Christina Nielsen was caught in dire circumstances in second half of Rolex 24 Hour Daytona at the weekend having to react quickly to flames emerging from Grasser Racing Team’s Lamborghini engine, forcing an early withdrawal from the race.
In what was anticipated as competitive Gear powered Grasser Racing Team of 4 female drivers: Christina Nielsen, Katherine Legge, Rahel Frey and Tatiana Calderon, mechanical problems proved stopping point with 6 Hours left to race, even after posting Best Lap time set at 1.46.326 against winner’s time of 1.45.367.
Christina: ‘We had a difficult start to the race, but the team was quick to respond with a new set-up, and then we found the go. We managed to hold onto the leading lap, pick up some positions and actually reach the top of the GTD field before encountering technical challenges.
‘The mechanics made a huge effort to get the car back on the track so we could use the rest of the race hours to get the car tested and log data, and we succeeded’.
‘Unfortunately, it did not last long, since I already registered smoke in the cabin on my first turn. I quickly concluded that the smoke did not come from the brakes but from the engine compartment. Suddenly everything went completely black, and then there was nothing else to do but get the car parked, get out of the cabin and get pulled in the main switch’.
Notwithstanding result, posting of Best Lap times along with Qualifying 14th, the focus of Christina and Team drivers to battle up front with male counterparts gives fans taste of what’s to come in 2020 season. With next race lined up in 12-hour at Sebring, Florida March 18th-21st, track-side viewers have plenty to digest all the way through to Final Round in WeatherTech Sports Car Championship in October.
Film edit below of Christina reacting to car engine flames, courtsey of NBC Sports. Header Photo: Grasser Racing Team Photo Credit: Jamey Price.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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