WeatherTech Racing drivers Cooper MacNeil (Hinsdale, Ill) and Daniel Juncadella (Spain) will start tomorrow’s running of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Hyundai Monterey Sports Car Championship Presented by Motul from the front row in GTD Pro.
Juncadella had the wheel of the No. 79 WeatherTech Racing Mercedes-AMG with Mercedes-Benz of Billings, Montana support for the 15-minute qualifying session. The WeatherTech/Proton team tried to capitalize on the fast pace they set in the two practice sessions so far on the weekend. The Spaniard put in a lap of 1:23.164 that will have him starting second for tomorrow’s 3:00 p.m. ET start.
This is Juncadella’s first visit to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. He’s taken to the 2.2-mile, 11-turn circuit posting the fastest lap in this morning’s practice and the second fastest in yesterday’s running.
“We have a really good WeatherTech Mercedes-AMG car,” Juncadella said. “We will start on the front row tomorrow which is good. It is a little bittersweet; we were on pole until the last couple minutes of qualifying. That is sometimes how it goes. It is a good result for the team, and I think we have a good chance for a big result.
“I love this track. It is a bit slippery and tricky to drive because of the asphalt and the high tire degradation that will play a big role in the race for tomorrow. The Corkscrew is a highlight because it’s a one-of-a-kind corner. I also like the high-speed sections.”
MacNeil likes the effort and the team’s chances tomorrow.
“Front row start is always good,” MacNeil said. “A good lap by Dani. He’s been driving really well, especially since this his first time here. We’ve got just under three hours of racing to make up one position. We will look to fight for the lead early on and try to build a gap. I will jump in for my stint, then Dani will finish at the end. Front row start, so I’m very happy.”
Source. Kyle Chura
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