Pratt & Miller “Factory” Corvettes stumble at VIR IMSA GT race

The # 4 Z06 GT3.R Corvette piloted by Tommy Milner and Nicky Catsburg finished eighth in GTD PRO.

One place ahead of the last-place # 3 Z06 GT3.R Corvette piloted by Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims, ruining an otherwise picture-perfect weekend.

Garcia starting second, gave way to Mike Rockenfeller in the # 64 Mustang GT3 and was third at the first pit stop, 49 minutes into the 160-minute race.  Sims rejoined and was gaining speed when the car abruptly lost power on the backstretch.  Sims re-booted the system and then retired to the garage where the team replaced the power steering pump.

Sims was also was at the wheel when a suspension part failed, ending their day, 45 minutes (or 29 laps) short of the 86-lap race.

Catsburg taking over for Milner who started fifth, was stymied when the # 4 Corvette would not restart after a pit stop with an hour to go - but at least he finished on the lead lap.

Let’s be clear, we are 100% behind this talented team; and hope to “get our heads” around the problems and fixes persisting eight races into the season.

The Paul Miller Auto Group team # 1 BMW M4 GT3 led flag to flag, piloted by Madison Snow and Bryan Sellers (who shares a ride in the DXDT Z06 GT3.R # 08 SRO GT America series).  Both Ford Multimatic team GT3 Mustangs also ran a strong race.

A bright spot was seventh place in the GTD class for the # 13 AWA Z06 GT3.R of Orey Fidani and Matt Bell; with Fidani contending for the highest bronze-rated driver award and an automatic entry to Le Mans.

Fidani drove the first 47 minutes and gained a spot.  Bell took the car from 13th to 7th in the final two hours, stopping for fuel and adroitly managing tire wear.

Fidani may not be the fastest amateur driver but the money, racing experience and camaraderie he brings have been vital to the AWA team.

 Photos courtesy of Ric Belden via Corvette Forum, Richard Prince