Action Express Racing Tests on Newly Repaved Track at Watkins Glen

The two Corvette Daytona Prototypes of Action Express Racing spent two successful days at the famed road circuit, running tests at Watkins Glen International in preparation for the Sahlen's Six Hours at the Glen.

A massive repave effort began last August, lasting five months and leaving Watkins Glen with an entirely new track surface. The 25,000 tons of new asphalt and 2,500 tons of new concrete left a lot of drivers and crew members wondering about performance.

"We have had a lot of success in previous 6 hour events at Watkins Glen," says Action Express Team Manager Gary Nelson. "So on one hand we didn't want to see anything change. On the other hand, we knew the surface was in need of a repave."

Indeed, the 3.4-mile circuit had not been repaved since 1998, but the endeavor was a rousing success. "We arrived at the track on Wednesday and immediately saw what a nice job they had done. As soon as we began making laps, all of the drivers had smiles on their faces."

All four drivers expressed reasons for those smiles; from the Mustang Sampling team João Barbosa describes the new surface as "wicked fast," and co-driver Christian Fittipaldi adds that "Watkins Glen did a great job with the repaving, and we can't wait to race on it."

Fittipaldi and Barbosa's teammates in the Whelen Engineering/Team Fox Corvette DP, currently ranked first overall in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, were also pleased with the results.

"I love the new pavement at Watkins Glen," says driver Dane Cameron. "We're definitely ready for the Six Hours."

Director of Team Operations Chris Mitchum described the changes positively as well. "The repave was impressive, the track was glass smooth, and speeds are absolutely up.

After over 1,500 track miles between the two cars, the team is feeling very prepared for the Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen. "We were able to gather plenty of data over the two days, and now we are really looking forward to the race," says Gary Nelson.

Contact:

msheets@hi-revracing.com

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