Cooper Paces Pirelli World Challenge GT Division Friday at Barber

Michael Cooper

Michael Cooper posted the fastest time in Friday afternoon’s second 30-minute Pirelli World Challenge GT, GTA, and GT Cup practice session at Barber Motorsports Park, at the Grand Prix of Birmingham presented by Porsche, part of the 7th annual Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. Martin Fuentes and Alec Udell posted the fastest times in GTA and GT Cup respectively.

The session was held in sunny 75 degree weather conditions. Cooper, driving the No. 8 Cadillac Racing Cadillac ATS-V.R. posted a 1:23.831 ahead of Andrew Davis, in the No. 76 Calvert Dynamics Phoenix Performance Porsche 911 GT3 R who posted a 1:23.864. Adderly Fong, driving the No. 88 Bentley Team Absolute Bentley Continental GT3 posted the third fastest time with a 1:23.920.

“The Cadillac ATS-V.R Coupe has a good balance around this Barber track," said Cooper, the 2015 Pirelli World Challenge GTS champion. “I am liking the way the car is handling. Hopefully we can keep things going into qualifying and have a good starting position for the race tomorrow. The track changed a lot between this morning and this afternoon. The rubber from the IndyCars and the higher track temperature caused slower lap times for everyone."

In GTA, Fuentes, in the No. 07 Hublot, Under Armour Ferrari 458 GT3 Italia posted the fastest time in class with a 1:24.853.

In GT Cup, Udell, in the No. 17 Amsource Capital/Panther PipelinePorsche 911 GT3 Cup posted the fastest time in class with a 1:27.732.

GT, GTA and GT Cup drivers next take to the track for Saturday’s qualifying session scheduled for 8:45 am Central, in preparation for Saturday afternoon’s GT/GTA Round 5, GT Cup

Round 6 race scheduled for 1:45 pm Central. Follow live timing and scoring at world-challenge.com and watch the race live at motortrendondemand.com.