SRT Motorsports - ALMS Petit Le Mans Promoter's Test Quotes - Part 2 - Road Atlanta

October 13, 2013 , Braselton, Ga. -  The first of a two-day Promoter’s Test in preparation for the 2013 Petit Le Mans race at Road Atlanta wrapped up earlier this afternoon. The No. 93 Pennzoil Ultra Viper GTS-R driven by Kuno Wittmer, Jonathan Bomarito and Tommy Kendall posted the quickest overall time in the GT class with a lap of 1:19.394. Teammates Marc Goossens, Dominik Farnbacher and Ryan Dalziel posted the second-best time during the afternoon session with a 1:19.449. Testing continues with two sessions on Monday beginning at 8 a.m. (EDT). 
 
Bill Riley – VP and Chief Engineer, Riley Technologies
ARE YOU PRETTY HAPPY WITH TODAY’S SESSIONS? “We have some big things to go through, some big items that will help us later in the week. We’re going through those pretty systematically. We’re making sure that we manage our tire use as there is an allotment for the entire week for each car (25 sets). We’ used up two sets today which isn’t bad. All of the drivers got time in their cars. We were able to get Ryan (Dalziel) back in the car and up to speed right off the bat. It was a good day. I’m pretty happy.”
 
IS THE TRACK HERE ABRASIVE?  “It’s hard on the tires because it’s so fast.”
 
HOW IMPORTANT WAS IT TO GET ALL SIX DRIVERS CYCLED THROUGH THEIR RESPECTIVE CARS?  “It’s important to get all the guys time in the car but especially guys like Ryan or TK (Tommy Kendall) because they haven’t been in these cars for so long. They need to get a feel for how the car moves, their sight ready, the steering wheel ready and their seating positions sorted. They need to just feel that again. We ran Ryan for 10 laps, got him out and then put him back in to give him time to process everything before he got in the second time.”
 
Kuno Wittmer – No. 93 Pennzoil Ultra SRT Viper GTS-R
“I think after nine races this year the SRT team has proven that putting together a nice package throughout the year pays off. Out of the box here, we’re pretty good as far as the race car. We might not be the quickest car when it comes down to qualifying or practice times but the bigger picture is this is a long-distance race, 10 hours. Everybody has been pulling their weight and I think it’s going to pay off this weekend.”
 
HOW IMPORTANT WAS IT TO HAVE A GOOD DAY TODAY AND GET THE WEEK STARTED ON THE RIGHT FOOT? “It was absolutely crucial. This Pennzoil Ultra 93 Viper is on the right path and has been since Le Mans. It proves that Riley Technologies and the team back in Mooresville (N.C.) are getting things done in the shop before we get here. It’s less effort at the track, more results.”
 
HOW IMPORTANT WAS IT TO GET ALL SIX DRIVERS SEAT TIME IN THE CARS TODAY? “The four regular drivers, we know how the car reacts. We know what the car needs as far as setup. We’re very much acclimated to the machine. Now that we’ve gotten Ryan and Tommy in the car on the first day and they’ve gotten roughly a half-hour or so (practice time), that’s perfect. It gives them enough time to reflect, look at some data and tomorrow they’ll go quicker.”    
 
Dominik Farnbacher – No. 91 SRT Viper GTS-R
“The car is very strong here, big improvements compared to last year. The car is very drivable, very comfortable. We’re still making improvements. Here and there, we’re still figuring out a few things. Of course we can improve on a few points but we know what we have to work with and what we have to tackle as far as improvements. My co-drivers did a good job today. Everybody is up to speed now. I’m really looking forward to the race. I think we have a good shot.” 
 
HOW BIG OF FACTOR WAS THE HEAT? DOES THAT THROW YOU OFF AS YOU PREPARE FOR SATURDAY’S RACE? “No, not at all. The heat isn’t a problem. The ambient temperature is very low here. On top of that, we have air conditioning in the cars so heat isn’t a problem. You can do triple stints without any issues.”