Kyle Marcelli puts Acura on GTD pole for the 12 Hours of Sebring
Session shortened by red flag caused by the Pfaff Motorsports #9 going off at turn 1
A good battle was developing for the last third of the qualifying session at Sebring in the GTD PRO and GTD class to determine the pole position for tomorrow’s 12 Hours of Sebring.
With a little less than 5 minutes to go, Pfaff Motosports’ driver Klaus Bachler came out of corner 1 slightly off line and unfortunately resulting in a spin and hitting the tire barrier. The red flag came out immediately to retrieve the #9 plaid Porsche. The driver exited the car unhurt but the car showing damages to the left front corner.
As the session had gone over 10 minutes, the qualifying session was declared official.
This gave the #93 Racers Edge Motorsports with WTR Acura NSX GT3 of Kyle Marcelli the fastest time in GTD with a lap of 1:59.714. Second place went to Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Philip Ellis at the wheel (1:59.834) and third went to #12 VasserSullivan Lexus RC F GT3 driven by Aaron Tellitz (1:59.944). Co-driver Parker Thompson will be taking part in his first IMSA WeatherTech 12 Hours of Sebring having also competed at the Rolex 24 with Vasser Sullivan
Although Mikaël Grenier was originally score in third place for #32 Team Korthoff Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 having set the same time as the #12 of Vasser Sullivan but recording it first, it was later invalidated because of a rule infringement as Mikaël exited his car during qualifying. The #32 will then start at the back of the GTD grid for the race.
Zach Robichon and Wright Motorsports in the Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) (2:00.022) will start fourth and Roman De Angelis with Heart of Racing Team 13th in the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 (2:01.652).
The race will get underway at 10:10am Saturday and can be watch on IMSA TV as well as REV TV.
Quali results here
Image courtesy IMSA
