Mosport Notebook -1

It has been 21 years since Scott Sharp first raced at Mosport International Raceway. His return this week for the Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport has lived up to his expectations so far. Sharp was the fourth-fastest LMP2 driver and was turned in Patr¢n Highcroft Racing’s quickest time Friday afternoon at 1:06.005 (134.117 mph) in the team’s Acura ARX-01b.

Sharp placed second in a SCCA Showroom Stock race in 1987 and won the next year. He also won Trans-Am races three years in a row from 1991-1993. He was the pole winner all three seasons and posted the fastest race lap in 1992 and 1993.

Surprisingly, Sharp said driving the circuit isn’t that much different from a certain mindset.

“The concrete patches are new, but it’s also been 15 years ago," Sharp said. “Sure the cars are different now and these are so much fun to drive. But the flow, the approach and strategy of how to get around here hasn’t changed."

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Paul Drayson was simply awestruck after turning his first laps earlier this week at Mosport. This week marks his first visit for Drayson-Barwell Motorsport and its Aston Martin Vantage GT2.

“It’s the most gorgeous track I’ve been to in North America so far. It’s very challenging and the car is running very well. We’ve improved our times from testing earlier this week."

TERRY’S THOUGHTS: Bell Motorsports’ Terry Borcheller has a soft spot for Mosport. He has scored three GT1 pole positions in a Saleen S7R (2001, 2002 and 2005). He’s back for the first time in three years in Bell’s Aston Martin DBR9 with Chapman Ducote.

The independent team from Florida has taken on the immense challenge of racing Corvette Racing and its two Corvette C6.Rs. Crashes and subsequent damage have limited the team to four races so far this season. But the team finished all four hours at Road America two weeks ago and placed second in GT1.