The Chevrolet Corvette has been part of racing since its inception and first-generation. Recently, the new Corvette C8.R models made history at the IMSA competition at Daytona. For the 100thtime in IMSA history, a Corvette crossed the finish line in the lead during the IMSA WeatherTech 240. This race is significant in many ways, giving the team the victory desired and a historic mark.
The Winning Team
The Chevrolet team of Antonio Garcia and Jordan Taylor, driving the Number 3 car sponsored by Mobil 1 and SiriusXM took the checkered flag by 1.977 seconds. Taylor drove a single stint in the car while Garcia drove for nearly two hours to the finish and the win. Another Chevrolet Corvette C8.R took the pole during this race. That car was the Number 4 car of Oliver Gavin and Tommy Miner.
What Makes this Corvette Win Significant?
The Chevrolet Corvette C8.R is in its first year of racing on the track and the Daytona race was the third in program history. After only three races, the Corvette Racing team was able to bring home a victory which makes the 100thfor the program. This milestone win is an amazing feat of driving excellence. This particular race was also the first one after the COVID-19 lockdown, making it an even more important win for the Corvette team.
Different Corvette Teams Employed Tire Strategies
Both Corvette teams began the race on slick Michelin tires even though the track surface was wet. Taylor was one of the quickest drivers in the class during the early laps of the race and manages to go one lap longer on fuel than most of the GTLM drivers. Gavin had a tough start but came back to gather the lead before the end of the first run.
Gavin had to save fuel in his Corvette to avoid an extra pit stop during the final 55 minutes of driving during the final part of the race. Once Taylor finished his time, Garcia was able to go a lap longer than the competitors in the first run, which put him directly behind Earl Bamber’s Porsche. This took place with 51 minutes to go during the race, at which time, both drivers pitted on the same lap.
Being Patient Paid Off for Corvette Teams
Sometimes its more important to wait for the right time to make your move, and auto racing is certainly a sport that can teach this. With 31 mines to go during the race, Garcia made his winning pass and set the fastest GTLM lap of the race. This was all he needed to secure the victory and make historical marks for Chevrolet and the Corvette Racing team.
The mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette C8.R is the racing model that you see on the track. You can have your own version of this car and imagen you’re racing around like the IMSA teams when you see your local Chevrolet dealer to choose your own Corvette C8 model. In the meantime, check out the IMSA schedule and see if you can witness the Corvette C8.R models leading the way.
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