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GT World Challenge America

PWC Updates SprintX Yellow Flag Protocol

PWC issues new protocol for handling full course caution periods…

Photo: Brian Cleary/BCPix.com

Photo: Brian Cleary/BCPix.com

After confusion in the first Pirelli World Challenge SprintX race of the weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, the series has implemented a new procedure for full course caution periods during the mandated pit stop window.

A meeting was held with SprintX crew chiefs this morning, confirming the change in regulations, which go into effect immediately ahead of this afternoon’s Race 2.

A statement from PWC read: “If a Full Course Yellow is instigated once the Pit Stop Window has been opened, the Full Course Yellow will continue until: (a) All competing vehicles have completed their pit stops / driver changes and resumed racing, (b) Race Control has ensured that the Safety Car has the overall race leader.

“This may lead to the Full Course Yellow continuing until the end of the Pit Window.”

The confusion in Race 1 stemmed from the No. 8 Cadillac ATS-V.R of Michael Cooper and Jordan Taylor ending up with a lead of nearly a lap after making their driver change as the safety car was deployed.

As the field continued at pace car speed, Taylor left the pits and rejoined at the end of the queue as the race leader.

Several teams within the PWC paddock expressed concern that the safety car picked up the wrong car as the race leader, allowing Taylor in the No. 8 Cadillac to cycle to the back of the pack with nearly a lap in hand. Taylor went on to win by over 45 seconds.

While no change to the results from Race 1 were made, it’s understood additional measures are now in place for series officials to pick up the correct leading car, in the event of a yellow.

Ryan Myrehn is an Indianapolis-based broadcaster and reporter. In addition to his work covering primarily domestic sports car racing for Sportscar365, he is the lead announcer for SRO America's TV coverage as well as a pit reporter for IndyCar Radio. Myrehn, a graduate of DePauw University, is also the host of Sportscar365's “Double Stint” Podcast.

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