DENMARK NATIVE HAS THREE RUNNER-UP FINISHES IN 2015
There’s a new name atop the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship GT Daytona (GTD) point standings: Christina Nielsen.
The 23-year-old resident of Horsholm, Denmark enters the Oak Tree Grand Prix at VIR with a two-point lead in GTD, with only three races remaining.
She has four podium finishes this season for TRG-AMR, placing second at Sebring International Raceway, Detroit’s Raceway at Belle Isle Park and Road America, in addition to placing third at Lime Rock Park.
Nielsen has been paired with Kuno Wittmer in the No. 007 Royal Purple/Orion Energy/LaSalle Solutions/PassTime USA Aston Martin Vantage.
Christina, what are your thoughts seeing your name at the top of the GTD point standings?
“I did not see it coming at the start of the season, to be honest, especially after Daytona (12th in the Rolex 24 At Daytona). It’s feels amazing. Hopefully, we can continue up there, but it’s super competitive in the class. Look at the points difference – it is so close. I know it’s tough competition, so I’m focusing on getting back in the car and doing a good job. That’s what it’s going to take to keep us in the lead.”
Will being in the lead with only three races remaining change your approach to each race?
“We’ve had a goal for quite that it’s important to finish and get points, but we’re always pushing for podiums. I’m still looking for that win. It does affect our strategy some, because there are certain cars we are focused on – the No. 48 Audi, the No. 63 Ferrari – because those are the cars we need to stay ahead of.”
How is the chemistry between you and Kuno Wittmer since he became your co-driver at Watkins Glen International?
“Kuno’s great. I’m so lucky to have such a professional and a team player as my co-driver. He’s a talented driver, and I’m lucky to have a guy like him available at mid-season. We work together really well, and we’re quite similar when it comes to setup and car handling. Honestly, we’ve had a good time.”
After finishing second three times, how close are you to victory?
“We want to finish first, we want to win now. I think we should have won Detroit, we had a few things go against our way. I really felt Lime Rock was a hard-earned third. I want to win, but I’m also happy with the seconds and thirds on the podium.
What are your future aspirations?
“I really like GT racing, that’s where I feel at home. It’s a cool kind of car. I’m not going to say I’m not open to other opportunities, but being where I am right now, and maybe someday something in GTLM, would be my goal.”
What’s been your personal highlight of the season?
“[Finishing second at] Sebring, for sure. It’s one of the biggest and most-admired races of the year. That is one of the most demanding races, and it’s great to finish on the podium.”
How are you approaching the final three races?
“I’m really looking forward to Road Atlanta, because that is my favorite track and Petit Le Mans is my favorite event. I can’t wait to get to that one. But next up we’ve got two really cool tracks. I think our car is going to be good at both VIR and COTA, and I’m looking forward to them.”
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