MAPLE, Ontario (July 17, 2013)–Home will be right around the corner for the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin points leader David Ostella, as he takes the track this weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for the Mobil 1 SportsCar Grand Prix.
The rookie driver for SpeedMerchants Motorsports feels comfortable on the 2.459-mile, 10-turn circuit, after winning Round 2 of the Victoria Day Speedfest earlier this season.
“Mosport is my home track,” Ostella said. “I’ll be able to sleep in my own bed, have the support of my whole family being there, and be able to have home cooked meals. It adds a level of comfort to not be in some hotel in a place you are unfamiliar with.
“Going into this race, I’ve already won here once. This is a high-speed track and it can be scarier to drivers who have not been here. It’s very challenging. There are some corners you go into blind and there is higher elevation. Having been here before will be a major advantage.”
Though Ostella may have more ease in his home territory, the 21-year-old is challenging himself with double-duty roles throughout the weekend.
“I’ll be racing in both the U.S. and Canadian series this weekend,” Ostella said. “I’ll be busy with eight practices, two qualifications, and four races. I don’t think it will be a problem because just getting into my Porsche I automatically feel comfortable. The new Michelin 2 tires are similar to the Yokohama the U.S. runs on so there is no worry there. I’m excited to have the seat time and hopefully I’ll just be able to stay focused.”
The Maple, Ontario native, who raced in the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama Series at Watkins Glen in June, is avid to take on added competition.
“I’m prepared for the U.S. Competition,” he said. “They have a lot more young drivers and cars in general, so it will be a tougher race, but I think having been here before will give me the advantage in the U.S. race.”
Ostella will look to continue his points lead for Race One of the Canadian Series at 6:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 20 and at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday July 21 for Race Two. He will also take the track at 1:20 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 20 for Race One of the U.S. Series, as well as at 3:15 p.m ET on Sunday, July 21 for Race 2.
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