O’CONNELL: CTMP Debrief

Just a couple of weeks ago I was writing about how great the racing was at Barber Motorsports Park.

You had four factory drivers finish a completely green race within about two seconds.

The Porsche that finished fourth, Patrick Long, once he cleared his teammate on the track was the fastest car in the race.

Between the Barber race four weeks ago and now, we were given a performance adjustment that took about 30 horsepower away from our Cadillac ATS-V.R Coupe. We were the only ones to receive a balance of performance (BoP) adjustment.

Leaving Barber, Cadillac had two wins, McLaren had two wins and Porsche had three.

We have had one pole this season, McLaren two and Porsche has had five. After this past weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Porsche has amassed five wins.

Naturally it’s a frustrating position to be in for the team. Prior to CTMP, a track I think I’ve won at more than about anyone, my average qualifying position this season was third.

This weekend, I started 12th in the first race and based upon my fast lap from race one, I started the second in 13th. That is not a typo.

This weekend we did all that we could, the best engineering and best prepared cars cannot overcome a 30 horsepower deficit, especially to competitors like Patrick Long and Alvaro Parente.

I did not forget how to drive and Cadillac Racing did not forget how to prepare our Cadillac ATS-V.R Coupes. Michael and I raced our hearts out. As a team everyone at Cadillac has a reason to be proud.

Next up for us is Lime Rock Park this weekend. A tiny, tricky and challenging track. We made the investment to test there on May 10 and will run again on Tuesday in the open test to fine tune for the weekend.

We will race Friday and Saturday and be able to enjoy a couple of days and remember all of those service men and women who provide the veil of freedom we enjoy in this country. Hopefully it won’t be déjà vu all over again.