Qualifying Plagued With Flags Ahead of 12 Hours of Sebring

GTP class qualifying for the 12 Hours of Sebring got off to a slow start with many drivers not able to get in flying laps before the session was flagged. With 9 minutes left in the session the No. 06 Porsche Penske 963 spun out and stalled on track after running a bit wide in turn one and coasting out to turn 3 before stalling. The red flag came out and the session was restarted with 3 minutes. Many of the cars hadn’t set flying laps by this point. In the closing seconds of the session it was the No. 31 Cadillac that emerged as the pole sitter in GTP with Pipo Derani at the wheel.

The No. 10 Wayne Taylor Racing Acura set the fastest lap of the session but all times were deleted due to the team working on the car during their pitstop under the red flag. Sebastien Bourdais was able to place the No. 01 the Cadillac prepared by Chip Ganassi Racing to second, 0.114s behind. The No. 40 Wayne Taylor Racing Acura finished third.

LMP2

AO Racing’s “Spike” topped the LMP2 class setting a 1m52.142s lap during the LMP2 only session. Pj Hyett commented on the amazing run during qualifying by saying to Motorsport.com. “Yeah, I’m kind of speechless about what’s happening here,” Hyatt said. Sebring is one of the greatest tracks in the world, and to get pole in a P2 car is a dream come true. I can’t believe it. I honestly can’t believe it.” The No. 99 ORECA LMP2 07 has become a fan favorite sporting its bright Spyro the Dragon themed livery. Daniel Goldburg and Ben Keating placed the United Autosport No. 2 and No.22 respectively sister cars in 2nd and 3rd.

GTD Pro/GTD

The Vasser Sullivan’s No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 claimed pole for the GTD Pro class. Winward Racing’s Philip Ellis led the GTD class in the No. 57 Mercedes AMG GT3. The Winward racing car later lost pole position due to a post qualifying technical inspection. The disqualification promoted No. 47 Cetilar Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 of Antonio Fuoco to the class pole for Saturday’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring. Racing kicks off at 9:40am ET tomorrow.