in Sebring Historics Saturday Enduro
Sportsman Competitor Turns In Perfect Drive in First Race Start in Ex Lee Davis Cayman STom Bloom turned in the best drive of his career in his first start at the wheel of the most successful Pirelli Cayman S race car to ever hit the track Saturday at Sebring International Raceway to score an impressive overall class victory in the featured Pirelli Cayman Endurance Cup Championship two-hour enduro at the Sebring Historics fueled by Alan Jay Automotive Network.
Bloom recently purchased the red and black No. 33 Cayman S that Lee Davis, who raced at Sebring with Ed Napleton, drove to an Interseries leading three championships and countless race wins, poles and podium appearances in the last three years. Now running his own No. 16, Bloom added to the cars impressive record Saturday, moving into the lead of the enduro after a fast and trouble-free solo run.
I just went out and found a pace, Bloom said. I got really fortunate to jump behind Lee, he was a great rabbit, and I just left him there. There was no space created between us, so I got to run with him, and he knows the track a little better than I do and we ran around 20 laps together. I didnt pass him, because I didnt want to put him a lap down, I had him right where I wanted him, but he really helped me, it was like being on cruise control, he helped me that much. I just drove hard, had a lot of great help, and just want to thank everybody.
The duo of Mark Sandridge and Joe Varde, driving the white and red-and-yellow striped No. 49 Cayman S themed after their 1994 IMSA Champion Team Salad Porsche 911 RSR, held on for a second place overall class finish after developing a clutch issue in the races opening laps. Both drivers nursed the No. 49 to the finish to take not only runner-up honors but first place in the Pro division.
We had a great run today, we came up a little short with our clutch problem, but hats off to Tom Bloom, Sandridge. He drove a great race and earned that win, we just didnt have enough for Tom. Thanks to Napleton for putting this series on, the Pirelli Cayman Interseries is just a great place to race.
Third overall in class, and second in the Pro division, went to Napleton and Davis who co-drove Napletons No. 1 Cayman S that features a special gray and carbon fiber prototype livery.
Ed did a great job, this is only his 22nd day on track ever, he was so consistent and did a fantastic job, Davis said. His fastest two laps were his last two before our driver change, so great job, and thanks so much for asking me to drive with him. Tom did a great job too, just an awesome run in my old car, but he made it happen behind the wheel.
Running with Stephen Marcus and Marcus Motorsports out of Virginia, former Pirelli Cayman Interseries race winner Bob Schneider also participated in the Sebring Historics but was plagued with unforeseen brake issues all weekend in hi No. 40 Cayman S modeled after the famous Martini & Rossi Baby Porsche 935.
Next up for the Pirelli Cayman Interseries Endurance Cup Championship is the season-ending Daytona Continental Historic Races weekend at Daytona International Speedway, November 811.
