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A series of intermittent downpours and cold temperatures at the 2009 season opener for the Pirelli Drivers Cup kept the competing racers on their toes. The all-Porsche event in Las Vegas last weekend marked Pirelli’s entry into the series as the official tire supplier, and it was also the first time many of the drivers were exposed to racing in the rain.
“We are extremely impressed with the talent level of the drivers coming to the series, as well as the performance of the Pirelli tires,” says series director Greg Franz. “The rainy and cold conditions gave the coaches a rare opportunity to teach wet condition tactics, making the most of the conditions.”
In his first Pirelli Drivers Cup event, Bret Curtis of Valencia, Calif. led much of the race with his 2009 997 GT3 Cup Car equipped with P Zero Rain Tires. “The tires were great and gave me the confidence I needed to stay out front in those conditions,” says Curtis.
Brooks Potter and Brent Holden finished second and third, respectively. The top three cars finished within one second of each other.
The next Pirelli Drivers Cup USA series event is April 3 through 5 at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. for rounds 3 and 4 of the season.
For more information, visit www.us.pirelli.com.
