Final Practice Report: Cam Waters Leads with Rapid Lap Ahead of Qualifying
In a competitive final practice session at [Event Name], Cam Waters, driving the #222 Scott Taylor Motorsport Mercedes, set the fastest time with a remarkable 2:02.35 on his penultimate lap, positioning himself as a frontrunner ahead of the crucial qualifying rounds.
Waters commented post-session, “We’re just seeing what we’ve got in the car. I feel like there are a fair few not showing their hand at the moment. Starting at the front would be ideal, and a good start is crucial for our strategy.”
The session commenced under overcast skies, vital for determining placements for Qualifying 1 and 2. Teams initially focused on race validation, with the best lap time hovering around 2:03.6 by Matt Campbell in the #911 Absolute Racing Porsche until midway through.
As pace intensified, Broc Feeney clocked a solid 2:03.9 in the #64 Ford Mustang, only to be eclipsed by Christopher Haase in the #7 Audi, who set a benchmark of 2:02.28 shortly after. Marco Mapelli followed with a 2:02.5768 in the #93 Wall Racing Lamborghini, pushing the competition further.
With 20 minutes remaining, the focus shifted to achieving a top-17 placement. Ryder Quinn made headlines, navigating the #101 Q/Team MPC Audi to a 2:02.57, just shy of Mapelli’s time, while Haase reclaimed the top spot with a 2:02.51.
Raffaele Marciello and Scott Andrews also broke into the 2:02s, solidifying their teams’ competitive standings. In a flurry of activity, Waters’ late lap secured him first, leaving other contenders scrambling for a qualifying position.
Notably, Kai Allen’s impressive 2:02.8 placed him eighth, narrowly pushing out David Russell’s #47 Supabarn/Tigani Mercedes. The top 17 also featured cars from prominent teams, including the #6 Tigani Motorsport Mercedes and #911 Absolute Racing Porsche. However, a number of notable Pro-Class entries, including Lucas Auer in the #77 Craft Bamboo Mercedes and Earl Bamber in the #2 Johor Motorsports Racing Corvette, failed to qualify for the top spots.
While most machines ran smoothly, the #27 Heart of Racing by SPS Mercedes faced mechanical issues, completing only five laps, and the #61 EBM Porsche experienced a software glitch.
As teams prepare for the Pirelli Pole Shootout, the stakes are high, and a strong performance in Qualifying 1 will be essential for the cars that must navigate the challenges of mixed-class traffic.
Key Results:
- 1st: Cam Waters (#222 Mercedes) – 2:02.35
- 2nd: Christopher Haase (#7 Audi) – 2:02.51
- 3rd: Raffaele Marciello (#46 BMW) – 2:02.xx
- 4th: Scott Andrews (#44 Mercedes) – 2:02.xx
- 5th: Ryder Quinn (#101 Audi) – 2:02.57
As the event progresses, teams will be closely monitored in their quest for pole positions.
