CTMP Pre-Race Notebook

Photo: John Dagys

***While it was a wet and wild warmup, the rain could clear in time for this afternoon’s 2:05 pm. start. GT Le Mans class cars led the way in the 20-minute session warmup, but none of the Prototype class cars put in a representative time in the tricky conditions.

***If it does rain, Action Express Racing could have an edge up on the competition. The team’s No. 5 Corvette DP tested in the rain at Virginia International Raceway this spring and is believed to be the only 2014-spec Prototype to have run in wet conditions. Neither the ESM or OAK Racing P2 cars been on Continental’s wet tire prior to warmup.

***Ben Keating will be taking part in next weekend’s Ultimate Track Car Challenge at Virginia International Raceway with the same Dodge Viper SRT GT3-R he and co-driver Jeroen Bleekemolen will start from the pole position in GTD today. Keating’s GT3-spec Viper will run unrestricted in the no-holds-barred track competition, which is run to NASA Time Trial rules. Riley’s track day car is a two-time previous winner of this event.

***While the GTE-spec Ferrari F458 Italia GTs rolled out with a new aero kit at Le Mans that is hoped to be used for the FIA WEC and ELMS seasons, it has yet to be approved for IMSA competition. Risi Competizione team manager Dave Sims said they’ve been pushing for the updates to be used on their TUDOR Championship Ferrari, which has battled a lack of downforce all season.

***FOX Sports’ Dorsey Schroeder will be getting back behind the wheel of a Trans-Am car next weekend at Road America. Schroeder will be reunited with his race-winning Tom Gloy Ford Mustang from the mid-90s and will take part in the Hawk with Brian Redman classic event at the famed Wisconsin circuit.

***”Super Fan” Vickie Miller (@Viclovesracing) is celebrating her 50th consecutive GRAND-AM/IMSA race this weekend, a streak dating back to the 2011 Rolex Sports Car Series race at Barber Motorsports Park. Miller waved the green flag for the GRAND-AM race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca last year.

***OAK Racing team principal Philippe Dumas has clarified to Sportscar365 that only one Ligier JS P2 is now expected for the season-ending Petit Le Mans, which would likely run alongside its existing Morgan-Nissan. Both cars could also contest the Lone Star Le Mans, although priority will be given to the Ligier-HPD if the team is unable run both.

***While you can watch the Mobil 1 Sportscar Grand Prix live on FOX Sports 1 beginning at 2 p.m. ET, IMSA.com will again offer expanded coverage with on-board cameras, live timing and scoring and MRN Radio broadcast. Click Here to view.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John