So far this season, qualifying in GT World Challenge America has belonged to JMF Racing. Michai Stephens and Mikael Grenier have been merciless grabbing all three poles this season so far. But that all changed Saturday during qualifying for GT World Road Atlanta.
In Session 1, however, it appeared it would be the same song and dance. Michai Stephens set the benchmark time of 1:20.501 with Matias Perez Companc only twelve thousandths off in his AF Corse USA Ferrari. Cameron Lawrence rounded out the Top 3 in Pro with the No. 6 Dolahite Racing Mustang. In Pro-Am, Todd Coleman led the way with a 1:21.295. Behind Coleman was Brayton Williams in the TR3 Mercedes and Dave Musial Jr. in the No. 31 Wright Porsche.
For Session 2, the razor thin margins of Q1 were magnified. Robby Foley set the quickest time of the session with a 1:19.343. However, when it came to aggregate the No. 29 Turner BMW would end up a quarter second off the pole. Instead, it would be a clutch lap for Frederik Schandorff turning in a 1:19.4 to take pole for the No. 12 Ferrari by less than a tenth of a second. In Pro-Am, Philip Ellis was fastest with a 1:19.3. Right below him was Aaron Telitz with a 1:19.4 that would be enough to secure Pro-Am pole, and fourth overall, for the Archangel Motorsport McLaren on combined time.
Sunday’s three-hour race goes green at 2:30pm.
Featured Image: AF Corse USA and the Rowe Pole Award Photo Courtesy: Fabian Lagunas/Lagunas Photography/SRO Motorsports Group
