Patrick Long, driving the #67 Flying Lizard/TRG Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, ended the Grand-Am “Roar Before the 24” pre-testing weekend in 4th place, having set the fastest time of Friday’s opening practice and the fourth-fastest lap of the combined weekend times. Long and 2010 ALMS teammate Jörg Bergmeister will look to defend their 2009 Rolex 24 title, as they drive with Johannes van Overbeek and Seth Neiman in a joint effort between the ALMS-based Flying Lizard Motorsport and Grand-Am / NASCAR stalwarts TRG.
Jörg and Patrick form an historically potent duo, having won 16 races together in Grand-Am and ALMS competition, including last year’s Rolex 24. van Overbeek, 2007 Porsche Cup winner and six-time ALMS class winner and Seth Neiman, Flying Lizard team owner, will round out the driving team. Neiman and Flying Lizard have competed at the Rolex 24 twice before, in 2004 and 2005.
Patrick said, “It’s always great to get back to Daytona for the Rolex 24 pre-test. Seeing everyone after a few months off is always nice, especially given how many drivers show up from other disciplines of racing – in many ways it’s a reunion for a lot of us, socially. This year’s weather was really tricky – it actually snowed on Friday – but we were solidly in the top five all weekend and leading a few of the sessions. I think we’re in good shape for the race – TRG has a long, successful history at Daytona, and between their guys and the Lizard guys, we’re a very strong team.”
Photos © Rick Dole 2009