This is one of the biggest “rest” breaks we’re likely to see during the season. It is certainly not one of rest though, as we are working diligently to improve the performance of the cars both internally and externally. Wait… Did I just say “externally”? Yes, there are external influences acting on the cars.
The Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge boasts one of the most diverse grids of sports cars, yet the top 10 finishers’ average race speed difference was only about 1 mph!
Part of the attraction to Grand-Am racing, for both fans and race teams, is the parity amongst so many different makes of vehicles. Watching a Chevrolet Camaro duel with a Ford Mustang, all while a BMW stalks the two and a Porsche leads into turn 1… That’s excitement! It takes well designed and monitored rules to ensure equality. Unfortunately, some are more “equal” than others. 
Unfortunately for us, the Camaros (all Camaros) were assigned an engine restrictor before Daytona. To add insult to injury, we are the heaviest of all the cars (per required ballast, NOT because the car needs a diet). It’s a bit like bringing a knife to a gun fight when you get a good run out of the corner, and you’re gaining on someone’s rear bumper entering the oval track, and they just “motor” away.
The data doesn’t lie; 6-10mph down from the other top cars! It’s not a gripe, but an observation. We’re very happy with our overall result in the race, but hope the Grand-Am powers are doing their usual fantastic homework to make sure the horsepower is more equal for future 2010 races. Hopefully the hours in the dyno room will translate to a modified rules package in-time for the Homestead race, or we may have to get some bullseye decals made for the rear bumpers on the 05 and 06 Momentum Race Group Camaros!
