---

Rolex 24: Michelin leading GTO and GTU categories at Six-Hour mark at Daytona

5 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

(Daytona Beach, Fla.) - Michelin cars continue to lead the GTO and GTU categories after six hours at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The Michelin-shod Dodge Viper driven by Olivier Beretta, Karl Wendlinger and Dominique Dupuy led arch-rival Corvette drivers Kelly Collins, Franck Freon and Andy Pilgrim. The Viper was running third overall behind sports racer category entries from Cadillac and Dyson Racing.

In a Michelin-shod Porsche, drivers Patrick Huisman, Uwe Alzen, Duncan Huisman and Darren Law continue to lead the GTU category. In fact, Michelin Porsches dominate the top three in GTU competition. The Alex Job Racing Porsche driven by Mike Conte, Bruno Lambert and Randy Pobst was second while Lucas Luhr, Dirk Muller and Bob Wollek were third.

"The Vipers and the Porsches look very strong," said Herb Johnson, Director of Motorsports, Michelin North America. "I know that the Michelin Pilot tires are up to the challenge. We're now changing to softer compounds and are looking forward to a good night."

With the sun setting, the ambient temperature has dropped below 50-degrees Fahrenheit with the track temperature also quickly falling. Michelin teams will be installing soft compound Michelin Pilot radials to provide grip in the corners of the cool track while also providing endurance.

The Michelin-shod Ferrari driven by Didier Theys, Fredy Leinhard, Mauro Baldi and Ross Bentley that led for most of the first four hours has been sidelined since 5:15 p.m. with a mechanical problem. The team is attempting to repair the car and return to competition.

Text Provided by Michelin

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.