Gradient Racing’s Sheena Monk says that she is ecstatic to have finished fourth in class on her debut in the IMSA GTD race, the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, at the Daytona International Speedway on Sunday.
Monk finished her first race in 35th place overall and speaking following the race, she said:
“I’m ecstatic to finish fourth in my first IMSA GTD race. But, coming Monday morning, it will be ‘back to the drawing board’ to try to keep improving. I’m really looking forward to the rest of this season. My goals are still the same: try to finish on the podium at every race and be the top ‘Bronze’ [rated] driver. The start was daunting, but I was very aware role: maintain a strong pace and keep the car safe. I’m really happy with my effort. I’m just growing and learning; and incredibly grateful to be alongside a bunch of experienced people for it.”
Monk went on to say:
I am ecstatic about this result and thankful to my teammates, Gradient Racing, HPD, and Acura. Taking the green flag was incredibly daunting as one of the only non-pros out there, so I let myself settle in, protecting the car, and brought it home safely. I have learned so much I can take into Sebring.
Katherine Legge was also over the moon for the result that the team had in the Rolex 24 Hours saying:
I am super happy to have started the season on the front foot. The crew were faultless and executed the pitstops to perfection, the strategy was good and we got our laps back at the right time. Sheena’s stints were very impressive and nobody put a foot wrong,