Alex Gurney topped the speed charts Friday in the afternoon session in the first day of testing for the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway.
Gurney piloted the No. 99 Gainsco Chevy Riley, “The Red Dragon,” to the fastest lap time of 1:41.761 (125.942 mph), besting the other prototypes in unseasonably chilly weather that was met with occasional rain.
The event, called the "Roar Before the 24,” is a three-day test for teams to prepare for the 24-hour endurance race Jan. 30-31.
“I think it was a good day,” said Gurney, the 2007 Rolex 24 pole winner. I did get to run quite a bit in the wet there in the afternoon session, but it was kind of in-between conditions really, so that was good practice. This is what we love to do. I am stoked to be here, and it is nice to be on top for at least a session. This is certainly a better car than what we had last year at the 24.”
In the morning session, the No. 10 SunTrust Racing Ford Dallara with drivers Wayne Taylor, Max Angelelli, Ricky Taylor and Pedro Lamy was the fastest with a speed of 127.566 mph among prototypes.
