IMSA Michelin Challenge VIR: Qualifying compromised by rain and Lightning
KUNO WITTMER/PAUL HOLTON MCLAREN GT4 BACK IN FORM. MARK WILKINS/MICHAEL LEWIS TOP 4 IN TCR IN PRACTICE
Following their unbelievably bold strategy at Road America where they came back from last place to take second at the checkered flag, Compass Racing continued their good form by topping the first practice session and finishing fourth in second practice less than four tenths off the best time. Although, when combining both session, the #75 McLaren GT4 clocked the fastest time with Kuno Wittmer at the wheel.
Other Canadians in the class were Jesse Lazare in MIA’s McLaren GT4 with teammate Craig Fergus who were classified third and eight in practice. Chris Green and Orey Fidani driving the AWA McLaren GT4 ended practice in 17th and 11th place. While Kyle Marcelli/Nate Stacy driving KohR Motorsport’s Ford Mustang GT4 were 15th and 6th.
In the TCR class, Mark Wilkins/Michael Lewis driving for Bryan Herta Autosports w/ Curb Agajanian placed their Hyundai Veloster N TCR in second and third place. James Vance at the wheel of Fast MD Racing Audi RS3 TCR DSG with Nick Galante were fourth and second of practice 1 and 2.
Qualifying was schedule to take place at 7:15pm but due to weather conditions, with rain and lightning in the area, it never took place.
The grid has then been set according to championship points. So it will be T. McQuarrie/J. Westphal leading in their CarBahn with Peregrine Racing Audi R8 that will start from Pole. Jesse Lazare/Craig Fergus will start in third, Kyle Marcelli/Nate Stacy in seventh, Kuno Wittmer/Paul Holton in 11th and Chris Green/Orey Fidani in 18th.
Mark Wilkins/Michael Lewis will start from Pole in the TCR class as they are championship leaders. James Vance/Nick Galante are to start in eight.
The race is scheduled for 2:15 Saturday afternoon.
Image: Patrice Marchessault/PMstills Photography