Changes in GTD Pro Performance
The landscape in GTD Pro has shifted since the “Roar before the Rolex 24,” reflecting similar trends in the GTP class. Kenny Habul, team owner of 75 Express Racing and driver of the Mercedes-AMG #75, criticized the preliminary times as “bullshit” during an interview with Motorsport-Total.com. This set a tone of anticipation as teams awaited the first serious practice times, though these should still be viewed with some skepticism.
Average Laptimes Analysis
We focused on GTD Pro laps that clocked under 1:53 minutes and recalculated the average. The results from the three practice sessions present an intriguing overview of the speeds achieved:
Top Performers
The #14 Vasser-Sullivan Lexus (Hawksworth/Barnicoat/Kirkwood) only delivered notable times in the first session. They struggled in night practice with few laps over 1:53 minutes, and did not participate in the third practice, a strategic decision mirrored by their sister GTD car. The cumulative data from all sessions reveal the following standings:
- 1. Pratt-Miller Corvette #4 – 1:48.286 (69 laps under 1:53 minutes)
- 2. Pratt-Miller Corvette #3 – 1:48.352 (70)
- 3. GetSpeed Mercedes #69 – 1:48.418 (55)
- 4. Multimatic Ford #65 – 1:48.613 (26)
- 5. Manthey Porsche #911 – 1:48.616 (84)
- 6. 75-Express-Mercedes #75 – 1:48.657 (54)
- 7. Triarsi-Ferrari #033 – 1:48.702 (68)
- 8. Multimatic-Ford #64 – 1:48.743 (26)
- 9. Vasser-Sullivan-Lexus #14 – 1:48.793 (23)
- 10. RLL-McLaren #59 – 1:48.827 (64)
- 11. Risi-Ferrari #62 – 1:48.838 (44)
- 12. AO Porsche #77 – 1:48.866 (52)
- 13. Paul-Miller-BMW #1 – 1:48.975 (29)
- 14. Winward-Mercedes #48 – 1:49.105 (64)
- 15. Pfaff-Lamborghini #9 – 1:49.216 (42)
Mercedes-AMG’s Standing
Though not leading the pack, Mercedes-AMG maintains a solid position, particularly with its factory drivers. The minimum drive time for bronze drivers Kenny Habul (#75) and Scott Noble (#69) has been adjusted from four and a half to three and a half hours, promoting fair competition. The favorites appear to be the two Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs from Pratt Miller Motorsports.
Notable Improvements since the “Roar”
Changes from the earlier test indicate significant improvements in performance. For example:
- GetSpeed Mercedes #69 – 0.964 seconds faster than at the “Roar”
- Paul Miller BMW #1 – 0.948
- Pratt-Miller-Corvette #4 – 0.903
- Winward Mercedes #48 – 0.865
- Manthey Porsche #911 – 0.823
- RLL McLaren #59 – 0.819
- Pratt-Miller-Corvette #3 – 0.778
- AO Porsche #77 – 0.732
- Triarsi-Ferrari #033 – 0.610
- Multimatic-Ford #65 – 0.403
- Vasser-Sullivan-Lexus #14 – 0.392
- Risi Ferrari #62 – 0.320
- Multimatic-Ford #64 – 0.286
- 75 Express Mercedes #75 – 0.146
- Pfaff-Lamborghini #9 – -0.005
Conclusion
The improvement metrics highlight how competitive the field is, with all cars finishing closely together in terms of average times. This indicates effective Balance of Performance (BoP) measures. As usual in GTD Pro, the true dynamics will only be revealed as the race unfolds, emphasizing that it’s too soon to judge any team’s long-term potential.
