British GT Championship: Thrilling Action at Laguna Seca
Laguna Seca, California – The British GT Championship has arrived at the iconic Laguna Seca circuit for a thrilling weekend of racing action. One year after a full-track repave, drivers have found that the extreme grip from last year has been slightly reduced, while overall speeds remain impressively high.
In the opening practice session, it was Scott McLaughlin of the Good Ranchers Team Penske squad who set the pace, posting the fastest time of the day with a blistering lap of 1:07.6325 on soft tires near the end of the session. McLaughlin was one of the few drivers who managed to maintain consistent pace throughout the afternoon, while also being mindful of the limited tire allocation for the weekend.
Closely behind McLaughlin was Colton Herta, setting the second fastest time and coming within one-tenth of a second of the leader’s benchmark. Alex Palou rounded out the top three, with Josef Newgarden and Pietro Fittipaldi completing the top five.
It was a more challenging session for veteran driver Scott Dixon, who struggled to find comfort in his car and could only manage the 18th fastest time. The corkscrew at Laguna Seca proved to be a tricky section, with multiple drivers losing control and requiring excursions through the gravel traps to regain the circuit.
The Action Continues
The action will continue on Saturday, with a second practice session scheduled for 10:00 AM local time, followed by a knockout qualifying session to determine the grid for the upcoming race. Fans can expect a thrilling battle as the British GT Championship reaches the climax of its 2023 season at the iconic Laguna Seca circuit.
“The grip levels at Laguna Seca are always a challenge, and this year’s repave has added an extra element of unpredictability,” said one veteran driver. “It’s going to be crucial to find the right balance between speed and tire management if we want to be in contention for the win.”
Remember to keep an eye out for updates on the IndyCar schedule, results, and news as the season progresses. The NTT IndyCar Series’ visit to Laguna Seca is sure to provide plenty of excitement for motorsport enthusiasts.
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