Daytona debutants look forward to new Challenge
2019 Sunoco Challenge winners Linus Lundquist and Kyle Reid are set to make their racing debuts at the world-famous Daytona International Speedway this weekend (January 24-27) for the Rolex 24.
Having taken part in the Roar Before The 24 earlier this month, both have now turned their first laps around the 31-degree banking and challenging infield course, but this weekend will be the first real test, with practice, qualifying, and the races held over three packed days.
Linus Lindqvist battles torrential rain in the #47 Precision Performance Motorsports (PPM) Lamborghini Huracan GT3, GTD at the 2019 Roar Before the Rolex 24.
Linus, making Sunoco Whelen Challenge history as the first winner to climb aboard a car in the competitive GTD class of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, will be carrying the flag for the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship as reigning Champion. He will have just under two hours of practice in which to acclimatise, while sharing his Precision Performance Motorsport Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo with three other teammates, before qualifying takes place on Thursday afternoon.
Kyle Reid takes to the famous 31-degree banking in the #26 Fast Track Racing/Classic BMW M4 GT4 in the 2019 Roar Before the Rolex 24.
Kyle, the latest Sunoco 240 Challenge winner, represents Mini Challenge as the Cooper Pro class Champion, and will be competing aboard a Fast Track Racing/Classic BMW M4 GT4 in the BMW Endurance Challenge At Daytona, branded in the classic Sunoco blue colour scheme. Like Linus, Kyle will also have around two hours of track time, shared with his teammates, before qualifying later on Thursday.
The action picks up on Friday, January 25, as the four-hour BMW Endurance Challenge At Daytona takes place, before the main event, the Rolex 24 At Daytona, on Saturday for 24 gruelling hours of racing. Both drivers’ progress will be covered on Sunoco UK’s social media channels (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)
Linus Lundqvist, Sunoco Whelen Challenge winner
“We did a few laps and felt more comfortable in the car during the Roar Before the 24. It was interesting to see our rivals’ speed and compare where we stand. The circuit is not too technical, but it is a learning process with the team and how endurance racing works, so we’ll see how things unfold.
“I’d like to think my experience with aero in BRDC British Formula 3 has helped me with the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO. It’s heavy and different to drive, especially with ABS and traction control, but it is fun, and I am looking forward to taking part in the Rolex 24.”
Kyle Reid, Sunoco 240 Challenge winner
“It was an awesome experience at the Roar Before The 24. The guys gave me an opportunity to do a qualifying run in practice so hopefully I get to qualify the car for the race itself. It was a great learning experience with a new team, new track, and new car. I felt I improved every session and the team were happy with me.
“Hopefully we can improve towards the race. The times kept falling and we think the time will come to us before the race and we’ll be right on the pace.”
