PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports had an impressive first outing in the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship posting the fastest lap time of the LMP2 class with a 1:35.930 (133.591 mph) in the #52 ORECA.
PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports put together the LMP2 program just in time for the Roar Before the Rolex 24 and were more than ready to get on track after deciding to run the new ORECA 07 chassis at the end of the 2018 season. Matt McMurry and Gabriel Aubry came into the weekend prepared to take on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway and were joined by their third teammate, Mark Kvamme, who got to take his first laps with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports.
The Roar Before the Rolex 24 provided a crucial opportunity for teams and drivers to get acclimated with their machines and the 3.56-mile circuit. A specific “qualifying session” also runs to determine where the teams will be placed in the paddock and their garage positions. Despite driving the historic track for the first time, it was Aubry who posted the fastest lap time in the LMP2 category. Running the fastest lap time will put the team in the best paddock and garage position behind the DPi class for the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Now, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports’ primary focus is to keep fine-tuning their race strategy and setup of the #52 ORECA. An announcement of the final driver to add to the lineup will be announced shortly. Activities for the Rolex 24 at Daytona begin on Thursday, January 24 with the green flag set to wave at 12:35 p.m. EST on January 26.
Matt Mcmurry Driver #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA 07 LMP2
“The Roar this year went very well. We were fast from the start and made great progress improving the setup of the car. I think that the team, Gabriel, and I all worked together well and I’m excited to see what we can do at the Rolex 24!”
Gabriel Aubry Driver #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA 07 LMP2
“I’m really happy about my first experience in IMSA. The first contact with the team has been great and I had a warm welcome from everyone. We showed good pace from the beginning and we kept on working to improve our car to clinch the best lap time over the 3 test days. It has been a problem-free Roar and this is what we will be looking after for race week!”
Mark Kvamme Driver #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA 07 LMP2
“I’m very excited to have joined PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports for the Rolex 24 at Daytona. So far, I am impressed with the team and my co-drivers Gabriel and Matt. I hope I can hold my end of the bargain during the race being the old slow guy.”
Bobby Oergel Team Principal #52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA 07 LMP2
“We are really happy with the weekend. This program came together late, but it’s such a great feeling to be the fastest in qualifying. Gabriel and Matt and did a great job. The car was fast right out of the box, so we were able to focus on getting these guys some good track time and working on the setup for the race. It’s always nice to be on the top of the charts, but now we will focus on preparing for the race. We will figure out the right person for the fourth seat and look forward to announcing that soon.”
Source. PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports
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