CORE autosport returns to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the first time since 2012. The permanent road course hosts Round Four of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Mid-Ohio marks the first true road course on the 2018 IMSA schedule, an attribute that should play to the ORECA 07 LM P2’s strengths.
Early spring in the Midwest brings the chance for inclement weather. Rain is predicted throughout the weekend with temperatures barley exceeding 70 degrees. Engineers will be watching tire temperatures closely.
CORE autosport is currently third in the championship point standings.
CORE’s best finish at Mid-Ohio is second in 2012 with Ryan Dalziel and Alex Popow in the ALMS PC category.
CORE was slated to test at Mid-Ohio in April, but cancelled due to poor weather conditions.
Jon Bennett married longtime girlfriend Sherri Helms in Charlotte, N.C. on April 21.
Bennett’s birthday is May 4, hence the team’s affinity for the number 54.
Jon Bennett
Driver: No. 54 ORECA 07 LM P2
“Mid-Ohio is a classic, natural road course with several interesting and technical corners. The rising and falling terrain adds a challenge to several key sectors of the circuit. I think we’ll have an advantage with our ORECA 07 and its efficient and effective downforce.
“We hope our P2 ORECA will be more effective on a circuit that is more aligned with the strong attributes of the P2 formula. Most LMP2 race cars were developed and optimized on the smoother FIA-style circuits typically found in Europe. Mid-Ohio will be the first circuit of the IMSA season that mimics that European track environment.
“Tough weather conditions always create opportunities benefiting smart race strategies and thoughtful driving. Difficult weather conditions will play to CORE autosport’s strengths and the approach that Colin and I employ inside the race car.”
Colin Braun
Driver: No. 54 ORECA 07 LM P2
“I like Mid-Ohio. I think it’s got a good rhythm and flow to it. It’s an interesting mix of fast corners and slow, technical corners. I’ve always enjoyed racing there and I’ve missed it since our last trip in 2012. I’m glad it’s back on the schedule.
“With the P2 car, it’s going to be a really fun track because the downforce will come into play in places like Turn 1 and the Carousel. I’m looking forward to that. The P2 car excels in quick corners, so a place like Mid-Ohio has some of that and will show off the performance of the car. As a driver, going around a corner faster than you think you should be able to is exhilarating.
“I like driving in the rain and I think Jon does as well, so if rains that would be a lot of fun. If it’s cold and raining that’s not a great mix for race cars though, so hopefully the weather cooperates that way.”
