Chevrolet Grand Prix Preview: Corvette Racing’s Historical Dominance at CTMP
As the Chevrolet Grand Prix approaches at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), Corvette Racing aims to uphold a storied legacy. The brand’s four generations of Corvette GT cars have amassed 13 wins at this iconic circuit, including an impressive run of eight victories between 2001 and 2009. A 2016 win by an Action Express Corvette Daytona Prototype raises the tally to 14, further solidifying Corvette’s historical significance in this venue.
Last year, the pairing of Alexander Sims and Antonio Garcia clinched the GTD PRO category, marking the debut triumph for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. This victory initiated a 1-2 finish for Corvette Racing, adding another chapter to their success at CTMP.
Currently, Sims and Garcia lead the GTD PRO standings despite not securing a win this season. Their strong performance has been characterized by three second-place finishes and a third, giving them a significant 52-point buffer over competitors Laurin Heinrich and Klaus Bachler of AO Racing, with a potential 154-point swing on the line at CTMP.
Sims emphasized the team’s consistent competitiveness despite the lack of wins: “We obviously come here trying to get the win… maximize the package that we have… We’ve been there or thereabouts in most races.”
Both drivers acknowledged the need for continuous improvement, with Sims stating, “We’ve got all the learnings from the No. 4 car… so I’m sure we can get our Corvette tuned back in and be better tomorrow.”
In a noteworthy return, Robert Wickens is set to compete in his hand-controlled No. 36 DXDT Racing Corvette. Having previously won twice at CTMP in the Michelin Pilot Challenge, Wickens is keen to showcase his capability in the IMSA WeatherTech series: “It’s a home race for me… Hopefully, we can put together a good strong weekend."
Although DXDT’s Corvette ranked tenth fastest in class during practice, the team has previously demonstrated success, including the Z06 GT3.R’s inaugural win in GT World Challenge America. A flawless driver change and race execution will be critical for their performance.
Wickens expressed a deep connection to the race and its significance, especially with mentorship from Corvette racing stalwart Ron Fellows. “There’s an extra bit of pride for me… driving a Corvette around that track this weekend,” he stated.
As the weekend unfolds, Corvette Racing’s rich history at CTMP and the compelling narratives surrounding both Sims and Wickens set the stage for an exciting race, with both drivers eager to achieve their season goals in front of a passionate home crowd.
