Daytona Test Days Rolex 06/01/2001   Saturday Morning A Look Back Over Two Days   Looking at the spread of times so far, we’ve got the first ten covered by seven seconds, then a great bunch packing in over the next three or four. If the SRPs encounter any reliability troubles, someone is going to be there to pick up the pieces – again. Corvettes? They could well qualify in the 1:45s or 1:46s, which puts them nicely in touch with James Weaver’s potential 1:39 pole. Moving up, moving up……….along with the 911 GT1s. The Gunnar car, #76, was only finished at 3am on Friday morning. Straight into the 1:48s. Paul Newman to win at age 76, and upstage the Earnhardts? Friday saw a major Earnhardt-type press conference. Doug Fehan explained that there were security issues over having Dale and Dale in a Corvette. Keeping the fans back apparently. Not regular sportscar fans, one assumes. Kelly Collins made the point that, “to be able to say I raced with the Earnhardts is major rocking chair equity.” Another dynasty, the Mears family, provided Casey with a chance in a Dyson entry. Nic Jonsson is also a contender for a seat, along with Larry Oberto and Earl Goddard. Former British F3 Champion Tommy Byrne is in the #97 MCR Porsche, and looking to do a full Grand Am season. Bentley are due to announce their plans (and Cadillac too?) at the Detroit Show next week. At a different but no less interesting level, Pilbeam have had a frustrating time with an electrical problem. It has affected both cars, and Cindi Lux apparently hasn’t been in a car. The night session times are now posted. The Test Days haven’t answered many questions; real form will come on February 1. What about this TRV entry to cause a surprise? A strong line-up, and lapping in 1:44. Russell Wittenberg has an appointment with a very important lady today, so we’ll have to manage without him for the final day. A review of Saturday will be posted once the action is over. Copyright ©2000-©2023 TotalMotorSport