MAPLE, Ontario (June 25, 2013)–The Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin Series points leader David Ostella is switching gears this weekend and driving in his first IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama race.
As part of Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International, this will be the Toronto native’s first entry into American IMSA GT3 Cup competition.
“The U.S. series is definitely different than the Canadian series,” Ostella said. “The competition will be different and we will have new tires as well. I’m going to try my best to not focus on the competition as much as I am on myself and making sure that I can get up to speed right away.”
The rookie SpeedMerchants Motorsports driver is not only looking forward to a new field of competition, but also to an unknown track. Countless racing legends have battled on the 3.4 mile, 11-turn circuit, and Ostella is looking forward to his turn on the historic facility in his 2013 Porsche GT3 Cup car.
“It’s definitely going to be exciting,” Ostella said. “I’ve never been to Watkins Glen before so being at a new track is going to be huge. I’ve been watching some videos and using the simulator a little bit to make sure I get used to the track as much as possible before I actually get on it.”
With two wins and a podium in four races under his belt, and a seven-point advantage in the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin Series standings, Ostella looks to continue improving his on-track performance.
“Right now just making sure I’m 100% comfortable in the car is important,” he said. “Making sure I find my limits right away is also key. In Montreal I struggled with finding the limits in the car, especially with the one practice session being only 30 minutes long, so that’s one aspect I especially want to focus on.”
The first race of the weekend at Watkins Glen International is IMSA’s 100th GT3 Cup Challenge race, a milestone Ostella is proud to take part in.
“It’s pretty awesome to be involved in [IMSA’s 100th GT3 Cup Challenge race],” he said. “It just shows how successful this series is. IMSA really knows what they’re doing and I look forward to hopefully seeing their 200th event in the future.”
Ostella will take the track for sponsor Global Precast in his No. 13 SpeedMerchants Motorsports car on Friday, June 28 for two practice sessions and qualifying. IMSA’s 100th race will start at 1:05 p.m. ET on Saturday June 29, and Race 2 will begin Sunday June 30 at 9 a.m. ET.
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