The race is now past the 7 hour race mark and reaching official sunset at 6:54 pm local time. Just 100 laps remain to reeach the 1000 mile mark.

Heading in the changing light and then night conditions often produces changes in grip levels, car handling and reveals race strategies as teams back time themselves to the magic target of 394 laps.

Each driver ran a minimum of three laps during Thursday’s night practice to become familiar with the circuit lighting. Many teams have a driver that is especially effective in the late hours an d most identify a “closer” to bring the car home through the final two stints.