Alex Gurney is enjoying his time at the Circuit of The Americas

In qualifying on Friday for today's race, Alex Gurney was in the Bob Stallings Racing GAINSCO team's pit box watching his teammate, Jon Fogarty sail their Corvette DP to the coveted pole position.

It was close, but Fogarty won the first Daytona Prototype pole on the Circuit of The Americas by a mere 0.1 seconds. Both drivers have been pleased with their pace since they rolled the car out of the transport. Now they hope to come home the winners at the new venue in Austin, Texas.

Prior to the race start, Gurney took time for a short exclusive interview with Motorsport.com's Ellis Goodwin.

How's Austin treating you, and have you had a chance to revel in the local culture?

Alex Gurney It's been great. We love it. We got here Wednesday, have had some barbecue and went to a few food carts. It's been a great week so far.

#99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Corvette DP: Jon Fogarty, Alex Gurney

Photo by: Grand-Am

AG: The track is amazing. You really feel that it is a Formula 1 track, so they've got it all.

How is it on track? Is there anywhere that has caught you out?

AG: On track it's a lot of fun. A lot of guys are trying different lines, especially at Turn 1. The balance totally changes after that rise. I actually had a spin there earlier in the weekend.

Has it been a challenge to find the optimal setup in the Corvette?

AG: We have quite a few different aero configurations. It is particularly difficult to determine what setup to use in the race. You need everything.

Does that give you any particular advantage or disadvantage?

AG: We'll see. You can really wear people down if they're car isn't handling in the slow sections.

Any predictions before the Grand-Am of the Americas race?

AG: You'll see the 99 the 10 and the 01 up there. It's gonna be a fight the whole way.