ROAR before the 24 success with p7 in 100-minute qualifying

A new circuit provided new experiences for the British-based team who headed Stateside earlier this week for not only their first race of the season, but also the start of their first full IMSA campaign. 

The Roar before the 24 kicked-off with a series of free practice sessions spanning over Friday and Saturday before the 15-minute qualifying session on the afternoon of January 22. 

Light showers in the sunshine state saw Brendan head out on slick tyres on the damp surfaces for the short qualifying stint. Heating up the tyres and with the minutes counting down, Brendan set a lap time of 1:47.9 and placed the #70 McLaren P7 in class. 

As the floodlights lit the course, Jordan headed out to start off the two hours of night-time free practice with Frederik to follow. An unfortunate mishap during Brendan’s stint due to contact with a prototype, saw the McLaren return to the garage with a right rear puncture.

The team were able to make a quick turn-around in order to see Ollie make his return to the clock-face before the session ended. The same feat was sadly repeated shortly after with Ollie suffering a rear left puncture due to further contact, seeing the car stop on track and ultimately, retire from the session. 

The midday sun began to heat up the track along with the excitement for the first race of the event on Sunday; the 100-minute qualifying race which set the grid for the following weekend’s 60th running of the Rolex 24H. 

Following his qualifying duties the day before, Brendan headed out first with a strong start to move up the field to sixth in GTD before pitting to see Ollie take over inception’s #70 entry. Re-entering the field in ninth and on cold tyres, Ollie took the chequered flag eighth in class. A late penalty for another team within the GTD field means inception racing's #70 McLaren will start the 60th running of the Rolex 24H at Daytona International Speedway 7th in class. 

The track action continues from Thursday 27, with three free practice sessions before the main event on Saturday 29. 

Bas Leinders, Team Manager

"This is a new track for us all, and everyone including the mechanics, engineers, and drivers have done an exceptional job in getting the car and themselves prepped for this event.

"We were extremely happy with the result of the ROAR, we were able to get a lot of track time so we’re all looking forward to being able to get back out track again this week and to get ready for the big race at the weekend.”