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Setting up the car for the preferences of four drivers is a challenge that Giersing must pay particular attention to. The goal is for all the drivers to find the car easy to drive, which is always a challenge when tire degradation and weight balance change as fuel burns off. The aerodynamics are set to achieve a good balance with as little downforce as needed in order to optimize straight line speed.
During the race, Giersing’s job as engineer is over and his job as the Strategist begins. As the Strategist, Giersing becomes the overall decision maker for the team. It is his job to call in the car for pitstops, stay on top of fuel mileage, and look to use yellow flags to enhance the team’s position or get a lap back. With cars such as the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, modern day endurance races have really become 12 or 24 hour sprint races. What this means, other than the fact that the drivers have to drive very fast throughout their stints, is that they must also not make mistakes – being too aggressive when passing other cars or running over curbs too much will lead to damage that will cost laps in the pits to repair. Such a mistake will ensure the team does not win.
Of course, it is still up to the drivers to actually drive the thing fast and get it home. Team owner, John Potter, is joined by veteran driver Craig Stanton who has two GRAND-AM championships and numerous wins in GRAND-AM and the American Le Mans Series. While they must always drive as fast as they can, their primary responsibility is always to preserve the car. As Giersing reminds them in each pre-race briefing, they must not hit any other cars, but also must do everything they can to avoid being hit.
