Corvette Blogger recently caught up with Corvette Racing Program Manager, Doug Fehan, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit following the unveil of the 2015 Corvette Z06 and C7.R. Having been with Corvette Racing since the early development stages of the C5.R back in 1997, you can bet Fehan knows a thing or two about the successful factory-backed racing program.
He first explains how the C7.R and Z06 were developed side-by-side. When the C7.R was being developed, the Corvette Racing team knew what the engineers had in mind for the road car. He also emphasized there is no other manufacturer in the world that shares as much technology between road and race car as the Corvette. Interestingly, Fehan had a few wise words about Corvette Racing’s recent second-fastest time in the GT class at the annual Roar Before the 24 at Daytona.
“I wouldn’t let anyone get too excited about what they saw at the Roar as far as us leading the pack most days, most times. I can tell you that the others (teams) were not running at the level at which they’re capable.”
The veteran Program Manager also took the interview as an opportunity to remind Corvette Racing fans that the group’s race cars are under constant development. While the C7.R’s testing session proved successful, the only way to learn and make necessary changes to the car to ensure lasting success is to race. So while the team is going to go out this season and do the Corvette Racing name proud, Fehan says honing in a perfect setup for the car can take time.
The interview finishes off with a discussion about the two new drivers that will join the Corvette Racing roster for the Rolex 24 at Daytona this weekend. Australian racing driver Ryan Briscoe will join Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia in the #3 C7.R for the 24 hour race, while Robin Liddell will join Tommy Milner and Oliver Gavin behind the wheel of the #4 car. Fehan expressed confidence in both drivers, describing them it as a “plug and play” type scenario.
Watch the interview in its entirety below:
Comments
Hey Sam…No Video!?!
Fixed!