Derek Johnston trims two seconds off his best time at Daytona International Speedway. Bright sunshine and a warmer track brought smiles all round at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, January 10th 2010, and the temperature - at 4°C (39.2°F) - was positively balmy compared to the day before. Briton Derek Johnston, winner of the 2010 Sunoco Rolex 24 At Daytona Challenge, was among the pleased drivers. Although he achieved good times in the #77 Doran Racing Ford Dallara during yesterday's test flights - including his first night drives - the frustration of waiting hours for suitable track conditions was apparent. Philosophical as ever, the 47-year-old Geordie commented, "The conditions are extreme for Florida and for me; I've never driven in temperatures as low as this, but then, nor have the other guys.
"We're all in the same boat and with no clue as to what it'll be like for the Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona at the end of the month, all practice is good practice."
Johnston's positive attitude showed - and improved - as the morning went on. Taking over the car after co-driver Memo Gidley produced fast times, Johnston achieved a best lap time of 1.47.2 - and others in the 1.47 area - in 12 laps, shaving nearly two seconds off his best time yesterday. His progress - and his willingness to chat - drew admiration from his team, other drivers, officials and spectators alike. The afternoon session, the final of the test drives known as Roar Before The Rolex 24, ended earlier than scheduled for Doran Racing. Gearbox issues during co-driver Fabrizio Gollin's - 2004 FIA GT and a winner of the Spa 24 Hours in 2004 & 2007 - first drive of the day brought a swift end to the practice. Drawing again on his Stoic nature, Johnston noted that he came to Daytona International Speedway having never driven a Ford Dallara, but is now posting times just a few seconds off those of the pros. "It's a pity I didn't go out again today," he said, adding "I'd like to have been doing 1.46. I was only a few tenths [of a second] off that and I know I'd've managed it, if I'd gone out this afternoon. "But I can't change what happened, so I'm just looking forward to getting back here for the race."
Johnston was as generous in his praise to his team mates as they have been to him. "I can't praise Doran Racing enough; Kevin [Doran] and the rest of the crew know their stuff inside out, Memo and Fabrizio are just great to drive with and help me all the way," said Johnston. The 2010 Rolex 24 At Daytona takes place January 30th-31st 2010.
