Mixed
Fortunes at Mid-Ohio for Kinetic Motorsports
|
Smith
Awaits the Start of the IMSA Cup Challenge at Mid
Ohio |
Lexington, Ohio - The
sun finally revealed itself after almost two weeks of rain
as Kinetic Motorsports competed in the second installment
of the IMSA Cup Challenge presented by Michelin at Mid-Ohio
Sports Car Course. The team had mixed fortunes throughout
the week as problems that plagued the performance of the
Kinetic Porsche 997 were fortunately discovered and repaired.
The engine of Kinetic's Porsche was changed mid week due
to the fact that it had approximately 48 hours of logged
use. The high number of hours decreased the amount of performance
that the engine was capable of producing which is vital
to success even though it was a minimal reduction. Practice
in the rain proved to be successful with Kinetic co-owner
Russell Smith behind the wheel. Smith posted top 10 times
in the 20 minute session giving the team confidence for
the race just over 24 hours away.
During qualifying, Smith began producing competitive lap
times only to fall off the pace after reported a lag in
power through the turns. The unknown problem resulted in
a 29th qualifying position. Kinetic Motorsports' crew chief,
Bob Sanderson and the rest of the team, dove right into
the issue, interpreting data from the car's onboard computer
as well as listening to Smith's description of the car's
lack of response from the throttle. Porsche Motorsports
also supported the team with a representative. The team
discovered that the fuel pump was not functioning as it
should and rushed to replace the part by race time.
The long line of Porsches took to the track at 1:00 p.m.
on Saturday for the 45 minute event with Smith just over
midway back in the lineup. Temperatures in the lower 60s
improved the chance for the entries to heat up the Michelin
slicks during the race which would increase the speed of
the 47 car field. However, speed proved hard to attain
as three double yellow flags were waved during the race
resulting in less than 12 actual laps run under green flag
conditions. The replaced fuel pump worked flawlessly and
the power returned to the Kinetic Porsche but the lack
of actual race time and the space between cars on the restarts
proved to be too much of an obstacle as Smith crossed the
line in the top 20 even though he was posting top 15 times.
"The race was quite spotty and
we were not able to enjoy many laps
under the Green Flag," said Smith. "We
had trouble in qualifying and the unpredictable weather
conditions made setup strategy difficult this week. Fortunately
the guys on the team held their own and were able to repair
the issues that plagued us. I really want to thank the
team for their hard work and support. We will just go back
to the shop in Georgia and begin preparation for the next
event in Utah."
The next IMSA event for Kinetic Motorsports will take place in Salt Lake City,
Utah in conjunction with the American Le Mans Series. This will be the first
time for both series at this new facility. For more information about Kinetic
Motorsports as well as Kinetic Speed Shop, please visit www.kssmotorspots.com. |
