Action Express DPi tops the Corvette turnout at the 2019 HSR Daytona Classic 24 plus some off-track surprises
A variety of cars and manufacture, piloted by entrants from 19 countries, compete in one of six (6) groups, corresponding to the decade when they were raced. They appear in four (4) separate sessions, day and night over a span of 24 hours that decide the winners. Chilly weather prevailed for the first time.
Corvettes from the year 2000 forward are trending at the HSR Classic 24 now in its 5th year. The # 9 Action Express Daytona Prototype driven by J C France, Tim Rivers and pro Joao Barbosa led the group F field.
Pursued by the # 33 John Reisman (with pro Eric Curran) and # 90 Robert Tornello.
# 230 Will Hubbell elected to sit out after earlier sprint race.
Representing the 1960s, Ray Evernham’s # 19 is “the new guy on the block”. Close scrutiny reveals craftmanship and a host of tricks that Ray picked up as crew chief for Jeff Gordon and then as Dodge NASCAR team owner. Formerly a front-runner with Chris Hines, this 1966 C2 big block roadster has upgrades including a custom tub, re-worked suspension, steering, brakes, exhaust, refined dry sump, cooling, aero, plumbing and more.
A Showstopper!
Corvette fans were treated to a big surprise with the appearance of the car Roger Penske debuted as team owner on February 5-6, 1966 at Daytona. Original driver George Wintersteen, GM engineer Gib Hufstader, Sunoco Oil rep Bill Preston were guests of George Haddad, Fabulous Restorations Inc who perfected the car down to every last detail.
The car is called a re-creation because the original is configured in Sunoco blue as it next appeared at Sebring per above. Fittingly, both versions will be displayed on March 5-8, 2020 at Amelia Island’s 25th gathering honoring Roger Penske.
Another surprise on display was the # 55 ex Dave Heinz IMSA GTO widebody also restored by Evernham. Owner Kent Hussey promises to have it ready for the HSR Mitty featuring the Corvette at Road Atlanta April 23-26.
Zach Arnold # 55 (home constructed) and Chris Liebenberg # 57 (Riggins chassis ex Stevenson Racing) piloted C6 Corvettes from the Grand Am era 2002-2005.
At the HSR Classic 2 years ago, Gerard Lopez, a client of Arts and Revs took delivery of # 3 C7.R 003. It re-appeared this year….
joined by # 7 C5.R 007, originally sold by Pratt & Miller to Sellslaugh Racing Team to campaign in Europe, shown above.
# 57, Jim Swan’s straight axle Corvette has been a treat in the hands of Dave Roberts. Take a look from last year. What’s not to like? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW34oU7H4d8&feature=youtu.be Well this year it broke a connecting rod but will be fixed in time to race at the HSR Mitty.
Brad Hoyt won handily as just one of 2 Corvettes in the HSR Group 5 sprint race.
# 196 Dave Bacher was 15th in his nicely restored ex Mike Harrison race car.
Special thanks for photos courtesy of Larry VanScoy.
