Paul Miller Racing debuted its line-up of drivers for the Rolex 24 At Daytona during the first day of testing at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 on Friday where Bryce Miller, Christophe Hasse, Rene Rast and Matt Bell took their first official laps of 2014 in the No. 48 Paul Miller Racing Audi R8 LMS.
This year’s edition of the annual three-day New Year’s test on Daytona’s signature 3.56-mile road course is in preparation for the 52nd Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 23 – 26.
While the temperatures were well below average for this time of year, barely breaking out of the 40s, the team made the most of Friday’s two sessions. The Paul Miler Racing team focused on potential set-ups for nighttime race conditions and building team chemistry.
”It was cold, which makes it really difficult to learn so much with the temperatures being the way they are,” Bryce Miller said. “We were lapping the car to try and test for set-ups specifically for this weather if it comes to this. A few years ago it was 18 degrees in the middle of the night, so that is something of value if these conditions replicate themselves again for the race.”
The day also allowed drivers to get comfortable with the track and the banking that the unique “roval” road course presents. Friday’s sessions also gave drivers quality seat time to adjust to the nuisances of the car.
”The morning session was a little bit of baptism by fire,” said debuting British driver Bell. “I got out on the track and there is obviously a huge amount of traffic. It’s been a year since I’ve driven where I’ve not been in the fastest class. There is a different tire to get used to and the cars are a little bit different to the European ones I’ve driven. They aren’t too dissimilar but enough to make you think about it.”
Daytona’s famous high banks in particular were an eye opener for Bell, the younger brother of Rob Bell who was part of Paul Miller Racing’s 2011 GT runner-up finish at the Rolex 24.
”Of course, the first lap on the banking is very odd, and it took a little bit of time to get used to it before I was confident to go full speed,” Bell said. “I just built the speed up and built my confidence in the car, and by the end we were getting there. I know I’ll get more confident over the next couple of days. Overall, I have a very good feeling about the car and generally a very good feeling with the team. All the guys are quite nice, and it’s an easy team to get to know everybody. I’ve enjoyed my experience so far.”
The second day of the Roar Before the 24 At Daytona continues today, with four allotted practice times, including the weekend’s only evening session.