Photo by: Grand-Am
From Concept to Reality, Corvette Daytona Prototype Celebrates First Victory in GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series
DETROIT (April 5, 2012) – When Chevrolet unveiled the 2012 Corvette Daytona Prototype for GRAND-AM Road Racing competition in November 2011, it was the culmination of a multi-faceted effort involving Chevrolet, the Corvette design team, Pratt & Miller and GRAND-AM with valuable input from chassis builders Riley, Coyote and Dallara.
The goal was to bring to both Corvette fans and sports car racing fans a race car that closely resembled the street version of the iconic Chevrolet Corvette that at the same time produced race and championship winning results in the Rolex Sports Car Series.
Last weekend, the ultimate goal was achieved at Barber Motorsports Park when the all-new Corvette Daytona Prototype scored a one-two finish in just its second race. Richard Westbrook and Antonio Garcia took the No. 90 Spirit of Daytona Corvette Daytona Prototype to Victory Lane, not only giving Chevrolet its first victory for the Corvette, but also giving team owner Troy Flis his first Daytona Prototype class win as well.
"It was very rewarding to celebrate the victory with the Spirit of Daytona - Corvette DP team at Barber Motorsports Park, in Alabama,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. Vice President of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “The effort to bring the all-new Corvette Daytona Prototype to the Grand-AM Rolex Sports Car Series was a collaboration of a talented group of partners. When a trip to Victory Lane comes so quickly after the introduction of a new race car, it is a tribute to those who worked to bring the vision to reality. We are all very proud of our teams and their continuing commitment to success."
The Spirit of Daytona Racing Corvette Daytona Prototype led 84 of the 103-lap race on the way to Victory Lane at Barber.
“The Corvette was amazing,” said Garcia. “Chevy team was perfect. So very, very glad to give Spirit of Daytona and Chevy team first victory here.”
“The first win for our team,” said Westbrook. “The first win for the Corvette DP which is just incredible if you think about how new the car is. We’ve come a long way since Daytona; we’ve worked so hard since then. Everyone at Chevrolet; everyone on the team. I am just so proud to be part of this program, (and) to score the first victory for the Spirit of Daytona.”
Following the bright blue No. 90 to the checkered flag was the No. 99 GAINSO/Bob Stallings Racing Corvette Daytona Prototype driven by Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty. Stallings GRAND-AM Rolex Series resume includes two series’ championships with the car dubbed the “Red Dragon”.
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