Cadillac Racing Returns to Sebring with CTS-V Coupe Racecars
For the first time, both CTS-V Coupe racecars hit the track with full exterior colors, decals and numbers. Driver Andy Pilgrim will pilot the No. 8 car for Cadillac Racing, and teammate Johnny O’Connell will be behind the wheel of the No. 3 coupe.
Cadillac is reentering the World Challenge GT series this year, beginning with the season-opening race in St. Petersburg, Fla., on March 25-27. Cadillac previously competed in the World Challenge from 2004 to 2007.
“We’re here fine-tuning the cars, validating components and vehicle dynamics," said Jim Vurpillat, Cadillac global marketing director. “It’s our first opportunity to get both cars on the track at the same time, in full race trim. Besides looking incredible on the track, the cars are performing at an exceptional level."
The first test at Sebring Raceway in January was earlier in the vehicle development process and limited to one racecar without the exterior treatments.
“The driving is going very well," O’Connell said. “We’re just learning how the car responds to different changes and we’re getting a lot of track data. With two full days of testing (Feb. 22-23), we’ll have a really good idea of how we’ll perform at the first race in St. Petersburg next month."
The World Challenge GT schedule has been finalized for the 2011 season and includes eight races in the United States and Canada from March to October.
“We’re getting in a lot of laps, and that’s what we need to do to get ready for the 2011 season," Pilgrim said.