During the final practice session for IMSA’s season-opener, an unfortunate incident occurred in the pit lane, causing Clement Novalak to sustain injuries to his leg and hip. While the injuries were not deemed serious, they were severe enough to force Novalak out of the remainder of the event. This turn of events led to a last-minute replacement being needed for the Frenchman.
In light of Novalak’s injuries, Christian Fittipaldi has been called upon to join the team and take his place in the No. 52 entry that competes in the LMP2 category. Fittipaldi, who is set to compete full-time in the IndyCar Series in 2024 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, brings previous experience with Inter Europol Competition to the table. In 2022, he drove the ORECA 07 in the European Le Mans Series, showcasing his skills by securing a podium finish after starting at the back of the field at Spa-Francorchamps.
Fittipaldi expressed his sympathy for the team and Novalak, acknowledging the hard work they put into preparing for the Daytona 24 Hours. However, despite the challenging circumstances, he is ready to step up to the plate and give his best effort for the team. Having prior experience with the car and having participated in the 24-hour endurance race last year, Fittipaldi is no stranger to the demands of such events. While he understands that it won’t be an easy task, he is eager to embrace the challenge and make a meaningful contribution to the team’s performance.
Starting from the Rear of the Grid
Although the team managed to secure a second-place qualifying position in their class, they will likely have to start from the rear of the LMP2 grid due to the driver change, in accordance with IMSA SportsCar Championship rules. Nick Boulle, another member of the team, will step in for the start of the race, which is scheduled to commence on Saturday at 1:40 pm ET.
Christian Fittipaldi’s last-minute inclusion in the team brings both challenges and opportunities. While it is unfortunate that Novalak’s injuries have sidelined him for the event, Fittipaldi’s experience and familiarity with the car provide a glimmer of hope. The team will have to adapt to the driver change and aim for a strong performance despite starting from the rear of the grid. As fans eagerly await the start of the race, all eyes will be on Fittipaldi and his ability to deliver under pressure.
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