Cadillac Racing Returns to Sebring with CTS-V Coupe Racecars
Cadillac Racing Returns to Sebring with CTS-V Coupe Racecars
Pre-season test with both racecars in full race trim
2011-02-23
*Andy Pilgrim to drive No. 8 car, Johnny O’Connell behind the wheel of the No. 3 coupe
SEBRING, Fla. – Cadillac Racing returned to Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla., on Tuesday, Feb. 22, for a second round of testing prior to the beginning of the 2011 Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT season.
For the first time, both CTS-V Coupe racecars hit the track with full exterior colors, decals and numbers. Driver Andy Pilgrim will pilot the No. 8 car for Cadillac Racing, and teammate Johnny O’Connell will be behind the wheel of the No. 3 coupe.
Cadillac is reentering the World Challenge GT series this year, beginning with the season-opening race in St. Petersburg, Fla., on March 25-27. Cadillac previously competed in the World Challenge from 2004 to 2007.
“We’re here fine-tuning the cars, validating components and vehicle dynamics,” said Jim Vurpillat, Cadillac global marketing director. “It’s our first opportunity to get both cars on the track at the same time, in full race trim. Besides looking incredible on the track, the cars are performing at an exceptional level.”
The first test at Sebring Raceway in January was earlier in the vehicle development process and limited to one racecar without the exterior treatments.
“The driving is going very well,” O’Connell said. “We’re just learning how the car responds to different changes and we’re getting a lot of track data. With two full days of testing (Feb. 22-23), we’ll have a really good idea of how we’ll perform at the first race in St. Petersburg next month.”
The World Challenge GT schedule has been finalized for the 2011 season and includes eight races in the United States and Canada from March to October.
“We’re getting in a lot of laps, and that’s what we need to do to get ready for the 2011 season,” Pilgrim said.
