One round of the Porsche GT3 series in the books after Barber Motorsports Park. Leading the way is 18 year old Canadian Roman De Angelis. He is trailed by 16 year old rookie Riley Dickinson.
The series now stops at the wet Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for round number 2, of the Porsche GT3 Cup series. Dickinson in his series debut drove to a second place finish in both races of the double header at Barber, and will look to improve by one spot this weekend.
As the rains fell around Mid-Ohio during both of the GT3 series practice, De Angelis and Dickinson went back and forth with fast times. De Angelis would lead the first practice turning a lap of 1:54.596 at 70.934 MPH. Dickinson was second at 1:59.977 67.752 MPH. Conditions were challenging for all drivers as the rain was heavier during first practice and it was on and off during the second practice and gave drivers a chance to pick up nearly 10 seconds across the field. De Angelis and Dickinson continued to be fast, but trailed Parker Thompson who turned a 1:50.937. Nearly three seconds faster.
With rain forecasted for most of the weekend, and is likely to impact Saturday’s doubleheader, it’s going to take some patience and maturity on the drivers part. For Dickinson, after last weeks two runner up finishes, he looks to have another solid race and high praise from his Moorespeed team owner should help.
Team Owner Praise
Moorespeed President David Moore said this is exactly the kind of start we needed and envisioned for the Texas teenager.
“He’s extremely mature for a 16-year-old,” Moore said. “When we tested him back in August, I felt that he had something special and we just need to develop. It’s all brand new to him. Dickinson will get another test this weekend with a technically challenging track at Mid-Ohio, but the weather wont help either. It’s all about gaining experience for the young Texan.
“I’m going to gain so much invaluable experience throughout this year,” Dickinson said. “That’s also one of the reasons why we chose this series because of the stiff competition throughout the entire series. It doesn’t matter if it’s a practice session, qualifying or a race.
The Porsche GT3 Cup USA Series will hit the Mid-Ohio course Saturday morning at 10:35 for a fifteen minute qualifying sessions, then race number one at 4:20 for a forty five minute timed race around the 2.250 mile 13 turn circuit.
The Porsche GT3 Cup USA series is one of 3 series running this weekend.