Slick track conditions added an extra challenge for the Pirelli GT4 America field as they returned for their second practice session of the day following a mid-afternoon rain storm. As the sun made an effort to shine through the heavy clouds still lingering overhead, it was vital for teams and drivers to get the most out of the session before the weather shifted again.
The majority of the 45-minute practice session was green, with a red flag coming out in the final minutes.
Silver Class
Although the slippery track surfaces were difficult to contend with, numerous teams went on to exchange fastest laps over the course of the session and challenged for the top spot. Notably, JCD Dubets was quick to raise the stakes as he clocked in purple sectors in his No. 51 Auto Technic Racing BMW M4 GT4.
It was a battle of the BMW’s, as Kenton Koch, who set the fastest time in the morning session, returned behind the wheel of the No. 92 Random Vandals Racing BMW M4 GT4 in an attempt to execute a repeat performance. With just over five minutes remaining, Kevin Boehm set a flying lap time of 1:53.761 and moved up into first, bumping JCD Dubets and Zac Anderson to second.
Third in class was occupied by Harry Gottsacker and Chandler Hull in the No. 88 STR38 Motorsports BMW M4 GT4, with Jesse Webb and Michai Stephens bringing home fourth in the No. 34 Conquest Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4, with Francis Selldorff and Andrew Davis completing the Top 5 in the No. 19 ACI Motorsports Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.
PRO-AM Class
In the PRO-AM Class, it was the No. 50 Chouest Povoledo Racing Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 of Ross Chouest and Aaron Povoledo that rose to the top, as they set the fastest time in class and fourth quickest time overall with a 1:54.156. The leaders from the morning session were in hot pursuit but Tyler McQuarrie and James Walker Jr. ultimately had to settle for second place in the No. 82 BimmerWorld BMW M4 GT4.
Curt Swearingin and Kay van Berlo secured another Top 3 finish in their No. 7 ACI Motorsports Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, separated by less than 0.06 seconds from the competitors ahead. Elias Sabo and Andy Lee followed in fourth place in the No. 8 Flying Lizard Motorsports Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4, while Kevin Conway and John Geesbreght completed the Top 5 in their No. 68 Smooge Racing Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO.
AM Class
After finishing the first practice session in second place, James Clay and Charlie Postins kicked their No. 36 BimmerWorld BMW G82 M4 GT4 into high gear and secured the best time in the AM Class with a 1:54.488. Meanwhile, the No. 83 NOLASPORT Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport also made significant progress, with the likes of Nelson Calle and Juan Pablo Martinez jumping up into second position. The No. 253 Auto Technic Racing BMW G82 M4 GT4 of Satakal Khalsa and Rob Walker also made some improvements of their own as they climbed up to third.
The No. 98 Random Vandals Racing BMW M4 GT4 of Al Carter and Paul Sparta picked up their second fourth place finish of the day, with the No. 438 STR38 Motorsports BMW M4 GT4 of Chris Allen and Robert Mau rounding off the day in fifth place to to close out Friday’s on-track activities.
Let’s Get Racing
The series takes to the track later today for Practice Two at 5:15 p.m. ET. Fans can follow progression with Griiip Live, live timing. The studio makes it easy to follow class battles, lap times, and pit strategy for the five SRO America series.