CADILLAC RACING HEADS TO LIME ROCK PARK FOR MEMORIAL WEEKEND

May 24, 2016 by Cadillac

O'Connell third in GT points, Cooper fourth

NEW YORK - Cadillac Racing drivers Johnny O'Connell and Michael Cooper are heading to Lime Rock Park in Connecticut for rounds 10 and 11 of the Pirelli World Challenge GT Championship to run May 27-28.

After receiving a restriction in boost (equal to 30 hp) before the previous round at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, the team will take on the short and tricky 1.5-mile, seven turn Lime Rock Park circuit. O'Connell (Flowery Branch, Ga.) is third in GT points with teammate Cooper (Syosset, N.Y.) in fourth. The duo will have to focus on set-up and rely on the athleticism of the Cadillac ATS-V.R to be successful this weekend.

'Clearly we will remain at a disadvantage,' said O'Connell. 'I'm pretty sure everyone was aware just how much that affected us at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park last weekend. Like almost all race tracks Lime Rock is a combination of handling and power. You can have a great handling car, but still get motored by down the straightaway. Lime Rock is a special place for me because it's where I saw my first car race when I was about seven years old. At the time I thought the circuit was enormous. It brings back great memories.'

Cooper cut his competitive teeth at the Connecticut track.

'I'm hopeful the power reduction we have been dealt won't affect our Cadillac ATS-V.R Coupe too badly, given it is such a small track,' said Cooper. 'However it could make for a very long race if you have a car with more pace and horsepower chasing you. Lime Rock Park is the first race track I ever drove around in a car. It was a Skip Barber three day school in 2008. I caught the racing bug that weekend and haven't looked back since. The coolest section of the track is the uphill turn. Unfortunately we will be using the chicane. The amount of G-force you can pull when the car drives up the hill is impressive.'

The Pirelli World Challenge series moves immediately to Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut for rounds 10, 11 to run Memorial Day weekend, May 27-28.