Daytona 24: Orbit Racing Friday report

quick again

Orbit Racing posted the fastest GT time during the final qualifying session for the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Mike Fitzgerald turned a lap time of one minute 53.543 seconds on the 3.56-mile Daytona International Speedway in the No. 44 Classic Industries Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Although the time was second-fastest in the class over two qualifying sessions, the team will start 12th in class because the time was set on the second day.

"We did the requalifying this morning," Fitzgerald said. "We made some changes with the car after qualifying yesterday and it went a little bit quicker. We're really happy with things now. We're starting a little bit further back, but we think we're looking good for the race."

Fitzgerald will share driving stints with Joe and Jay Policastro, Robin Liddell and Johnny Mowlem.

chemistry

Most racers acknowledge interpersonal chemistry is a key ingredient for success. But how does a team create chemistry, with as many as five competitive drivers sharing a car?

"Chemistry develops by your association with the other driver," Joe Policastro explained. "The bond usually develops when you are testing. The Rolex 24-Hour test [in early January] was as much building a driver relationship and style as getting the car ready. In my case it is easy because my son Jay and I having been driving together for years. When you drive with four other drivers you have to have respect for their driving ability and skill. Once you develop a routine the chemistry becomes easy. When everyone has the same objective it sure makes bonding and cohesion work to the ultimate."

-or/sp-