Corvettes win 3 race groups despite heavy attrition in season opener at Sebring
Hard to dispute that Pratt & Miller builds legendary cars to win. Robert Blain carries on by winning Group 10 in his 2004 C5/C6.R. Corvette.
The track also counts for a lot and track conditions at Sebring are known to change rather abruptly. Just ask an experienced leading racer like Jeff Bernatovich. Turn 17 is a fast wide bumpy 180 degree right hander. Critical to get right because it connects the 2 longest straights. How to master it leads from futility to heated debate when it comes to braking zones, lines and how the car slides around.
The damage to Jeff’s venerable C4 tube frame ex Irv Hoerr GT1 turns out to be less than it looks and Jeff is unscathed Chassis, engine, driveline and cockpit are intact and now an opportunity for a re-build. Watkins Glen awaits in Sept.
No argument that Grand Am/IMSA Daytona Prototype Corvettes are a force wherever they show up. John Reisman partnering with pro Eric Curran won the big enduro race in Group 12 ex Whelen Engineering Coyote; and Wayne Jackson partnering with pro Gunnar Jeanette was third in ex Wayne Taylor Racing Dallara.
# 24 Bill Treffert in his well developed ride outclassed Bill Schwacke’s worn and torn # 55 in Group 4 but not by much.
A 5-car straight axle showdown melted away as Tony Parella and Frank Morelli were no-shows and Bob Wechsler’s car broke what appears to be a front stub axle.
Ray Zisa prevailed over Mark Horner and Udo Horn in World Challenge and Corvette Challenge C4s.
Attrition in Group 6 was contagious. Only Alex Heckert and Woody Smith finished the feature race.
Engine problems sidelined Jim Glass, Ron Ramsey, Bob Lima and Dennis Shoff.
Photos thanks to Larry Van Scoy & Mark Horner & others
William Gouvernmont drove this beautiful Grand Sport replica to Sebring. It was the star of the display.
