ALMS GT points leaders, Olly, Tommy and Corvette Racing head this week to Canada for the fifth round of the 2012 series, the Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport, and they have even more reason to look forward to their visit than usual.
The historic 2.5 mile, 10-turn track set in the countryside near Bowmanville, Ontario, is a favourite with drivers: high speed and challenging, a real driver’s track, and not one for the faint-hearted. And this year, for the first time in decades, there will be a definite ‘new look’ to the fabric of the circuit’s facilities as Olly explains: “We always look forward to going north of the border for our visit to Canada, but this year we’re not going to Mosport any more: we’re going to the newly-named Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Everyone at Corvette Racing is looking forward to this year’s trip as the circuit is now in the hands of Corvette racing legend, Ron Fellows. He’s put a huge amount of time and effort into upgrading the circuit over the last 12 months and we’ve got a new entry tunnel, pit complex and other buildings to look forward to. It’s a long term job, and no doubt there’s still work to be done, but Ron and his business partners have already made a big impact on the facility.
“The track really seems to suit our Corvettes and, of course, it’s where Jan and I won last year. We had a fantastic race there with the Risi Ferrari and we know the Prancing Horses are likely to be quick this year as well. It’s going to be interesting to see how it all shapes up. I’m confident our car will be good but we won’t know for sure how things will stack up until we start practice on Friday. Whatever happens, it’s bound to be a good weekend!
“Obviously Tommy and I are hoping to maintain our good point-scoring run of two wins and four podium finishes, and more importantly get back to the top step of the podium again. If a track can suit a car, then we all reckon that Mosport was tailor-made for the Corvette C6.R so bring it on.”
The Chevy team has scored nine victories there since 2001, including its maiden win in the GT category in 2009. Last year’s victory for Olly and Jan was instrumental in setting them towards their runner-up finish in the GT drivers’ championship.
Source : Oliver Gavin