DETROIT, Mich. (June 2, 2017) – CORE autosport is on the eve of an attempt to take part in both the IMSA Chevrolet SportsCar Classic and Red Bull Global Rallycross New England events on the same day. That day will begin in earnest when Bennett takes the green flag on the streets of Detroit’s Belle Isle from 14th on the GT Daytona grid.
The Belle Isle circuit is made up of roads within a park on an island in the Detroit River. Notoriously bumpy, Bennett and co-driver Colin Braun were pleased to find the temporary circuit much smoother when they took to the track for morning practice.
After another round of practice in the afternoon, it was time to qualify. Bennett was at the wheel of the No. 54 Flexbox / Composite Resources Porsche 911 GT3 R for the 15-minute qualifying session. He steadily improved with each lap and even picked up 0.5-second on his final try. This put him 14th on the GTD grid for Saturday’s 100-minute race.
Bennett will start the race and hand the Porsche over to co-driver Braun during the pit stop.
Once the checkered flag waves, Bennett and Braun will rush to the airport to take a plane to Thompson, Connecticut, where the GRC New England event will already be underway. If all goes according to plan, the two drivers will make it to Thompson Speedway in time to take part in the GRC Lites final. Regardless of when they arrive, they’ll be able to take part in a full day of GRC action on Sunday.
The Chevrolet SportsCar Classic from Detroit will air live on FS2, starting at 12:30pm ET, Saturday.
Jon Bennett
“Coming into Detroit, we heard a rumor that the track had been improved. Sure enough, they did a spectacular job smoothing out the roughness of this track. I think Colin and I both liked the layout before, but now with a smoother track surface, it’s certainly a joy to come here and race.
“In terms of qualifying, of course, I would like to be faster. The transition from the prototype to the Porsche requires a great deal of respect and patience. I’m quite happy with my progression so far. Colin and Jeff Braun have helped me a great deal getting up to speed. Little-by-little, session-by-session, we’re getting faster and I’m looking forward to the race tomorrow.”