In a blistering qualifying session at Daytona, the intensity of the IMSA GTP field reached new heights, highlighted by Pipo Derani's remarkable record-setting lap in the #31 Cadillac V-Series.R. This feat not only surpassed the previous record but also underscored the competitive spirit of the GTP class.
Pipo Derani pushed his Cadillac to a jaw-dropping 1:33.236, averaging 222.311 kilometers per hour. "The car was really well-balanced today," Derani said after his record-setting moment. "We missed a couple of tenths in the qualifying sim, and we worked on what we needed to do between practice and qualifying."
The qualifying session proved to be a fierce contest, with Sébastien Bourdais in the #01 Cadillac Racing vehicle trailing closely behind, just a tenth of a second off Derani's record and solidifying a front-row lockout for Cadillac. The track conditions played a significant role in this achievement, with Derani emphasizing that they were “perfect” for setting fast times.
"Honestly, I was quite surprised we were a second quicker than the previous practice," he said. "But the conditions were perfect. They told me I’d broken the record as I was parking up in victory lane. It’s nice because the new cars are evolving."
The narrative of evolution extended beyond Derani's performance, as other competitors also benefited from the favorable conditions. LMP2 pole-sitter Ben Keating remarked on the optimal atmosphere, recognizing the influence of the wind on his lap time. "The headwind into the Bus Stop and tailwind over the front stretch helped me produce a lap time that left me in shock, questioning whether the numbers on the dash were correct."
It's clear that the GTP class has undergone significant changes over the past year. Compared to the previous season's times, the pole position time has dramatically improved, moving from 1:34.0 to a stunning 1:32.6. This shift highlights a steep learning curve that the teams, particularly the Cadillac team, have navigated successfully.
“We now have so much more understanding of what we need from the tools,” Derani explained. "Last year so many cars were locking up and missing lap times because the systems aren’t as tuned as they are now." The advancements are the result of relentless effort from multiple teams to refine their performance.
The hard work has translated into tangible success for Cadillac's V-Series.R program, which has amassed several accolades within the last year, ranging from wins to titles and even a podium at Le Mans. Laura Wontrop Klauser, GM sports car program manager, expressed pride in the team's achievements. "The work has never stopped since we started designing the car to the development, to testing to the races to whatever they consider the offseason. It shows the amount of hard work and effort put in that we came ready and will continue to push."
While securing pole position is a significant achievement, the true test lies ahead. Cadillacs will be aiming for their first win at Daytona since 2020, in a competitive environment that has expanded, with teams gaining crucial experience and insights from last year's data.
Derani remains optimistic about their prospects for the race. With talented teammates Jack Aitken, who joins the team full-time for 2024, and Tom Blomqvist, who added a championship pedigree to the squad, Derani feels confident. "It’s great to have Jack on board. He is well-integrated with the car so it’s a perfect fit. And with Tom, it’s great to bring in a champion with a champion’s mindset. We are learning a lot and we work well as a group."
As the race weekend approaches, the collective spirit, preparation, and advancements made by the Cadillac team have set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling showdown at Daytona, where the quest for victory will be as intense as ever.
