Due to the high numbers of yellows, HoPin Tung was able to power past the Delta Wing on a restart and rejoin the lead lap. What might be missed on that was that the Delta wing was leading on merit, based on both speed and economy. The Corvettes retook the lead when the Delta Wing pitted with just over 6 hours to go. Unfortunately it all went wrong for the OAK effort, when Gustavo Yaccaman tried to go around the Delta Wing in turn 1. The Ligier was into the tires hard and was retired.
The #9 Action Express Corvette had a moment when it tangled with the Viper Exchange Viper, dropping it down the order. This resulted in a broke front suspension for the Corvette and a flat tow back to the paddock for the Viper.
After the 10th yellow, right at the half way point, the remaining 4 prototypes were 1-4, all within 6 seconds of each other.
After the dust settled in the GTLM class, it was Olly Gavin leadingas the race neared the first pay off point for the Parton Endurance Cup, the one championship that Corvette Racing really has a shot for. Unfortunately Gavin had to pit 8 minutes before the pay out point, vaulting the Factory Porsches to the class lead.
Falken joined in 3rd in class to make it a Porsche 1-2-3 at the 4-hour mark. Immediately after the time passed, Pilet pitted and handed the car off to Nick Tandy.
The class looks like it is headed Porsche’s way, but for once things are coming together for the No. 4 Corvette, which is looking pretty racy…
Gunnar Jeanette and the PR1-Mathiasen were leading PC and up to 6th overall in a fine run in class. At the yellow, it was Montecalvo trailing pole winner Jack Hawksworth.
GTD has been all over the place, AIM led for a stint, courtesy of an outstanding stint by Townsend Bell, as well as solid strategy by the team, only to fall off a lap due to a minor off. As expected, this class is so tough to get a handle on. There are so many ebbs and flows going on, this one will go to the wire.
