Daytona Test Days Rolex 06/01/2001   Friday Looking Back On Thursday   It’s natural to feel as though we’re all in a void as regards the Test Days so far. An updated entry list is now available on the Grand-Am site: yesterday, cars cropped up on the time sheets that weren’t listed as being present. John Brooks has helped to fill in some of the gaps. Having only just completed 2000 with the Adelaide race Of A Thousand Years, suddenly we’re into a (lower key) test session, when times are hardly that important – but they’ve been almost all that’s been available. If times aren’t important, then getting that all important set-up for the race is. The Dyson camp appears to be delighted with the R&S Mkllls, the #16 car in particular appearing to behave better than any other model from Bob and Bill Riley, and Mark Scott. Max Papis seems certain to take up driving duties at the Rolex 24, while Larry Oberto and Earl Goddard have been bedding themselves in nicely. James Weaver has done most of the lappery though, in his role as long time Dyson servant, and car setter upper extraordinaire. Was that a member of the Mears family popping up in a blue and white R&S? John Burton – debut here two years ago, racing debut decades ago – is in the Creighton Lola. He has a score to settle at this race, which hasn’t been kind to him yet. Was that Johnny O’Connell in a Corvette? – settling in as a new member of the team for endurance races. The Corvettes were pipped by the #0 Bytzek Porsche, which could be the only one to approach showing its full hand at this stage. Dale Earnhardt Sr. was under the weather with the ‘flu, and the cold weather / hot car scenario can’t have helped his condition. It was chilly in the extreme, and more cool conditions are expected. There’s a big PR presence around Dale and Dale, apparently, with a press conference due today. Of more interest to road racing fans is the new Crawford. "I know it will improve, but right now it is not comfortable to drive," said Fredy Lienhard. He and Didier Theys completed the laps on day one, Ross Bentley and Mauro Baldi prowling about and anxious to have a go. Late in the day, the exhaust note changed and the need for a replacement Judd was diagnosed. The Swedish Lola was in gearbox trouble, the Rocketsports Saleen was settling in nicely and the Robinson Racing R&S seemed trouble free and fast enough. The little Lolas seem likely to play a significant role in the race. They’re multiplying fast. The Champion Lola has found a good 1:42 pace, but will that be three seconds away from the ultimate speed of the front of the grid? No Mantaras on the entry list until today, but #25 set a 1:55 on day one. Was that with the drivers listed by Grand Am, or was it Cor Euser himself at the wheel? He and Calum Lockie seem a more likely pair. No names against the Pilbeams yet, but Cindi Lux was expected in one, while Shane Lewis and Bob Mazzuoccola are expected to drive the other in the Rolex 24. More news as it becomes available. Teams have been asking after Janos Wimpffen. Gary Horrocks explains that, “I spoke with Janos for a few minutes yesterday. He’s getting slowly better. Even bathroom duties are becoming more normal.” Thank you Gary, let’s not go into that. Janos, get well and fit soon. The teams want to tell you the chassis numbers of their cars! Copyright ©2000-©2023 TotalMotorSport