Corvette Racing may have scored a 1-2 here at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca last year but reigning ALMS GT champ Oliver Gavin knows the competition is going to be even hotter this weekend.

With increased pace from the SRT Viper squad, Risi Competizione back with a Ferrari, BMW with a new car and CORE autosport showing impressive pace with its new Porsche, the level of intensity in GT has raised to a whole new level.

“Where we are right now with the car with the weight we have got on and everything else, I think we are pretty much maxed-out,” said Gavin.

“For a four race it’s a pretty decent spot and we know that plenty can happen.  Last year we proved that we could win races from wherever you are on the grid – fourth, fifth, seventh, no matter where – and we didn’t have to be on pole.

“I was quite surprised to see the cars in front of us – not necessarily the Risi Ferrari as we know that’s fast – but CORE autosport has come out quickly with their brand new Porsche and the Falken car has worked extremely well on the slower speed circuits where it’s not quite so warm.  Porsches have traditionally been good here.

“The temperature hasn’t been so great for us but we’re pretty happy with our balance and the race is long so strategy will be important.  We know there’s still plenty of potential for a good result.”

While Gavin and teammate Tommy Milner won four races last season for Corvette Racing, the British veteran doesn’t believe anybody on the GT grid will repeat that performance this year.

Michelin Alley talked to Gavin prior to today’s race in Monterey. Click below to listen.