# 63 C8.R of Garcia & Gavin finishes 4th in LMGTE Pro class at Spa

Having skipped Le Mans last year, the Corvette Racing Team traveled to Belgium for the WEC 6 hours at Spa-Francorchamps in order to be eligible for the big 24-hour race in August.

A shakeout run took precedent vs going for all the marbles.

The popular recently-retired Brit Oliver Gavin was teamed up with the Spaniard Antonio Garcia still in his prime. Each had previously raced at Spa. Watch their story: https://twitter.com/i/status/1387755106192482305

It also brought out a new chassis, C8.R 004, the first one built by Pratt & Miller since its sale to Osh Kosh Corp.

The “one-off” outing achieved its goal of reliability finishing just 1 lap down after 6 hours on the 4.35 - mile course.

The 8.78-mile Spa circuit opened 1921 on public roads through the Ardennes forest connecting the towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot.  It has been shortened in the name of safety, latest version in 2007.

LMGTE Pro winners, Frenchman Kevin Estre & Swissman Neel Jani, # 92 Porsche 911 RSR held the lead for all but nine laps.  # 51 & 52 Ferraris 488 GTE Evo were 2nd & 3rd.

Thanks to simulations, Corvette engineers and crew arrived at Spa with a solid baseline setup despite having never turned a wheel there.

They also adapted to WEC rules for allocated tires and fuel; and procedures for pit stops and safety cars that will pay off when the full Corvette Racing team returns to Le Mans.

Thanks go to Richard Prince for updates & photos.

Although it won’t count for points, Corvette Racing’s next event is a chance to appear in front of fans and GM brass at Belle Isle Park in the IMSA WeatherTech Chevrolet Sports Car Classic on Saturday, June 12.