Magnussen out – Christensen’s double duty

August 24, 2014

Magnussen out – Christensen’s double duty

August 24, 2014

jordan_vetteWhile one star Danish driver will be on the sidelines today, another will be doing double duty after yesterday’s practice crash between the No.3 Corvette and the No.911 Porsche.

Jan Magnussen will be forced to miss today’s race after suffering concussion-like symptoms. Magnussen fell off the track yesterday on fluid put down by another car and hit the stricken No.911 Porsche of Richard Lietz.

Lietz suffered a fractured arm in the impact and will miss today’s race.

Michael Christensen – the regular Danish ace aboard the No.912 Porshe – will now drive both cars in today’s Oak Tree Grand Prix. He will start aboard the newly rebuilt No.911 car for a single stint before handing over to Nick Tandy who will complete a double to finish.

Pat Long will start the No.912 car for a double stint, before Christensen gets back aboard his regular ride.

At Corvette, Jordan Taylor will fill in for Magnussen. The Wayne Taylor Racing Daytona Prototype driver was on hand here yesterday to compete in another event but will now return to the No.3 machine where he finished second at Le Mans with Magnussen and Antonio Garcia.

Magnussen experienced concussion-like symptoms after yesterday’s crash. As a precaution, both Magnussen and Chevrolet Racing management agreed that the safest course of action is to have Magnussen sit out the race.

“The number one priority at Corvette Racing is the safety of our drivers,” said Doug Fehan, Corvette Racing Program Manager.

“The Corvette C7.R’s driver’s side crash box – a safety element that goes beyond what is mandated in the GTLM regulations – was designed to limit the force of impact in the case of an accident. In Jan’s case, the structure did its job and likely prevented a more substantial injury.”

Missing today’s race is a huge blow to Magnussen who was leading the championship with Garcia by eight points.

“Although it’s massively disappointing not to race, this is the right decision. Thanks to everyone for their concerns and well-wishes,” Magnussen said.

“The job of the Corvette Racing crew to get the No. 3 Corvette C7.R repaired and ready for qualifying was simply outstanding. The focus now returns to doing all we can to score the maximum number of points for Chevrolet, Antonio and Corvette Racing in the GTLM championship.”

The Porsche team have faced a huge overnight task of building up a new car here on site at VIR.

“I think right now replacing the number 911 is a big undertaking, but it’s manageable,” team manager, Morgan Brady said.

“Every time we show up at the race track, we’re not just prepared to have two cars running well, but we’re also prepared for any damage. That’s thanks to a large inventory of spare parts from Porsche and the team’s preparation of those parts so they’re ready to bolt on the car.”

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