Patrick Long and Flying Lizard Motorsport will start the 2011 Rolex 24 At Daytona from pole position, after Long’s teammate Jörg Bergmeister set a new track record during qualifying today. The German, driving the #45 Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche-powered Riley Daytona Prototype, broke the lap record on the road course at Daytona International Speedway with a last-gasp effort and a time of 1:40.099 (128.033 mph). The team has made a strong impression in its Prototype debut at Daytona, having consistently lapped in the top 5 overall, and now claiming pole position.
“I was ready to come in, and the team told me to try again,” Bergmeister said. “I went for it. I risked everything, and it worked out perfectly. I knew we have a great car and a great engine, but I was really surprised to win the pole – with the team running the DP for the first time. I was hoping to qualify in the top five.”