Driving AIM Autosport’s number 61 Ford-Riley, sportscar ace Elton Julian enjoyed his first outing in a Grand-Am Daytona Prototype at last week’s Rolex Sports Car Series official test at Daytona International Speedway. Julian ran a total of 40 timed laps over two days, playing a key role in the Toronto-based team’s acclimatisation to Ford power and the series’ new spec Pirelli tires.
Despite not having raced since Sebring in 2006, Elton was soon back in the groove on day one and the team’s pacesetter for most of the second. A final run by AIM team leader Mark Wilkins on new tires with a set-up change suggested by Julian yielded the team’s fastest lap of the test, just 0.7s off the week’s best time of 1m41.196s set by Max Angelelli in a Pontiac-Riley. It was the most competitive showing yet at Daytona for the black-and-gold machine sponsored by Exchange Traded Gold, Barrick Gold, RBC Financial Group, and Telus Mobility Mike Network, and supporting the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre.
“I did feel a bit rusty for a few laps,” admitted Julian. “After that, I was able to get to grips with how the tires and engine were working. Engineering a Koni Challenge car this year has kept my technical skills sharp. The DP responds very straightforwardly to driver inputs and set-up changes, which makes it a lot of fun to drive. Ian and the crew have been on top of everything and very receptive, and I feelreally positive about my contribution this week. Mark Wilkins is genuinely quick and a really hard worker. I predicted he would break into the 41s at the end and I was right! It was also great to work with the Ford guys– they’re clearly serious about winning next year.”
“I can’t thank the team enough for the opportunity to run with them.” Julian continued. “AIM is a success story in the making, and I’d love to be a part of it. We have some work to do on the business side to get there, but as far as I’m concerned we’re gunning for the best seat in the paddock.”
AIM co-owner and team manager Ian Willis said, “Aside from his being on the pace so quickly after such a long break, I was most impressed by the quality of Elton’s technical feedback, analysis, and ideas. He’s definitely accelerated our understanding of the Pirellis and Ford engine. Our budget permitting, we’d love to have him racing with us next season.”
Lead driver Mark Wilkins echoed Willis. “I was blown away by how soon Elton was up to speed. He figured the car out very quickly and was able to give us great feedback immediately. He played a big part in developing our set-up for the new tires and engine as well.”
One of Elton’s former single-seater rivals and a frontrunner in last week’s test was well-placed to judge Julian’s performance. “Elton adapted to the DP a lot faster than some big names who have run these cars. He’s doing a great job, just like when I raced against him back in the day.”
