After two successful years racing for Penske’s LMP2 and Porsche 963 Hypercar squads in the World Endurance Championship, two-time IMSA DPi champion, Cameron, 35, is making a return to IMSA competition. Porsche Penske Motorsport has made a calculated move to swap Cameron with its Australian rising star, Matt Campbell, for the 2024 season. This strategic decision aims to maximize the potential of the 963 LMDh car by racing it in both series to accelerate its development. Despite a challenging debut season, Cameron remains optimistic about the team’s progress, emphasizing the constant drive for improvement and addressing reliability issues in longer races.
Reflecting on the past year, Cameron acknowledges the team’s improvement in the second half of both programs, achieving better results. However, he highlights the ongoing need for further enhancements to meet the team’s lofty expectations. The focus lies on addressing reliability concerns during longer races and striving for both speed and dependability. The team structure has undergone some changes on both programs, creating opportunities to refine and strengthen their approach. Cameron pursues a collective goal of being faster and more reliable, particularly in crucial races where they fell short in previous seasons. The team’s relentless pursuit of progress ensures that the push for improvement never ceases.
Time and Stability: Balancing Car Development and Team Building
One of the significant challenges faced by Porsche Penske Motorsport last year was introducing new race cars to the competition while simultaneously establishing a stable team. Cameron conveys the complexity of building a team from scratch, emphasizing that it takes more time and effort than merely designing and adapting a race car. Acknowledging the team’s relative immaturity and instability, he emphasizes the importance of nurturing stability and maturity within the team. The experience gained over the past year has been invaluable, providing a foundation for future growth and success.
Divided Focus: Testing and Refinement
During the December Daytona manufacturer group test, Penske adopted a divided approach to optimize their testing and refinement process. Cameron and Felipe Nasr primarily focused on pure endurance running with their #7 car. The primary objective was to ensure reliability and endurance as they pushed the car to its limits. On the other hand, the second car aimed to explore and discover opportunities for added performance and pace. By dividing their efforts, Penske Motorsport was able to cover more ground and make significant strides in both areas. Cameron notes that returning to Daytona after a year has significantly improved their baseline performance, leading them to a more driveable setup.
Despite the progress made during testing, Cameron acknowledges that there is room for further improvement. While the team has made positive developments, they must remain vigilant as their competitors continue to enhance their performance as well. The pursuit of excellence is a never-ending journey, and Porsche Penske Motorsport is committed to narrowing the gap with their rivals. They strive to find the optimal balance between speed and reliability, ensuring that they remain a formidable force in the upcoming season.
Cameron’s return to IMSA competition and the strategic driver swap with Matt Campbell reflect Porsche Penske Motorsport’s commitment to maximizing the potential of the 963 LMDh car. Through a relentless pursuit of improvement, the team aims to address reliability concerns and enhance performance in crucial races. Building upon the experiences of the past season, the team has undergone structural adjustments and gained valuable maturity. By dividing their focus during testing and consistently pushing for progress, Porsche Penske Motorsport aspires to close the gap with their competitors in the 2024 season.
Leave a Reply