Cadillac Racing News

News from Cadillac Headquarters Cadillac Racing Teams as well as other informational updates that pertain to the V-Series line of vehicles.

View IMSA Schedule

To learn more about IMSA Prototype Racing participation by Cadillac click on the following image.


View WEC Schedule

To learn more about FIA World Endurance Championship Racing participation by Cadillac, click on the following image.


View IMSA Schedule

To learn more about MSA Prototype Racing participation by Cadillac click on  the following image.
  • 11/30/2016 1:25 PM | Anonymous

    Reprint From imsa.com Wednesday, November 30, 2016


    “Cadillac is proud to return to the pinnacle of prototype racing in North America after a 14-year absence.”

    Those were the words used by Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen to confirm that three Cadillac Daytona Prototype international (DPi) race cars will compete in the full 2017 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Prototype (P) class, beginning with the 55th Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 28-29, 2017.  The new car will be known as the Cadillac DPi-V.R and is the first prototype race car from the New York-headquartered manufacturer since 2002.

    “It is not possible to overstate how thrilled all of us at IMSA are to officially welcome Cadillac, one of the world’s most respected premium automotive brands, back to Prototype racing in the WeatherTech Championship,” said IMSA President Scott Atherton. “This is exactly the type of program we had in mind when we announced the Daytona Prototype international concept last year.

    “As we open a new era of Prototype competition in 2017, we now have three benchmark examples of manufacturers using this platform to showcase their impressive and unique technology at the highest level. We cannot wait to get the new era underway in just a few short weeks at Daytona.”

    The manufacturer confirmed that Action Express Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing each will field Cadillac DPi-V.R machines next season. Action Express, which has won the last three WeatherTech Championship Prototype titles, will have a pair of Cadillacs, while the Wayne Taylor Racing team continues its longstanding relationship with General Motors through a one-car effort.

    “Cadillac’s V-Performance production models — the ATS-V and CTS-V — are transforming our brand’s product substance, earning a place among the world’s elite high performance marques,” de Nysschen said. “The Cadillac DPi-V.R further strengthens our V-Performance portfolio, placing Cadillac into the highest series of sports car racing in North America.”

    The Cadillac DPi-V.R will be powered by a normally aspirated, 6.2-liter Cadillac V-8 engine, which shares inherent architecture with engines that power the third-generation Cadillac CTS-V and fifth-generation Cadillac Escalade production vehicles. The chassis for the Cadillac DPi-V.R was designed in cooperation with Dallara with styling cues inspired by Cadillac’s current line of V-Performance high-performance production models, specifically the Cadillac CTS-V.

    “The DPi-V.R race car was an exciting new canvas for the Cadillac design and sculpting team,” said Andrew Smith, Global Cadillac Design executive director. “The studio embraced the opportunity to interpret the Cadillac form language, line work and graphic signature for this premier prototype racing application.  Every detail of the final design was selected to support the car’s on-track performance and unmistakable Cadillac presence.”

    The new Cadillac DPi-V.R will make its public on-track debut during a two-day IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona International Speedway on Dec. 13-14.

    Cadillac joins Mazda and Nissan as confirmed DPi manufacturers for IMSA’s top Prototype class, which also will include international LM P2 prototype chassis from Riley/Multimatic, Ligier, ORECA and Dallara, powered by single-specification Gibson V8 engines.

  • 10/13/2016 9:20 AM | Anonymous

    Source: www.Cadillac.com -  Kyle Chura, kyle@kcapr.com


    NEW YORK (October, 13, 2016) - Cadillac Racing drivers Johnny O'Connell and Michael Cooper had a successful 2016 Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) GT season posting five wins and 13 podium finishes.
     
    O'Connell (Flowery Branch, Ga.) posted three race wins (Circuit of the Americas, two at Sonoma Raceway) a pole position (Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca) to go along with six podium finishes. Teammate Cooper (Syosset, N.Y.) completed his freshman season in the PWC series by finishing third in the GT driver standings on the strength of two race wins (Barber Motorsports Park and Mid-Ohio), a pole (Barber Motorsports Park) and seven podium finishes. The results had the New Yorker in contention for the championship at year's end.
     
    "The season was incredible, like any year it had its ups and downs," Cooper said. "When we look at the points, it wasn't quite as successful of a year as we had hoped, Finishing third. However, getting to drive the Cadillac ATS.V.R Coupe is such a thrill for me, that I still have a big grin across my face. I learned an incredible amount in my first year with Cadillac Racing and I can't wait to apply that knowledge on track in the future. The biggest surprise in my first year of GT racing has to be how much risk people are willing to take on the first lap to gain a couple of positions. I enjoyed working with the Cadillac Racing team and Johnny all year, both seasoned pros. Looking back I am most proud of being on the pace straight away at COTA (Circuit of the Americas) and getting two GT wins in my rookie year."
     
    O'Connell had to preserver through a tough weekend at Road America where an electrical issue on his No. 3 Cadillac ATS-V.R Coupe resulted in finishes of 19th and 20th. In addition, the four time PWC driver champion, had two wins negated at Long Beach and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Through the difficult moments of the season, together with the Cadillac Racing team, he was able to put in solid races that had him still in contention for the championship going into the final race at Laguna Seca.
     
    "We have a lot to be proud of at Cadillac Racing in 2016," O'Connell said. "But for one difficult weekend, I'm confident we would have pulled off a fifth championship. In a way not winning again is maybe a good thing. It motivates me to go into the off season and train harder. It's odd in that I find myself now enjoying my racing every bit as much as when I first started, and I feel I'm driving as well as at any point in my career. I'm also really enjoying having Michael be part of the team. As the season progressed we worked better and better together, driving the other to push harder. Finally representing Cadillac at this point in time is awesome. The excitement of everyone there, from the president Johan de Nysschen and everyone that helps make the Cadillac ATS-V.R Coupe go. There is some great energy at the brand. To play a principle role in getting out the message that speaks to the performance characteristics that are Cadillac is a pretty cool thing.
     
    O'Connell drew from the experienced Cadillac Racing team to come back from the adversity of Long Beach, Road America and Laguna Seca. "Needless to say all three of those weekends were really tough," he continued. "I'm not sure I'll ever really accept it, but I am proud of the way Cadillac Racing rallied after each event. No one quit. I appreciate that after what happened with the Long Beach situation, Alvaro Parente refused to accept the trophy when I offered it to him, acknowledging that, in his mind, we won that race. That took a lot of the sting away. Our team never got down, we just looked ahead to take on the next challenge."

    Cadillac Racing, since the team’s inception in 2004, it has amassed 31 wins, 109 podium finishes (including wins) and 24 pole positions. The team won the World Challenge Manufacturer Championship in 2005, 2007, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Team Cadillac drivers have won the World Challenge Driver's Championship in 2005 with Andy Pilgrim and in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 with Johnny O'Connell.
     
    Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today, Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring dramatic design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com. Cadillac's media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

  • 09/19/2016 7:55 AM | Anonymous

    Reprinted from Pirelli World Challenge News


    JOHNNY O’CONNELL DOUBLES UP AT SONOMA RACEWAY WITH A DOMINANT WIN SUNDAY IN THE NO. 3 CADILLAC ATS-V.R.; SCHEIN, UDELL ALSO DOUBLE IN GTA, GT CUP

    SONOMA, Calif.– Defending four-time GT driving champion Johnny O’Connell of Flowery Branch, Ga., dominated Sunday’s 50-minute GT sprint race in the Pirelli World Challenge Grand Prix of Sonoma presented by Cadillac with an impressive first turn move and never looked back for his second win of the weekend. In addition, Michael Schein of Glen Cove, N.Y., and Alec Udell of The Woodlands, Tex., scored double victories in the GTA and GT Cup divisions, respectively.

    O’Connell, the sports car legend driving the No. 3 Cadillac Racing Cadillac ATS-V.R., started third behind K-PAX Racing McLaren 650S teammates Austin Cindric and Alvaro Parente at the drop of the green flag. But Johnny slid his Cadillac inside Cindric into turn one and took the lead up the hill into turn two.

    O’Connell then jumped out to a 4.6-second advantage by lap three and ultimately extended his gap to 11.386 seconds at the checkered flag in the 31-lap GT main event at the 2.38-mile, 12-turn permanent road circuit north of San Francisco. Few drivers have as much experience at Sonoma Raceway as O’Connell, who served as a driving instructor at the Sonoma facility decades ago in the Bob Bondurant Driving School.

    Since then O’Connell has established one of the U.S.’ greatest sports car resumes including recording his 61st win in a General Motors race car. Sunday’s victory was the 20th in Pirelli World Challenge competition in 98 starts. O’Connell won the GT drivers’ championship in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

    “My eyes were like a laser on the starter and the second his hand started to move, I went,” said O’Connell. “I timed that just about perfect. The speed for the start is supposed to be around 45 miles per hour and we have been running it a little lower. And that allowed me that quick shot out for the start. Then, once I got inside of Austin (Cindric) in turn one, I have been around this place enough to know what I had to do. I then saw there was little bit of monkey business on the first lap behind me and opened the gap as quickly as I could. I then wanted to take care of my tires. I knew that I had a good gap right after the first or second lap, and that was a huge luxury.”

    The GT action behind O’Connell was wild early in the race with veteran sports car racer Jon Fogarty of Bend, Ore., having his No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance hit in the carousel and spun around on the first lap. Several GT drivers were involved in the mishap including two-time 2016 winner Michael Cooper of Syosset, N.Y., in the No. 8 Cadillac Racing Cadillac ATS-V.R. and Adderly Fong of Hong Kong in the No. 88 Team Absolute Bentley Continental GT3.

    With O’Connell well on his way to victory, Parente, the five-time GT race winner from Porto, Portugal, held the second spot in the No. 9 K-PAX Racing McLaren 650S with pole winner Cindric third in the No. 6 K-PAX Racing McLaren 650S. Late in the contest, Cindric applied the pressure to his teammate but had to settle for third at the checkered flag.

    The drive of the day in the GT event was by 2011 GT champion Patrick Long of Manhattan Beach, Calif., who started 14th in the No. 58 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R. Long, a three-time 2016 winner, gained ten positions to finish fourth Sunday.

    Entering the Pirelli World Challenge season finale set for Oct. 7-9 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Parente unofficially leads Long by nine points, 1554 to 1545. O’Connell and Cooper are now tied for third place in GT points at 1451.

    Schein, Long’s teammate in the No. 16 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R, posted his eighth 2016 win in the GTA (Amateur) class with an impressive win over Andrew Kim of Seoul, South Korea, in the No. 78 Team Absolute Bentley Continental GT3 and college student Cooper MacNeil of Hinsdale, Ill., in the No. 79 WeatherTech/Alex Job Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R.

    “I got a good start today but I saw cars and dust in the carousel and Fogarty was parked in the middle of the track,” said Schein. “I had to check up and slow through that area, but I was able to make a move on the outside in turn seven and passed some cars. Once I was in the GTA lead, I noticed that the car was much better today than Saturday. Then I was able to hit my marks and open up a gap. It is great having Pat onboard with the Wright team. Having a guy with his knowledge and experience is a great advantage and great stuff can come from it. We are good buddies and we have gelled together this year.”

    In the GT Cup division, Udell drove his No. 17 GMG Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car to a 12th 2016 victory in another sensational performance for the Clemson University mechanical engineering student. Udell battled with his season-long rival Sloan Urry of Salt Lake City, Utah, in the No. 20 TruSpeed Autosport Porsche 911 GT3 Cup before winning by five seconds. Third place went to Mike Hedlund of Redwood City, Calif., in the No. 35 Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

    Unofficially, Udell clinched the GT Cup driver’s point championship.

    “I got a two second gap on Sloan early in the race,” said Udell. “I was able to hold that advantage for about 40 minutes. Then, at the end of the race, a bunch of the GT cars were coming through our race and I was a little bit better at conserving my tires. So the gap got bigger and I was able to run harder in the last five minutes of the race. It was a great season for GMG and myself and I’m hoping to move into the GT division next year. I have tested a few times in the Porsche 911 GT3 R and I’m excited to run that car in the future.”

    Other race awards and recognitions were determined as follows:

    The Optima Batteries Best Start award was given to GT No. 13 Colin Thompson in the K-PAX Racing McLaren 650S GT3 for a seven position gain at the start of the race.

    The Cadillac Move of the Race was determined to be GT No. 58 Patrick Long’s passing move on Michael Lewis (GT No.98) in Turn 8.

    The KIA Turning Point was determined to be the first lap incident between GT No. 8 Michael Cooper and GT No. 88 Adderly Fong for its implication on the GT points championship.

    The VP Racing Fuels Hard Charger award was given to GT No. 58 Patrick Long for his ten position gain throughout the race.

    MotorTrendOnDemand.com Clean Pass Award was given to GT No. 58 Patrick Long for his pass of GT No. 33 JD Davison in turn 11.

    GT rounds from Sonoma Raceway premiere on CBS Sports Network on Sunday, September 25th, 2016 at 4:00 pm EDT; check your local listings for channel and alternate broadcasts. The 2016 championships close out with the season finale rounds at MAZDA Raceway Laguna Seca on October 7-9, 2016.

  • 06/01/2016 3:53 PM | Anonymous

    Reprint from Racer Media & Marketing Erin Cechal / Images by Richard Prince


    Newest factory Cadillac driver Michael Cooper did not expect to see the SCCA Pro Racing-sanctioned Pirelli World Challenge podium in his first race with Cadillac Racing. But after the first two rounds of the 2016 World Challenge season, Cooper found himself leading the GT Drivers' Championship on the strength of three podium finishes. He has a funny habit of underestimating himself. He might be the only one.

    Cooper doesn't come from a dynasty of racers, he didn't start racing karts when he was 5, and he's working on his second degree just in case this whole racing thing doesn't work out, but it's pretty clear Cooper was born to be behind the wheel. His natural ability in a car combined with a knack for quick learning has gotten him noticed by all the right people.

    Cooper didn't delve into racing until a friend convinced him to take a Skip Barber school at Lime Rock Park. In his late teens at the time, Cooper didn't sign up with a plan to become a professional driver. In fact, after doing two Skippy schools, he tried the race series and didn't really like it.

    He didn't pursue racing any further until a phone call from Cadillac in 2010. Apparently, he'd signed up for the Bob Lutz Cadillac CTS-V Challenge, where former GM Vice Chairman challenged drivers to beat him at a racetrack in their car versus his CTS-V. "I hadn't heard about the Cadillac Challenge at all," Cooper laughs. "My brother saw it on a car site, and he signed me up for it in my dad's four-door M3 unbeknownst to me! I still lived at home and I just walked over to my brother's room and asked if he knew what it was about and he filled me in while they were talking."

    Cooper was the quickest amateur on a damp Monticello Motor Club, and although he wasn't able to beat ace-in-the-hole drivers John Heinricy or Johnny O'Connell, he did beat Lutz and a slew of automotive journalists who each got their chance in the CTS-V.

    The challenge was filmed for Speedvision. Cooper got to be on camera with O'Connell, who praised the young kid from Long Island.

    "I didn't read too much into it," Cooper says. "I thought he was just being a good TV personality and being nice for the camera. Afterward, when they shut the cameras off, he continued telling me that he was serious and I should pursue racing."

    "He blew me away with how quick he was going," O'Connell recalls about Cooper's performance. "He was very smooth. It's rare to see a young guy do that well, and when I heard how little experience he had, I remember going up to his dad and saying, 'Your kid has really great natural ability.'"

  • 04/20/2016 11:56 AM | Anonymous

    CADILLAC RACING DRIVER O'CONNELL RELEGATED TO SECOND AT LONG BEACH

    LONG BEACH, CA. – (Apr. 18, 2016) Cadillac Racing driver Johnny O'Connell was relegated to second place in post-race inspection after crossing the finish line first in today's running of the Pirelli World Challenge Long Beach Grand Prix presented by Cadillac. Teammate Cooper had an amazing run through the field that was thwarted by fluid on the track.  READ MORE

    CADILLAC RACING'S COOPER AND O'CONNELL THIRD AND FIFTH AT ST. PETE PART TWO IN PWC

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – (Mar. 13, 2016) Cadillac Racing drivers Michael Cooper and Johnny O'Connell finished race two in third and fifth at the Pirelli World Challenge St. Petersburg Grand Prix presented by Cadillac. READ MORE

    CADILLAC RACING'S O'CONNELL AND COOPER THIRD AND FOURTH AT ST. PETE IN PWC

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – (Mar. 12, 2016) Cadillac Racing drivers Johnny O'Connell and Michael Cooper finished race one of two in third and fourth at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix presented by Cadillac in St. Pete. READ MORE

    Front view of the Cadillac ATS-V.R in Velocity Red teaser

    CADILLAC RACING ONE - TWO AT COTA, O'CONNELL WINS

    AUSTIN, TEXAS - Cadillac Racing driver Johnny O'Connell won round two of the Pirelli World Challenge GT Series Championship race today at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).Teammate Michael Cooper drove to his second podium finish of the weekend finishing in the runner-up position. READ MORE


  • 02/25/2016 7:19 AM | Anonymous
    Experience Cadillac Racing
    Cadillac

    Cadillac Racing
    LOOKING FORWARD: THE 2016 RACING SEASON ARRIVES SHORTLY
    Securing its fourth consecutive Drivers' Championship in last year's Pirelli World Challenge, Cadillac Racing anticipates the podium as the 2016 racing season approaches at Circuit of Americas this March.

    Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes updates from the upcoming racing season.
    LEARN MORE>
    READ THE 2015 RECAP>
    ATS-V.R
    RACECAR DRIVER MICHAEL COOPER PILOTS CADILLAC RACING
    Cadillac is proud to welcome Michael Cooper as its newest Team Cadillac driver, joining four-time series champion Johnny O'Connell for the 2016 Pirelli World Challenge Series. Cooper is the 2015 World Challenge GTS driver champion and anticipates the podium for Team Cadillac in the No. 8 ATS-V.R racer.

    Witness pure exhilaration in March during the Circuit of the Americas season opener.
    READ MORE>
    2016 TEAM CADILLAC RACING SCHEDULE
    2016 Race Schedule
  • 10/01/2015 11:08 AM | Anonymous

    Reprinted from Cadillac.com Racing News

    MONTEREY, Cal. – (Sept. 13, 2015) Cadillac Racing driver Johnny O'Connell survived the Pirelli World Challenge Series Monterey Grand Prix presented by Cadillac season finale to win his fourth consecutive GT drivers' championship.

    O'Connell took the standing start from his fifth place qualifying position. Coming across the line to complete the first lap of the 50-minute timed race he was in second position, with his championship protagonist, Olivier Beretta, No. 61 Ferrari in seventh. As the race progressed Beretta began to pick off competitors coming from seventh to behind the No. 3 Cadillac ATS-V.R of O'Connell on lap 16, 27-minutes into the race. Over the next eight laps Beretta was charging after O'Connell. On lap 24, as the pair of championship challengers were coming through the famous Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Corkscrew turns, Beretta hit O'Connell spinning them both. Beretta was able to get his Ferrari restarted quicker as he rejoined the race. O'Connell restarted his ATS-V.R and rejoined the race in 14th. A few laps later Beretta was called in by the SCCA officials to perform a drive-thru penalty. However, he rejoined still in a strong points paying position ahead of O'Connell. On lap 32 as Beretta was feverishly trying to make-up positions he had contact with the Acura of P.D. Cunningham in the final turn forcing the Italian to pull his Ferrari off track, handing O'Connell his fourth championship in as many years.




     "What a crazy race," O'Connell said. "I was able to get a great start. I didn't think I was going to be able to get Dalziel (Ryan, No. 31 Porsche). When we went into Turn 2 I was behind the silver Ferrari and the red one got into me a little. I was surprised how fast Olivier was coming through the field. I knew he would get to me. But getting there and getting by is two different things. I was minding my tires as best as I could while digging as hard as I could. I wasn't sure what he was thinking behind the wheel there in the Corkscrew. He took us both out. He wasn't really close to me. When we crested the hill he was four or five cars back. It was a Hail Mary move. I didn't get brushed I got drilled. There was so much time left, he just had to bide his time. The Cadillac Racing guys build a strong car. When I got back going the car was good and still quick. I was thinking he was going to get a penalty and he did.

    "I am proud of everyone at Cadillac Racing. This whole team is made up of Joe Montana's, we are a fourth quarter team.

    "We had some adversity this year, the crash at Long Beach while running upfront. I had a car that could have won that race. When I got taken out, I got a huge fine and hit in the points. Then at Barber we were running fast and burned a car down. The spirit of the team came to the front at that point. What people don't see is the hundreds of thousands of hours that the Cadillac Racing crew put into those race cars. I am just the guy who gets to put it on display for 100-minutes on the race weekend."

    Jim Campbell, GM vice president, Performance Vehicles and Motorsport, said "Johnny and the No. 3 ATS-V.R team's focus, determination and never-give-up approach made the difference, right down to the last lap of the season. We are so proud of O'Connell's fourth consecutive championship. His win in the all-new ATS-V.R makes the championship extra special."

    Campbell added, "the ATS-V.R's LF4.R 3.6 liter direct injected, twin turbo V6 delivered the right combination of power, reliability and efficiency to help Johnny race to the championship."

    Cadillac Racing program manager David Caldwell said, "what a season! We introduced the all-new Cadillac ATS-V.R GT3 into competition at St. Pete. We had some adversity throughout the season when Johnny was forced into the spare car for three races. Through hard racing and a great team of professionals from Cadillac Racing, GM Powertrain and everyone involved on the marketing side Johnny was able to win his fourth drivers' championship."

    Teammate Andy Pilgrim (Boca Raton, Fla.) posted his best finish of the year with a fourth place run in the No. 8 Cadillac ATS-V.R.

    "It was a good way to end the season with a fourth place," Pilgrim said. "I really wanted a podium for my Cadillac Racing guys after such a difficult year. Dalziel was very good in the places where I needed more speed and where I was better I couldn't get to him. He is very good and didn't make any mistakes. We had a good run today. The last two races of the year I had two top five finishes. I am really happy for Johnny. Winning four championships in a row is outstanding."

    Since the team's inception in 2004, Team Cadillac has amassed 30 wins, 96 podium finishes (including wins) and 27 pole positions. The team won the World Challenge Manufacturer Championship in 2005, 2007, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Team Cadillac drivers have won the World Challenge Driver's Championship in 2005 with Andy Pilgrim and in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 with Johnny O'Connell.

    The Pirelli World Challenge finale will be televised on CBS Sports Network Sunday, September 20 at 3:30 p.m. ET.


    Cadillac Racing, since their inception in 2004, has amassed 30 wins, 96 podium finishes (including wins) and 27 pole positions. The team won the World Challenge Manufacturer Championship in 2005, 2007, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Team Cadillac drivers have won the World Challenge Driver's Championship in 2005 with Andy Pilgrim and in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 with Johnny O’Connell.

    Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today, Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring dramatic design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at cadillac.com. Cadillac's media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

    Additional information can be viewed at Cadillac.com, GM.com, media.gm.com, world-challenge.com, andypilgrim.com, johnnyoconnell.com; Facebook GM, Andy Pilgrim, Johnny O'Connell, Cadillac.

    The Cadillac Racing media guide can be viewed at media.cadillac.com. For additional information please contact Kyle Chura, kyle@kcapr.com or (248) 821-0468.


  • 08/26/2015 7:29 AM | Anonymous

    Source:  http://sportscar365.com/features/commentary/oconnell-miller-debrief-2/
    Author: Johnny O'Connell


    Photo: John Machaqueiro/Cadillac

    Whenever I see Arie Luyendyk, one of the things he always tells me is that to him, I’m one of the smartest guys he knows, for getting out of single seaters and getting into sports cars.

    As I write this, I know the entire motorsport community has their thoughts and prayers with the family of Justin Wilson. I know that everyone at Cadillac Racing and Pirelli World Challenge have him in our minds, our hearts, and prayers.

    Going into Miller I was hopeful that the circuit would suit our new ATS-V.R. It’s smooth, and has some faster corners that I felt we would be good through. This proved to be the case.

    We rolled off the trailer decent, but this weekend the engineers made all of the right moves. The car for qualifying was very difficult to drive, razors edge, but good enough to throw down one very good lap to get the pole.

    At the start of the first race, I knew that I was going to have my hands full. JD Davidson has been on a roll lately, the Nissans are really showing how strong they are, and I knew he would be pushing me hard the entire race. Which he did. A new PWC rule is that we do rolling starts for the first race on double race weekends and our traditional standing starts on Sunday.

    At the start I was lucky to get a small gap to him in the first few laps, and then it was drive every lap as if it was qualifying. I could look in my mirror and see that he was sliding and pushing every bit as hard as I was.

    When we finally got to traffic and I was a bit luckier than he was on Saturday. Our fast laps were so close, I think I managed to beat him to pole by only a hundredth or so to secure pole for race two.

    For race two, we got a good standing start and I was able to lead into Turn One. My car was exceptional the first few laps, but then became more and more difficult to drive.

    Again, I spent the race with JD pushing me the entire time, knowing one slight mistake would be all that he needed to close a very small gap. If the race had gone another ten minutes I’m not certain I would have been able to hold him off as I feel his car was probably working better than ours the last ten minutes of the race.

    Again, it was run every lap as if it was qualifying, make no mistakes and like Mosport, we were able to pull off the double race wins on the weekend.

    In closing, it needs to be pointed out what a great event Pirelli World Challenge put on at Miller. The number of serious racing fans that showed up, spoke of how much they enjoy watching our races, the length of lines for the autograph session, says all you need to know about the direction things are moving.

    The fans of our sport are special, and I’m confident that like me, their thoughts will be first with Justin.

    Sonoma is next weekend. I am just about 10 points out of the GT championship lead with three races left. I know that everyone at Cadillac Racing is hungry.


  • 05/21/2015 3:34 PM | Anonymous

    SOURCE:

    http://sportscar365.com/features/commentary/oconnell-ctmp-debrief/

    O’CONNELL: CTMP Debrief Photo: Richard Prince/GM

    Photo: Richard Prince/GM

    Strong, it’s the best word to describe Cadillac Racing. When presented with a challenge, the team always finds a way to overcome.

    We’ve had moments where we’ve shown ourselves to be very strong, Long Beach certainly comes to mind, as well as Barber Motorsports Park.

    Then the racing gods step in and take potentially good results away from us. After the fire, we needed a good result, and we needed to be strong at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (a.k.a. Mosport), one of my favorite tracks.

    Qualifying is always going to be critical this year. I felt I had a good car going into qualifying, but never thought we would go as quick as we did getting the pole.

    I’ve done thousands of laps at Mosport and I have to say that it is probably the best lap I’ve ever done there – so far. We earned that pole, the entire team.

    It’s funny, in that just before going to Canada I got really sick. Big time head and chest cold. I shared my concern with my buddy Rick Swarts. He reminded me that I always seem to do great when I’m sick.

    For race one I got a good start and was able to hold onto the lead. For the entire race I had Kevin Estre in his McLaren all over me.

    I was able to drive a mistake-free race and hold him off despite a lot of pressure. He is a nice guy and great addition to the series, so it was nice having a clean race with him.

    In race two, we were able to get another good start, this time standing, and again lead flag-to-flag.

    This time I had my good friend Butch Leitzinger on me the entire time.

    His Bentley was probably a bit quicker, but getting there and getting by are two different things, and I’m sure his aero balance wasn’t what he needed to get by once he got close to me.

    He is a pro and when racing someone like him there is a lot of mutual respect for each other’s race craft. That is the type of racing I enjoy the most.

    As always thanks to everyone for supporting us. Getting that first win in the new Cadillac ATS-V.R was special. It’s an amazing car. I also want to thank everyone at GM. The wins this past weekend were my 55th and 56th wins driving for GM.

    Surround yourself with good people and good things happen. I am one lucky redhead for sure.  On now to Detroit, a place where we are always strong.

  • 04/08/2015 8:58 AM | Anonymous

    Pirelli World Challenge champion Andy Pilgrim takes The RACER Channel for a tour of his new twin-turbo V6 Cadillac ATS-V.R and discusses some of the coupe's unique technical aspects.