NASCAR Sprint Cup driver AJ Allmendinger, who will take part in the 24hours of Daytona for a fifth year, was in Daytona Wednesday to contribute to Grand-Am’s first test of the Pirelli tires the series will be using in 2010.
He was not alone. Twenty-four teams from the Grand-Am Rolex Series participated to the two days test from Tuesday to Wednesday. It was a way for them to get prepared for the first event of the season, the 24hours of Daytona on January 30-31st, but also an opportunity to test the new Pirelli tires.
All were impressed with the extreme quality of the product that not only lasted longer, but remained at the same level of competitiveness after long periods on the track.
"We ran entire stints, and a stint-and-a-half, and we virtually lose no lap time. I think Pirelli knew what they wanted to do, and they achieved it. Everyone's all smiles," said Bill Auberlen, driver of the No.94 BMW M6 for Turner Motorsports.
As for Allmendinger, he was in Florida for a go-kart race when the team called and asked if he wanted to get on the track. "I hate the offseason," Allmendinger said.
"I want to be racing. I was going to be out here anyway doing the PRI show's go-kart race Thursday in Orlando, and Mike called me and asked if I wanted to test here on Wednesday. I said, 'Heck yes.'"
The driver had never experienced the December test before. He really enjoyed having a chance to take a few laps in the car before January comes.
“I enjoy it, and being able to do the December test will make it a lot easier coming back in January. This will help me a lot. I'll be able to come back in January, jump right back in the car and it will be like I was in it all year."
He admitted that the cars are very different from the NASCARs he is now used to driving. It takes him about 8 to 10 laps to get accustomed with the brakes, notably.
Allmendinger finished the 2006 edition of the 24hours in second place, co-driving with Negri, Patterson and Justin Wilson. He hopes to “get a little luck on [his] side” this year and maybe win the historic event.
He was not alone. Twenty-four teams from the Grand-Am Rolex Series participated to the two days test from Tuesday to Wednesday. It was a way for them to get prepared for the first event of the season, the 24hours of Daytona on January 30-31st, but also an opportunity to test the new Pirelli tires.
All were impressed with the extreme quality of the product that not only lasted longer, but remained at the same level of competitiveness after long periods on the track.
"We ran entire stints, and a stint-and-a-half, and we virtually lose no lap time. I think Pirelli knew what they wanted to do, and they achieved it. Everyone's all smiles," said Bill Auberlen, driver of the No.94 BMW M6 for Turner Motorsports.
As for Allmendinger, he was in Florida for a go-kart race when the team called and asked if he wanted to get on the track. "I hate the offseason," Allmendinger said.
"I want to be racing. I was going to be out here anyway doing the PRI show's go-kart race Thursday in Orlando, and Mike called me and asked if I wanted to test here on Wednesday. I said, 'Heck yes.'"
The driver had never experienced the December test before. He really enjoyed having a chance to take a few laps in the car before January comes.
“I enjoy it, and being able to do the December test will make it a lot easier coming back in January. This will help me a lot. I'll be able to come back in January, jump right back in the car and it will be like I was in it all year."
He admitted that the cars are very different from the NASCARs he is now used to driving. It takes him about 8 to 10 laps to get accustomed with the brakes, notably.
Allmendinger finished the 2006 edition of the 24hours in second place, co-driving with Negri, Patterson and Justin Wilson. He hopes to “get a little luck on [his] side” this year and maybe win the historic event.