PTG BMW Daytona Sunday first update

PTG BMW M3 TEAM Notes & quotes Sunday...Race 1-1-1

Earlier in the day, Bill Auberlen reported that when he reached Turn 2 in Car #10 on the opening lap, the gearshift knob broke off in his hand. However, he described it as "no big deal."

Later, teammate Boris Said described the loss of the shift knob as making it difficult to shift, but the drivers were coping with the situation.

1:25 - 2:00 a.m.: Car #7 pits several times to try to find the source of a misfire. The crew makes several checks and changes a number of component in attempts to cure the problem.

Car # 7 continues to be plagued with a nagging misfire. The crew continues diagnosing and changing components. However, nothing seems to have any significant effect.

MARK SIMO; #7 Yokohama BMW M3; On the misfire: "I'm not sure what it was. It's something they can't fix, so we just decided to get along with it."

3:30 a.m.: Car #10 pits for a routine stop and takes on brake fluid,

During the night hours, several of the drivers do double shifts, taking advantage of the cool temperatures which make this easier to do. This allows longer, uninterrupted rest for each of the other drivers in the rotation.

MARK SIMO; #7 Yokohama BMW M3; On his night-morning driving: "It was pretty routine, really. I was pretty fortunate. By that time, everybody was calm and I just did my thing while they did theirs."

PETER CUNNINGHAM; #7 Yokohama BMW M3; On traffic and cars in faster classes: "There are always cars to contend with. You can stick your nose in (alongside another competitor in order to pass), but if they move in on you, you have to be prepared. You always have to have a little something left."