Not Corvette’s day - Record crowd at Daytona 24-hour IMSA season opener curtailed by rain

Check out reigning GTLM Champ # 3 Corvette pictured in front row celebrating IMSA’s 50th anniversary at the world-class Daytona International Speedway.

The Corvette Racing Team won a choice pit spot at the Roar before the 24.

That advantage was short-lived by time lost to repair the # 3 from a collision in the pits.  

Another mistake was reportedly running out of gas, blamed on faulty telemetry.  Proves that a human on standby with spiral notebook and pen is a good precaution.  

Rain forecast for Sunday turned into an all-day affair.  Aquaplaning was common.  A slide into the tire barrier and repairs set back the # 4.  Standing water, scant visibility, long caution periods and mercifully a red flag ended the action.   

On the bright side, these Corvette Racing Team special driver edition Corvettes were a popular display.

This # 17 IMSA Corvette driven at Daytona in 1973 by Jerry Thompson HOF was also displayed for sale.

# 62 Risi Ferrari & # 911 & 912 Porsche in Brumos retro livery were fastest in GTLM regardless of the lousy weather.

Ford also went retro and led GTLM at times.

The Corvettes finished 6th and 8th in the 9-car GTLM class.

Results compiled by Wayne Ellwood.

Bonus:  Doug Fehan holds court before the Corvette faithful (42 min)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYndvc2QPvE

Bonus: 20 years of Corvette racing at Daytona (4 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTBMSQf4qRQ

Thanks to Mark Windecker, Larry VanScoy, Jim Rij and Johnny Lightning Och for photos and being on the spot.

This Corvette race report reflects opinions, observations and information from a variety of sources in the moment and in good spirit.  Readers advised to consult additional sources for greater accuracy and completeness.  

Sebring next hosts IMSA 12 hours and the WEC 6 hours on March 15-17.