In a surprising turn of events during Round 2 of qualifying, 7 teams failed to set a qualifying time after a red flag forced the session to come to a close with over 8 minutes left in the 15-minute qualifying session. This left many top teams from the first session in an unexpected position on the grid for the Round 2 Race at Sonoma Raceway.
Top Results:
Overall Pole:
| Driver | Team | Car | Lap Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C. Braun | Crowdstrike Racing | #04 Mercedes | 1:37.739 |
Pro Top 3:
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Car | Lap Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P5 | C. De Phillippi | Random Vandals | #99 BMW | 1:39.454 |
| P7 | A. Sedgwick | RS1 | #18 Porsche | 1:42.708 |
| P12 | M. Grenier | JMF Motorsports | #34 Mercedes | 1:47.598 |
Pro-Am Top 3:
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Car | Lap Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | C. Braun | Crowdstrike Racing | #04 Mercedes | 1:37.739 |
| P2 | J. Burton | Regulator Racing | #91 Mercedes | 1:38.251 |
| P3 | R. Foley | Turner Motorsport | #29 BMW | 1:38.462 |
Am Pole:
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Car | Lap Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P9 | O. Negri | AF Corse USA | #163 Ferrari | 1:44.070 |
The #91 Regulator Racing Mercedes opted to run a unique strategy by running hot stint tires for this session, which could have put the team at a disadvantage in the long run. Burton ended up setting his lap time while using the same tires that P. Ellis used during the first qualifying round just moments prior, securing P2 in the process.
The biggest surprise was the Pro Class starting towards the back of the grid, leaving them with a lot of work ahead of them to take their normal place at the top. Random Vandals’ #99 BMW is in the best position out of the Pro Class teams, making them the one to watch on Sunday.
Incidents & Penalties:
Red Flag:
On Lap 4 of the session, K. Marcelli carried a little too much speed and drifted around a corner, putting the #92 LAB Motorsport Porsche into the barriers near Turn 3. Marcelli’s incident prompted a red flag with a little over 8 minutes left in the session, forcing the rest of the field to enter the pits until the track was cleared.
As a result of the red flag, Marcelli's 2 fastest lap times would be deleted, knocking him to the back of the grid. The debris from the incident would not be able to be cleaned up in time to resume the session, with the checkered flag being waved with 4 minutes left to end the second qualifying round.
My Analysis:
Honestly, I was a little shocked with the final results, and if it wasn't for the red flag things probably would have ended differently. Thankfully Marcelli was not injured in the incident, so at least there's a positive end to the day. Unfortunately for LAB Motorsports the #92 Porsche took quite a lot of damage, which means they probably won't be participating in the races this weekend.
The tire strategy that Regulator Racing used worked well for them during this session, but I'm unsure if it would have paid off after a few more hot laps. Either way, the strategy couldn't have worked much better for the team, as Burton made a solid run and will be starting on the front row for Round 2.
Looking Forward:
With the Pro Class having to fight their way up from the back of the grid, it will be a real test of the skill and racecraft these drivers possess. After the unexpected qualifying results, the Round 2 Race at Sonoma seems like it will be a thrilling event from green lights until checkered flag.