available at IMSA.com. The call of the race will also be available via IMSA Radio, XM 206, and SiriusXM Online 996, ensuring a broad audience can experience this thrilling event.

Insights from the Drivers

ALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R

Reflecting on his record-setting lap, Sims expressed, “Moments like that with the car around Canadian Tire Motorsport Park – which is an incredible circuit that I absolutely love – with low fuel and new tires… it was a real blast.” He attributes the success to a combination of hard work from the entire Pratt Miller team and the proper adjustments made during practice. Sims added, “It’s lovely to have the fan support that we do. It’s really incredible...” underscoring the emotional connection drivers share with their supporters.

TOMMY MILNER, NO. 4 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R

Milner provided insights into his qualifying strategy: “Our starting spot is good…this will be a strategy race, for sure. It’s hard to pass here…” highlighting the tactical nuances needed to excel on such an aero-centric track.

OREY FIDANI, NO. 13 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R

Fidani, qualifying 11th, expressed optimism about his home track performance, stating, “The car’s handling was superb, and the team did an excellent job… we are ready to give it our all.”

As the engines roar and the races unfold, Corvette Racing stands prepared for another exciting display of skill, engineering, and the relentless pursuit of victory.

Source: CorvetteRacing.com

Related:

• Corvette Racing at Brazil: Fourth Row Start for No. 81 Z06 GT3.R
• Corvette Racing at CTMP: On the Doorstep?
• Corvette Racing at Brazil: High Hopes Heading to Interlagos

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