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Daytona Test Days

Rolex

06/01/2001

Saturday

Penultimate Session

Numbers are dropping as the Test Days approach their conclusion. The new #16 Dyson entry pops up at the top of the list for the first time in the seventh session. Intersport appear to have gone home with both cars, so the order this morning was Dyson R&S, Robinson R&S, Champion Lola, Creighton Lola, Dyson #20 and the Bob Akin R&S.

Ironically, the two quickest cars this morning are the ones that are likely to be ‘replaced’ by orders for the new ‘C’ version from the Rileys and Mark Scott. You could argue that they build such a good car, it still doesn’t need replacing for Grand Am events. But everyone still hankers after that racing advantage, and the new one is likely to be a significant step forward.

The Crawford isn’t that – yet. Their press releases are couched in cautious terms. “It feels like the it is quite well designed,” says Mauro Baldi. “I am very impressed. We're not too far off miles per hour in the straight-away. A little more work and we'll be quite competitive." They were in the 1:47 bracket this morning. Baldi is pictured during last night’s session.

“Right now, it feels good," said Fredy Lienhard.

"Times are not bad, a little bit more drive time and he'll be right there," said Kevin Doran. "He says he's not quite comfortable driving yet, but he drove pretty fast for not being comfortable." The car owner was in the 1:51s in the Friday night session.

"I like it," said Ross Bentley. "The car is very good. Right now we are learning the car. One thing, though, it has an awesome aerodynamic grip." That should be a benefit on the tighter tracks later in the season.

The #6 SRPll TRP Lola was again into the 1:47s, with a very impressive 1:47.848. The rival #89 Porsche Haus car was fractions behind, these two sandwiched by the slower SRPs and the faster GTSs. On pace per dollar, the B2K / 40 must be the bargain of all time. There were three more in the top 17.

Lola will be announcing details of their 2001 model SRP / LMP900 / FIASCC SR chassis very soon.