Mustang Sampling Team looking forward to the Showdown at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX
Circuit of the America’s in May brings with it a new and exciting challenge. The Mustang Sampling team has endured the scorching September heat of Austin, TX over the past several years and is looking forward to the milder temperatures of May.
“The records show we have brought fast race cars to each race,” Barbosa said. “Everyone on our team is confident that as long as we keep the No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac running this well, the wins will come.”
As the IMSA teams head toward the central U.S., the track conditions will be different in early- May than the early-Fall date of 2016, which adds another element to a season of changes.
“It will feel different because we’re racing a Cadillac,” Barbosa added. “The higher speeds at COTA should suit the new Cadillac’s aerodynamics.”
Fittipaldi certainly welcomes the temperature change. “We should have more overall grip, but the conditions will be nicer to drive and not so warm in the office.”
The No.5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac DPi-V.R enters the Circuit of the Americas second in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship point standings, with a pair of runner-up finishes in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Twelve Hours of Sebring.
The Advance Auto Parts SportsCar Showdown
gets underway with practice on Thursday, May 4 at
9:45 a.m. CT, with qualifying for prototype competitors at 1:20 p.m. CT on Friday, May 5. The Advance Auto Parts SportsCar Showdown goes green on Saturday, May 6
at 1:35 p.m. CT and will be televised on FS1 from
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM CT.
Points Standings:
IMSA Weather Tech Championship: 2nd (89 points)
Tequila Patron North American Endurance Championship: 2nd (16 points)