Dane Cameron’s” move of the race” brings first overall win to Whelen racing team at Belle Isle

Eric Curran, stalwart driver for Sonny Whelen’s Corvette racing program since 2006 and new team driver Dane Cameron delivered the first overall win in a their C7 Daytona Prototype at Belle Isle on Saturday May 30.  Track conditions were tricky from intermittent rain during the 2 hour contest.  

Cameron’s perfectly timed “move of the race” propelled him past Jordan Taylor.  Cameron started extending his lead with about 25 minutes to go.  But more excitement lay ahead.

The “move” seemed to affect Taylor.  Trying to catch up through traffic he forced his way past the # 63 GTD Ferrari in turn 7, spinning Townsend Bell  into the tire barrier.  That brought out the yellow caution and a drive-thru penalty for avoidable contact that ended the chances for Wayne Taylor Racing to win 3 straight at Belle Isle.

Joao Barboza of Action Express closed up on Cameron during the caution; however he spun on the final lap assuring victory and jubilation.  Whelen’s 9 year quest to win first overall was fulfilled.

Corvette results compiled by Wayne Ellwood

Check out this video, “Detroit Breakdown” by Roy Oberg and Ross Lantano.  It features Eric Curran and Boris Said driving a ZO6 Grand Am GT Corvette for Whelen’s Marsh Racing team in 2012.

 In 2013 Whelen moved up to a C6 in the Grand-Am Daytona Prototype class. 

Entering new USCR Series in 2014, Whelen joined forces with Action Express to prepare and race C7 DP, moving its operations from CT to Charlotte.

Next race is June 28 Sahlens 6 hours enduro at Watkins Glen.