Making his first official IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GT-Daytona qualifying start with Meyer Shank Racing, Matt McMurry put the No. 86 AutoNation / SiriusXM – LaSalle Solutions Acura NSX GT3 ninth for the start of the 58th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona on Saturday.
An all-new MSR driver lineup for 2020 sees several young talents from all around the globe combine in the No. 86 Acura NSX GT3. McMurry (USA) and Mario Farnbacher (GER) pair for the full IMSA season and are joined by Shinya Michimi (JAP) and Jules Gounon (FR) for the Rolex 24.
Getting off to a fast start at the Roar Before the 24 test earlier this month, McMurry had his first taste of IMSA GTD qualifying in the Acura NSX GT3 as he qualified for pit and garage locations for the Rolex weekend.
Fast forward two weeks and McMurry was back behind the wheel of the No. 86 Acura for official qualifying to set the grid for the twice around the clock event on Saturday.
A robust and highly competitive 18 car GTD field headed out for qualifying on Thursday. McMurry immediately posted a lap time good enough for second and continued to lay down strong laps with his teammate Trent Hindman just ahead.
With five laps completed, McMurry closed out the session by posting a 1:46.478-second lap which placed him ninth for the Rolex 24.
“We have a very good race car,” said McMurry. “Our setup makes the Acura NSX GT3 Evo very comfortable to drive which helps put us in a good position for the start. 24 hours is a long time so our starting position is not as crucial as it is in a sprint event. We will be looking for take what what learned and apply it to our race set up.”
Source. Sunday Group
Comments
