2015 Tudor USCC: Virginia International Raceway preview
Porsche North America Racing is on something of a roll in the United SportsCar Championship heading into GTLM class’ eighth race of 2015 at Virginia International Raceway (VIR).
The last two rounds (at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Road America respectively) have seen Nick Tandy and Patrick Pilet in the no. 911 Porsche 911 RSR take victory, vaulting Weissach to the head of the manufacturers’ title race.
Victory at Elkhart Lake last time out was particular impressive for the Anglo-French works duo after they were forced to start from the back of the grid (behind the slower GTD field) due to a post-qualifying engine change.
Both Pilet and Total 911 columnist, Tandy have been enjoying a rich vein of form since their return aided by Balance of Performance changes that have turned the 2015 Porsche 911 RSR into a competitive proposition.
Having taken maximum points in the last two rounds, Pilet and the no. 911 crew are just five points away from the top of the table in the drivers’ and teams’ standings respectively.
The other side of the Porsche North America Racing garage has not been without its successes either though as Earl Bamber gave the no. 912 car pole position at Road America before, alongside regular teammate Jörg Bergmeister, taking second place last time out.
At 3.27 miles, the Virginia International Raceway, like CTMP and Road America, is a technical, flowing track that proves popular with the drivers and should provide plenty of action during Sunday’s two-hour, 40-minute race.
Last year, PNAR struggled at VIR (with reliability stopping Tandy challenging for victory). However, with no BoP changes despite the recent successes, the works Porsche 911 RSRs should prove more competitive in 2015.
GTLM qualifying takes place at 5:05pm on Saturday before the 160-minute main event kicks off at 1:05pm local time on Sunday. Look out for our usual comprehensive race report on Monday morning.
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