Continental Tire IMSA Spotlight: Renger van der Zande

IMSA Spotlight: Renger van der Zande
Driver: No. 90 Visit Florida Racing Riley Mk. 30 Gibson
Follow: @Rengervdz

How much are you enjoying being in the top class in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship this year?

“For me personally it’s a great way to show my potential. The PC was tough and rough fighting which I enjoyed a lot. And doing that same thing but on the main stage, is a fantastic opportunity. I am a huge fan of the racing in IMSA, so I am really enjoying it.”

Although you didn’t get the result you wanted at COTA, the car appeared to be on the pace. How much more comfortable are you and the team with the car today compared to the start of the season?

“We are still in the development phase. The third place podium finish at Daytona was unexpected for us, really. The car had only run 12 laps in a row, prior to the 24-hour race. We have worked through a lot of development stuff that is normally done in testing.

“So our first races have been tests mainly. Marc Goossens and I, as well as the team, are making the best of it right now. The pace that we had at COTA was surprisingly good and we were optimizing right there.”

What would you say is the strength of the Riley?

“When it rains we will be strong and fighting for top spots. So I will ask all of our fans to go rain dancing in the hours before the start of the race!”

How well suited do you think the car is for some of the tracks that are coming up soon on the schedule?

“Personally I love the Detroit street course. In Prototype Challenge I won the last two years. I also think that track might suit our car pretty well. So good hopes for the next race!”

Where are some of you favorite places to visit in your time away from the race track?

“My baby girl Lola is eight months old now and I try to be with her as much as possible when I am not at a racetrack or away. And of course Visit Florida knows the best spots in Florida, so I am sure we will go and explore the unique spots they recommend us on our holiday time.”