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Prototype Challenge

Eurosport, George Embracing New IPC Endurance Format

Dr. Tim George on new endurance format in IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda…

Photo: Rick Dole/IMSA

The IMSA Prototype Challenge Presented by Mazda completed a two-day test Wednesday at Sebring International Raceway in preparation for the series’ return on March 14-16.

Among the teams taking part in a trio of practice sessions was the Eurosport Racing team which campaigned the test’s lone pair of Mazda Prototype Challenge entries, the No. 24 for Dr. Tim George and the No. 34 for Jon Brownson.

With IPC debuting a new one hour, 45-minute endurance racing format this season, the team utilized this week’s test as an opportunity to implement lessons learned from the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway in January.

“Right now, I’m driving by myself so we’re trying to make the car comfortable enough to last an hour and 45 minutes with just me in the car,” George said. “We’re trying to set up the car where it’s quick, yet it and can last, both the car and for me to make sure we don’t tire out, get fatigued and make mistakes.”

Eurosport is no stranger to the series, with the Colorado-based team a series mainstay and championship-winning program since 2007.

Still, a shift in 2018 from the series’ longtime sprint format has undoubtedly been an adjustment for even the most veteran drivers and teams.

A big change, but a welcomed change by George and Eurosport.

“The new rules for the endurance races are great, I enjoy it a lot,” said George. “It gives you a chance to think through things differently with strategy. It also gives you a chance if you blow it…in a sprint race if you make a mistake you don’t get a chance to come back.”

The endurance format, George added, also prepares aspiring drivers and teams for a potential move to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

“It’s good to have that endurance style format for the drivers and teams, they really get into that mentality that it’s not a sprint and you have to be more strategic,” he said.

“I love to see two classes as well because that’s even more preparation for the WeatherTech Championship.”

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