Daytona 24: Guy Smith qualifying report

Guy Smith Starts 4th at Daytona

Briton Guy Smith will start from the second row of the grid for the Rolex 24 at Daytona this weekend despite being hampered with brake problems and slight oversteer. The 27 year-old also had to contend with slow traffic exiting the pit lane at the start of his flying lap, but was generally delighted with the performance of his Jim Matthews Elan Ford-engined Riley & Scott Mk IIIC.

"We had quite a few brake problems but generally the car was pretty good. The biggest problem was being held up at the start of my flying lap, when the tyres were at their best, as the remaining cars came out onto the circuit. Obviously it would have been great to have been on the front row and I feel we could have been quickest but our decision to go out first didn 't pay off. We had slight oversteer on the slow speed corners, which we're going to work on for the race.

"I can't wait to get into the race now and still feel very confident that we can take victory here. Twenty-four hours is a long way to go and to be honest the qualifying performance is not really a good indication of who will be quick during the race", said Guy. He added, "I always said the Dallara would be in with a good chance of getting pole here, but I know our car will be very competitive and I know Bill Riley has the ability to produce a strong, reliable vehicle and that's what's important."

The first three places on the grid are taken by Judd powered cars, with Didier Theys in the Judd Dallara on pole, Werner Lupberger (Judd Ascari) second and Jan Lammers (Judd Crawford) third.

The Rolex 24 starts at 1pm local time (6pm UK time).

- www.guysmith.com