Napleton Racing still in GX class lead as sunrise and fog come to Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH – Napleton Racing remained in control of the debuting GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series GX class overnight at the Rolex 24 At Daytona where team drivers Shane Lewis, David Donohue, Dr. Jim Norman and Nelson Canache have led nearly every race lap in the new No. 16 Napleton Racing Porsche Cayman S.

The Napleton entry built as much as a six-lap lead over the GX competition at times during the evening. Lewis was at the wheel for his third stint of the race at sunrise but soon slowed with the competition when heavy fog forced an extended yellow flag caution period as the race completed its 16th hour. The team has maintained its current four-lap lead during the caution.

“Absolutely, a lot of racing to go,” said Lewis just before taking the wheel of the No. 16. “Still just under 10 hours to go but I am getting ready to get into my favorite stint which is going from the night into the daytime. It is actually like a magical time at Daytona. It allows you to get some fast laps in and when you see the sun come up it gives you a lot of hope for the end of the Rolex 24.”

While the first-time GRAND-AM Rolex Series competing team has dodged some typical endurance racing related penalties and minor on-track issues, Lewis stressed that he and his Napleton teammates must avoid any more miscues to wrap up the win.

“Right now we just need to be calm and do exactly what we did at the very beginning of the race,” Lewis said. “Stay calm, cool and collected, good pit stops, good strategy, maintain our pace and we will do very well.”

Napleton Racing