VIR: Spirit of Daytona qualifying report

Wet Ride for Spirit of Daytona

A 16th place qualifying position for Spirit of Daytona came out of the rain drenched weather conditions during the first-ever qualifying race for the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype class at Virginia International Raceway. The 09 Oh-Boy Oberto Daytona Prototype was driven by Doug Goad during the 13 lap session. The 26 prototypes on the track were not only competing against each other, but also the puddles on track and the water tails shooting from behind each machine. The first every qualifying race was delayed due to weather conditions which was very rare for sports car racing.

Goad said, "After the first green lap during the qualifying race I knew this would be trouble. There was almost no visibility on track." Even with the dampened conditions Goad was able to move up in position and gain a few more points for the Trueman Award. Goad is currently in second place, he missed the award by a handful of points last season.

The 09 DP was relatively competitive out on track turning similar lap times as the leaders. "I was faster than some of the cars in front of me. I just got beat on the straightaways. But I was quick in the corners. We always have a good racecar when it rains." The Spirit of Daytona team is crossing their fingers for a dry race on Sunday afternoon.

-www.spiritofdaytona.com