Will Corvette Racing Dominate at Canada’s Most Historic Track?
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Photo Credit: Richard Prince for Corvette Racing
Chevrolet Grand Prix offers up strong chance for Z06 GT3.R’s first IMSA win
Corvette Racing: Back on Familiar Grounds
DETROIT (July 9, 2024) - With the Chevrolet Grand Prix heading to the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), affectionately known as Mosport, Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports and AWA teams embark on a weekend that could serve as the launchpad for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s first IMSA victory north of the border. The historic 2.459-mile, 10-turn circuit has historically been a stronghold for Corvettes, boasting 12 class victories, including last year’s triumph by Antonio Garcia in a Corvette C8.R.
This year’s Chevrolet Grand Prix will see three first-year Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs taking to the track: No. 3 and No. 4 from factory-supported Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports in GTD PRO, and the No. 13 customer entry for AWA, which will race its home track in a Corvette for the first time. The drivers are:
- Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims in No. 3 Corvette
- Tommy Milner and Nicky Catsburg in No. 4 Z06 GT3.R
- Matt Bell and Ontario’s Orey Fidani in AWA’s No. 13 Corvette
Defending the Title
The Pratt Miller team arrives as the defending GTD PRO champions, with Garcia claiming victory last year in the No. 3 Corvette C8.R alongside Jordan Taylor. This time, Garcia and Sims come off a promising third-place finish at Watkins Glen, their first podium of the year, looking to capitalize on their momentum.
Meanwhile, Milner and Catsburg, who narrowly missed winning at The Glen, hope to turn their fortunes around. Milner, a CTMP victor in 2013, is reacclimating to the track, which he last raced in 2018. Catsburg, racing at CTMP for the first time, brings fresh energy and zeal to the challenge.
AWA’s Ambitions
The AWA camp has two clear targets: achieving a podium finish at their home track and expanding Fidani’s lead in the Bob Akin Award standings. The highest points-scoring Bronze driver at year’s end earns an automatic entry to the subsequent 24 Hours of Le Mans. Recent test sessions at CTMP have left Bell and Fidani optimistic, bolstered by a consistent run in the top-10 finishes, including a seventh-place at Watkins Glen.
Legendary Roots
Corvette Racing's deep connection with CTMP goes beyond victories and track days. The legend Ron Fellows, a part-owner of the circuit, has significantly shaped the facility's operations. With a driving career spanning from 1999-2008, Fellows amassed 30 wins and three championships in the American Le Mans Series, including three victories at this beloved Canadian track.
Candid Expectations
The Chevrolet Grand Prix at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park takes place at 11:05 a.m. ET on Sunday, July 14. USA Network will air the race live, with streaming available via Peacock in the U.S. and IMSA.com for international viewers. IMSA Radio will provide coverage for all sessions starting from the first practice on Friday afternoon.
The teams have provided their thoughts and expectations for the upcoming race:
ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“I’m hopeful for this weekend. We had a chance to test the Z06 GT3.R at CTMP after Watkins Glen, and the car performed impressively. Given the legacy of Corvettes at Mosport, we are entering with confidence. Executing a strong race strategy and crew performance will be key to securing our first IMSA win for the Z06 GT3.R.”
ALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“Returning to a track like CTMP, where I’ve experienced success, is always thrilling. The track’s fast, old-school layout is part of what makes IMSA racing special. With the fierce competition in GTD PRO this year, it should be an exciting weekend. We aim for a successful outcome.”
TOMMY MILNER, NO. 4 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“We’ve been close to winning several times this season and aim to finish the job at CTMP. Having last raced here in 2018, the track’s rhythm is unique and exhilarating. Our recent testing reminded us of the thrill and challenges CTMP offers.”
NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 4 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“Mosport has been on my radar. Hearing experiences from teammates and friends heightened my anticipation. The unchanged, historic circuit promises a challenging and gratifying drive for our Corvette.”
MATT BELL, NO. 13 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“CTMP is one of my top five favorite circuits globally. Its unique topography and intense commitment demand respect and enhance the racing experience. Standing on the podium in our home race would be monumental for AWA.”
OREY FIDANI, NO. 13 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“CTMP is my home track, a place I know intimately. Its technical and high-speed nature remains demanding, but the thrill of racing here never fades. A podium finish would be incredibly special before our home crowd.”
Current Standings
Here’s where the teams stand in the 2024 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship:
GTD PRO Drivers Standings
- 1. Laurin Heinrich/Seb Priaulx – 1632
- 2. Ben Barnicoat/Jack Hawksworth – 1583
- 3. Ross Gunn – 1572
- 4. Bryan Sellers/Madison Snow – 1423
- 5. Marvin Kirchhofer/Oliver Jarvis – 1394
- 6. Alexander Sims/Antonio Garcia – 1389
- 7. Nicky Catsburg/Tommy Milner – 1326
GTD PRO Teams Standings
- 1. No. 77 AO Racing – 1632
- 2. No. 14 Vasser Sullivan – 1583
- 3. No. 23 Heart of Racing Team – 1572
- 4. No. 1 Paul Miller Racing – 1423
- 5. No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports – 1394
- 6. No. 3 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports – 1389
- 7. No. 4 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports – 1326
GTD PRO Manufacturers Standings
- 1. Porsche – 1657
- 2. Lexus – 1607
- 3. Aston Martin – 1586
- 4. Chevrolet – 1474
- 5. McLaren – 1458
GTD Drivers Standings
- 1. Philip Ellis/Russell Ward – 1745
- 2. Patrick Gallagher/Robby Foley – 1440
- 3. Parker Thompson – 1353
- 4. Albert Costa Balboa/Manny Franco – 1290
- 5. Mikael Grenier/Mike Skeen – 1263
- 13. Matthew Bell/Orey Fidani – 1083
GTD Teams Standings
- 1. No. 57 Windward Racing – 1745
- 2. No. 96 Turner Motorsport – 1440
- 3. No. 34 Conquest Racing – 1290
- 4. No. 32 Korthoff/Preston Motorsport – 1263
- 5. No. 120 Wright Motorsports – 1198
- 10. No. 13 AWA – 1083
GTD Manufacturers Standings
- 1. Mercedes-AMG – 1837
- 2. Lexus – 1493
- 3. Porsche – 1470
- 4. Lamborghini – 1454
- 5. Aston Martin – 1383
- 6. Chevrolet – 1296
Source: CorvetteRacing.com
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