DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (January 6, 2020) – The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship came together for the first time following the new year at Daytona International Speedway for the first official test of the 2020 season, the Roar Before the 24. The No. 16 Wright Motorsports 1st Phorm Porsche 911 GT3 R participated in all nine sessions over the course of the three days, completing 125 laps on the 3.56 mile course at Daytona International Speedway.
The team used the time to not only get all four drivers seat time to learn the car and the track together, but to also test various set ups on the Porsche for what will be needed during all hours during the race itself. The test offered sunny skies and warm conditions one day, and rain with low temperatures the next, which will do nothing but benefit the teams as they build their car set ups for the approaching event.
The test is in preparation for the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the longest and one of the most challenging races on the 2020 IMSA calendar. Over 40 sports cars in four classes will compete for 24 hours, putting man and machine to the test. The field will take the green flag in the afternoon of Saturday, January 25th, and race into the night, each team will attempt a flawless execution on track and in the pit boxes to earn the coveted victory after a grueling 24 hours. The race will begin its broadcast on NBC Saturday, January 25 at 1:30PM Eastern. International audiences can steam live via imsa.tv. For full event information, visit imsa.com.
Driver Quotes
Ryan Hardwick
I really enjoyed the Roar Before the 24. I made a large improvement from where we started. Where we’re leaving off, I feel my pace in the car is where it needs to be for the race. I feel like I accomplished my goals for the race. For the team, I think we had a really good test. We finished up a lot further down the road than where we started. We’re in a good spot. The feeling is really positive in the Wright Motorsports camp, and I personally am really looking forward to the race. We have as good of a shot as anyone to have a great result. I can’t wait to get after it.
Patrick Long
An uneventful Roar Before the 24 is what we wanted, and we were able to achieve our objectives. Our main objective was to treat this like a race weekend, using the minimal running time leading into the race to fine-tune. I’m proud of the group. Everyone gelled quickly and worked efficiently. Competition will be tight, as always. That’s modern GT racing. We executed the plan and look forward to the race.
Anthony Imperato
It was a cool experience to take part in my first Roar Before the 24. It went really well for us, and the team did a great job. We made a lot of progress over the three days. Our car is quick and I feel confident going into the race.
Klaus Bachler
I am really happy with how the Roar Before the 24 test went for us. Our main goal was to focus on our race set-up and optimizing race procedures. John Wright and his crew did a perfect Job and we tried a lot of different things. I enjoyed working together with my teammates Ryan, Anthony, and Patrick, and I’m really looking forward to come back in two weeks to the Rolex At Daytona.