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"The Roar" - What it Means...


© 2018, Red Case Photography

© 2018, Red Case Photography

© 2018, Red Case Photography

© 2018, Red Case Photography

© 2018, Red Case Photography

© 2018, Red Case Photography

© 2018, Red Case Photography

© 2018, Red Case Photography

 

Early January at Daytona only means one thing: IMSA’s “Roar before The Rolex 24”! As teams start the new season in America’s number one endurance series this test puts together the new machines, new drivers with new teams, and teams with established drivers and sponsors.

To start off, it was cold and a bit windy, but nothing like the rest of the country was going though. The buzz was of course coming from Mr. Zack Brown, the McLaren F1 man in charge, bringing over his United Autosports team with F1 World Champ and fan-favorite Fernando Alonzo and the rest of his top-notch drivers in the #23 of Lando Norris and Paul Hanson. This sister car, #32, has Hugo de Sadeleer, Paul Di Resta, Bruno Senna and Will Owen.

Mr. Roger Penske, with the brand new Acure DPi believes in his dream team of #6 with Dane Carmeron, Juan Montoya and Simon Pagenaud, and the #7 with last year’s winner Ricky Tayor, teamed up with Helio Castroneves and Graham Rahal. I do believe Jordon Taylor, with race winning team Wayne Tayor Racing, Action Express, JDC-Miller, Jackie Chan Racing CORE Autosport, Tequila Patron ESM and the Spirit of Daytona to all be in for the win.

The Roar test was just as expected. The Cadillac looked strong, Acura checked all the boxes with their testing, and United was looking for more speed.

Over in GT3 class, Andy Lally was back with Magnus Racing and Michael Shank Racing came strong with new drivers and the best looking, fun, livery!  Weather Tech has a new white Ferrari, Wright Motorsport has the Champ of Christina Nielsen and Patrick Long teamed up. The new boys on the block are HART racing team. All the employees are from Honda who volunteer their time on race weekend, showing true passion to be the best in a sport, which we love!  The NSX from HART and MSR, and Real Time Racing (over in Pirelli World Challenge ) this car is a fan-favorite. With Corvette, Ford GT, Mercedes-AMG , Lamborghini-Huracan, Lexus, BMW, Audi, Porsche and Ferrari represented, this year’s GT3 class is fast, new and exciting.

Over in the Continental Tire series, with 28 cars entered in the GS class, 7 in the new TCR class and 5 in ST, there will be a intense competition going on during their 4-hr race prior to the Rolex 24.

Once again a big “Thank You” to IMSA and Continental Tires and The Daytona Speedway and all the teams for granting access, and for putting on this gem of a test. In two weeks they will race for Victory and the Rolex Watch! 

Photos and Story: J. Bierschbach / Red Case Photography