Corvette Fastest in First 2009 World Challenge GT Practice
The No. 34 Kleinschmidt/Blackdog Racing Chevrolet Corvette topped the standings yesterday during the first round of practice sessions before the World Challenge GT season opener at Sebring International Raceway this Friday. Driver Tony Gaples of Libertyville, Ill., was just as surprised at his finish as anyone.
"It feels pretty good [to be on top], of course, but it also makes me a little nervous," Gaples said of his unfamiliar position. "I'm wondering why, because I'm just driving like normal.
"The track was a little slippery, which plays into my benefit, because I'm used to driving in the wet. It's good to be at the top. We've been coming here seven years now. It's my favorite flat track and we usually do pretty well here. It still surprised me that we're number one though. We get to enjoy for the next eight hours, until the next practice. We always hope to do well, whether that's what's happening or not is yet to be seen."
Gaples ran a 2:11.686 around the 3.7-mile, 17-turn Sebring course on his second to last lap.
The 2nd and 3rd spots for the day belonged to Porsches with Rob Morgan posting a 2:11.771 in his No. 47 EverCleanse/NADA/TruSpeed Porsche 911 GT3 and Tony Rivera finishing with a best of 2:11.855 in the No. 97 Tax Masters/Mirage Group Porsche 911 GT3.
Gunter Schaldach grabbed 4th with a 2:12.083 in the No. 9 Lala Motorsports Dodge Viper with another Corvette (the No.3 Whelen Engineering machine driven by Eric Curran) rounding out the top five.
With surprises at the top of the pack, there were also plenty of surprises at the bottom with defending GT champ Randy Pobst completing just half a lap in his K-PAX Volvo S60. Other series frontrunners, Andy Pilgrim (Volvo S60), James Sofronas (Porsche 911 GT3) and Dino Crescentini (Porsche 911 GT3)never even got onto the track.
As for the lone Lamborghini entry, the No. 7 Gallardo driven by Dan Pastorini, it finished a distant 20th with a time of 2:30.707.
Re: Corvette Fastest in First 2009 World Challenge GT Practice
Hey Ivo - isn't that your buddy being quoted in that article?
I thought he drove a VW Rabbit.
__________________
You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline. It helps if you have some kind of football team or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need a beer. --- Frank Zappa
'04 MS/Blk - Z06Fest IV, V, VI, VII & VIII - WinterFest I "Bus Driver"
Location: Yuma, Az. ?????? Z06 Fest IV, V, VII, VIII & Winterfest 1,2 & 3
Posts: 5,500
Re: Corvette Fastest in First 2009 World Challenge GT Practice
Quote:
Originally Posted by Administrator
"It feels pretty good [to be on top], of course, but it also makes me a little nervous," Gaples said of his unfamiliar position. "I'm wondering why, because I'm just driving like normal".
Awesome.
__________________
Sig by GR8 White (modified by Speedratchet) 2004 MS/BLK
NCM#31853 Still retired out in the middle of nowhere.
Re: Corvette Fastest in First 2009 World Challenge GT Practice
Yeah Bob, he was the guy who also finished 4th at the Fest Autocross 3 years ago behind Dan, WVPhoto and Cammy. Gee, wondeer what they could have done at Sebring...
Mark
__________________
"Civilized until it is time not to be civilized"
Do not worry about the world ending today, it is already tomorrow in Australia...
Re: Corvette Fastest in First 2009 World Challenge GT Practice
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1fastdog
I know Tony pretty well and haven't seen him be unpleasant. I guess anyone can have a bad day and come off differently than they are.
Paul, in one day and night this guy managed to piss off just about everyone who was at the Fest that year.
In addition to some of the other things he did and said, I have NEVER seen anyone so full of himself in my life.
Since that Fest, many members who have attended more recent fests have used him as the focal point of jokes due to his behavior that year.
Sorry if he is a friend Paul, but he sure was a horses ass when we spent time with him.
Re: Corvette Fastest in First 2009 World Challenge GT Practice
As usual, Tony finished 4th, AGAIN...
I will give him some credit though, he had to start at the back of the pack due to an engine change that had to be made and made it all the way back up to fourth...
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Another LS engine comin' up. 
Linear Mode
