Chevrolet Grand Prix Qualifying: Hyett and AO Racing Lock Down Pole Positions
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, July 9, 2023 — PJ Hyett and AO Racing secured pole position for the Chevrolet Grand Prix at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, marking their second consecutive year in this role. Hyett’s decisive lap, clocked at 1m08.888s in the No. 99 ORECA 07-Gibson, narrowly edged out United Autosports’ Dan Goldburg, who qualified second with a time of 1m08.986s.
The qualifying session faced a brief delay due to barrier repairs following an incident in the Michelin Pilot Challenge. Hyett’s successful final flying lap came amidst late drama, as he navigated a local yellow at the last turn.
“We had just one chance, and I’m thankful to the team for giving me a car capable of this,” said Hyett.
Goldburg, who currently leads the LMP2 points standings and has a prior victory at Watkins Glen, managed to fend off challenges despite encountering contact that nearly disrupted his run.
In the LMP2 grid, Steven Thomas of TDS Racing rounded out the top three with a time of 1m09.131s, while Jeremy Clarke qualified fourth after a minor mishap at Turn 2.
In GTD PRO, Neil Verhagen claimed his first pole of the season and the first for the No. 1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO with a lap of 1m15.046s, nearly three-tenths clear of Aaron Telitz in the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3.
The second row will feature the championship-leading No. 3 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, driven by Antonio Garcia, alongside teammate Tommy Milner in the No. 4 car.
Vasser Sullivan Racing also dominated the GTD category, with Jack Hawksworth securing pole with a time of 1m15.101s, just ahead of Russell Ward in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3.
Hawksworth noted, “We’ve been working hard, and it feels great to bring the team another pole.”
Robert Wickens showcased notable performance in the No. 36 DXDT Racing Corvette, qualifying third, while Casper Stevenson bounced back from an earlier practice incident to secure fourth in the No. 27 Heart of Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3.
Qualifying Results Overview:
LMP2
- PJ Hyett (AO Racing) – 1:08.888
- Dan Goldburg (United Autosports) – 1:08.986
- Steven Thomas (TDS Racing) – 1:09.131
GTD PRO
- Neil Verhagen (Paul Miller Racing) – 1:15.046
- Aaron Telitz (Vasser Sullivan Racing) – 1:15.309
- Antonio Garcia (Corvette Racing No. 3) – 1:15.500
GTD
- Jack Hawksworth (Vasser Sullivan Racing) – 1:15.101
- Russell Ward (Winward Racing) – 1:15.319
- Robert Wickens (DXDT Racing) – 1:15.876
The Chevrolet Grand Prix promises an exciting race-day showdown, showcasing top-tier talent and fierce competition across the grid.
