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RX-8 scores fastest time GT class
The Roar Before The Rolex 24, January 8-10, 2010
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida - The Roar Before The Rolex 24, a three-day GRAND-AM sanctioned practice session took place at Daytona International Speedway. The Dempsey Racing Mazda RX-8 recorded the fastest time in the GT class.
The Rolex 24 At Daytona takes place on January 30-31 this year. A total of 40 cars, comprised of 14 Daytona Prototypes and 26 GT-class machines, are entered in the race. During the test day, each team tested the set up of a variety of components including suspension, aerodynamics and engine. This year, Daytona Beach has seen unseasonably cold temperatures so far, with Saturday morning's session having to be scrubbed due to sleet and icy conditions. Sunday's practice session was run under sunny skies with temperatures in the mid-40's F (approx. 4 degrees Celsius).
A total of seven Mazda RX-8s are set to participate in this year's running of the famous race. A pair of cars from the SpeedSource team, winners in 2008. There is also a couple of RX-8s entered by Dempsey Racing. Team Sahlen, who ran a Corvette in last year's event, has switched over to run another pair of RX-8s. Additionally, one other RX-8 is confirmed to participate.
The fastest GT-class car overall was that of Leh Keen, who ran a 1:49.214 (117.348 mph) in the No. 41 Dempsey Racing/Team Seattle Mazda RX-8 during the Saturday night practice session. It was 0.4 seconds faster than the pole position time last year. "We had a good weekend and we learned a lot," said Patrick Dempsey, team co-owner and driver of the No. 40 Dempsey Racing Mazda RX-8. "We have a few things we still have to take care of, but we will be back strong. This is the first time we've been together as a two-car team, and our chemistry is working real good. We're having a great time."
20.1.2010
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