Cadillac Racing Completes Successful Test in Sebring
Posted on: Thursday, March 3, 2011
Excitement is mounting for the Houston Area Cadillac Dealers and Cadillac racing fans. Last week Cadillac Racing completed its second test session at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla. It’s the first time the two cars took to the track in full racing colors and numbers.
“We’re here fine-tuning the car, validating components and vehicle dynamics,” said Jim Vurpillat, Cadillac global marketing director. “It’s our first opportunity to get both cars on the track at the same time, in full race trim.”
Both the No. 8 and the No. 3 CTS-V coupe race cars took the track in full livery, decals and numbers. Andy Pilgrim drove the No. 8 while John O’Connell piloted the No. 3.
How did the Cadillac CTS-Vs perform? “The driving is going very well,” said O’Connell. “We’re just learning how the car responds to different changes and we’re getting a lot of track down. With two full days of testing (Feb 22-23), we’ll have a really good idea of how we’ll perform at the first race in St. Petersburg next month.”
The General Motors Co. luxury division got serious about racing a decade ago and even competed in the top prototype class at Le Mans, France. Although not overly successful in France, Cadillac found its niche in 2004 after entering the new CTS-V sport sedan in the World Challenge series. The World Challenge races are for cars based on showroom models including Porsches, BMWs, Cadillacs and other brands.
The season opener for the 2011 Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT will be in St. Petersburg, Fla., on March 25-27. The schedule for 2011 includes eight races in the U. S. and Canada from March to October.
For a real racing experience stop by your local Houston Cadillac dealer and hop behind the wheel of the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. Just remember that you won’t really be driving around the Sebring International Raceway!