Watkins Glen, N.Y. (28 June 2014) – Michael Valiante posted a fast lap time of 1:38.692-seconds in the No. 90 VISITFLORIDA.com Corvette DP to lock in third on the starting grid for Sunday’s Sahlen’s 6 Hours of the Glen for Spirit of Daytona Racing.
The Canadian, who started the day by taking a podium finish in IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge competition, will open the six hour classic from behind the wheel of the Corvette DP and take turns with co-driver Richard Westbrook through the race to the checkered flag (FOX Sports 1, 11:00 AM live broadcast flag to flag).
“We knew that a P2 car would be on pole,” said Valiante. “I thought that second might have been reachable. I didn’t get a perfect lap in and lost a tenth here, a tenth there. It would have been great to be on pole of course but I’m just happy to be with the team, they’ve done a great job. Richard (Westbrook) and I have been working really well together, especially since Long Beach we’ve had a really good car. Qualifying is not the most important thing, especially this race. But it is good to have some pace. It’s a long six hours and we are in a good position. Just have to stay out of trouble.”
The team earned a podium the last time out with a run to second place in the thrilling final moments of the Detroit Grand Prix, and will look to keep that momentum with a strong finish in the 6 Hour on Sunday.
“I’m pretty happy with the pace we’ve had to start the weekend, so it’s good to have a good feel with the car for the guys,” said team owner Troy Flis. “But now we’ve got to focus on all the other things that have to happen to come out of here on top. Our pit stops and strategy and just having a clean race overall.”
The driving line up is just one of two two-driver line ups in the 55-car field, which will put added pressure on Westbrook and Valiante, although it has already yielded some benefits in the first part of the weekend.
“Lots of training ahead of this weekend,” said Valiante about how he prepared for the event. “Richard and I talked about how having two drivers for the race is going to be tough, but it also gives us more time to work on the car together without having to cut up the limited amount of track time that we have with a third driver. That’s the good thing, to keep developing the car. Richard’s also coming off of two 24 hour races, so his neck should be like a bull! I’ve been karting a lot and working out a lot to make sure we’ve got good pace for the full 6 hours.”
The Sahlen’s 6 Hours of the Glen will be aired LIVE on FOX Sports 1 starting at 11:00 AM.
Will also be streamed LIVE on imsa.com. Live timing and scoring can be followed at www.scoring.imsa.com.
