Daly distracted during Hall of Fame induction

Son races on track as father inducted into Sebring Hall of Fame

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Conor Daly, left, finished third and Tristan Vautier won Round One of the Star Mazda Championship on Friday at Sebring International Raceway. Jasmina Meyer, Highlands Today
Joerg Bergmeister earned the GT2 pole in the No. 45 Flying Lizards Porsche 911 RSR during Friday's qualifying for today's 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race. Photo courtesy of RjEPhotos
The No. 02 Tequila Patron Spirits Ferrari 430 GT races in front of the Jaguar XKRS during Friday's qualifying for today's 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race. Photo courtesy of RjEPhotos
The Patron Highcroft Racing No. 1 Honda ARX-01c was the top qualifier in the LMP2 Class and is fifth overall for today's 12 Hours of Sebring. Photo courtesy of RjEPhotos

By EARL FANNIN | On Track
Published: March 20, 2010

SEBRING INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY --

Derek Daly was distracted several times by his son's race car going around the Hairpin turn at Sebring Hall of Fame while giving his acceptance speech to the Sebring Sports Car Hall of Fame Friday at the Four Points by Sheraton Chateau Elan.

"Excuse me, there he is," Daly said proudly several times, stepping away from the podium to get a better glimpse of Conor's No. 22 formula race car. Conor finished third in the Star Mazda by Goodyear support race.

Dad Daly won the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh From Florida in 1990 and '91, driving a Nissan GTP. Conor, 18, is regarded as one of America's top young talents. Conor led the first 10 laps of the 21-lap race at Sebring International Raceway.

Hall of Fame inducts six

In addition to Derek Daly, former Sebring winners Hurley Haywood, John Morton, the late Phil Walters, official Reginald Smith and Michelin were also inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame Friday.

The late Reggie Smith was race secretary from 1952-1972 and was second in command behind race founder Alec Ulmann.

Michelin-shod cars have dominated Sebring since 1999, capturing 11 straight overall and 31 class victories. Michelin has won 106 of 109 American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron races since the series inception in 1999.

Vautier wins Star Mazda race

After taking the lead from Conor Daly, Tristan Vautier of France led the rest of the Star Mazda by Goodyear support race in his No. 38 entry. Jorge Goncalvez of Venezuela finished second, just 0.175 seconds behind and 4 seconds ahead of Daly.

Gibson wins Prototype Lites race

The number 13 was lucky for Gary Gibson of Riverwoods, IL, in Friday's Cooper Tires Prototype Lites support race. Driving the No. 13 Elan DP02, he beat Antonio Downs of Butterfield, MN by 13 seconds in the 15-lap race. Gibson led every lap.

John Weisberg of Webster, NY, won the L2 class, finishing 14th overall in his No. 75 West WR1000

Smith wins Patron GT3 Challenge race

Ross Smith led wire-to-wire to claim victory in the Patron GT3 by Yokohama race Friday afternoon. Smith of Dallas, TX, won by 6 seconds.