Good Wednesday morning, Race Fans!
We are trying something different for this race. I'll be putting the semi-live updates here, but beware, they'll be unpolished and unedited for a while. Next week, I'll do it right and clean it up and add to the stories. I will also be able to put a few early pictures here, when I take some worth including.
Wednesday, 10:30 AM
Once again, I really cannot complain about the chilly weather we have today. The storms blowing through Monday created travel difficulties for many, but we are all here and ready to play for IMSA’s 2nd round at Sebring International Raceway.
We started at 50 F, the coolest this event may ever have been. While the people all wear extra layers, the cars and drivers are at their happiest. Add in overcast skies and it gets even better.
We know Sebring really brings out the fans, partly because it’s spring break week, but largely because of the history here. Even so, when arriving yesterday, we were surprised at the enormous number of campers already queued and waiting to be let into their infield slots for the weekend. This morning they are already making rounds of the paddock. Their enthusiasm is wonderful!
Morgan and Gordon have the #2 green/black/white CSM Porsche in fine shape and ready to go! They have only one session today, Wednesday - 11:25-12:25. Thursday, 8:00-9:00, we have Practice 2 and then qualifying for our class (GS) 2:30-2:45. Friday is race day with the green flag at 2:00 to start a 2-hour race.
The weather is good. The vibe is good. We are hopeful. Watch along on live timing.
https://livetiming.alkamelsystems.com/imsa
Wednesday, 2:15 PM
So, that went well. Morgan went out on new tires and set a rather quick lap on the 3rd circuit. His time stood at the top even after he handed the wheel over to Gordon. Ultimately, one other driver went a mere 0.06 seconds quicker. At the end, Porsches had 3 of the 4 fastest times today. Remember when I said cool weather makes the cars happier?
While both Morgan and Gordon are in a happy place with the car, they are drivers. They always have some little thing to tweak. Engineers are the same way. The debrief and speculation session is ongoing.
In the spectator areas, construction and festivities are well underway. Yes - construction. There is a group of regulars who build a saloon and, yes - there is alcohol, not for sale, just for tips. These folks come for a serious party and, oh by the way, there are cars too!
We are essentially done for the day and the crew are down to polishing. The drivers and engineers are studying and planning for tomorrow morning. We are back well before sun up for our 8:00 am Practice 2.
The blog is growing. Slowly. 😁
