Lola sets the pace in Daytona Rolex 24 tests

Lola's Grand American Road Racing campaign enjoyed the best possible start to the New Year, setting the fastest lap time during three days of testing for next month's Rolex 24 at Daytona.

John Field and Rick Sutherland's Judd-powered B2K-10 clocked 1:40.494s at the Florida circuit on Thursday, fully sixth tenths quicker than the 2000 pole position time and more than a second clear of its closest rival. Intersport Racing driver Field benefited from new rubber and a cold, clear track on the first morning to set the benchmark for the rest of the test.

Underlining the competitive showing of Lola's SR1 during preparations for the 24-hour sports car classic, the B2K-10 also set the fifth fastest time, in the hands of Porsche-powered Champion Racing drivers Dorsey Schroeder and Bob Wolleck, while Scott Schubot recorded the sixth time in his Ford-powered Philip Creighton entry.

The Huntingdon manufacturer further impressed with its SR2 car, as the Nissan-powered TRP Racing Lola B2K-40 of Dick Downs, Gary Tiller and Travis Duder finished the test ahead of the fastest of the GTS cars and in a fine 11th place overall.

"It was a very encouraging way to begin the New Year," commented David Bowes, Lola Managing Director. "Our engineers in Florida reported that all the Lola teams made good progress during the test and it was particularly pleasing to see such a good showing from the SR2s. The unexpected weather in Daytona almost forced us to fit a windshield defrost option to the cars!"

Lola's achievements in the 2000 Grand-Am series were recently honoured by the presentation of the Constructors' trophy for the SR2 championship.

The Rolex 24, opening round of the 2001 Grand-Am series, takes place on February 3-4.

-Lola-