Photo: Rick Dole / IMSA
Antonio Garcia tested positive for COVID-19 at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, it was revealed, putting Corvette Racing with a two-driver line-up on its way to victory in the GT Le Mans class on Sunday.
Garcia shared the duties of the No. 3 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R through the 17th hour of the Florida endurance classic until he was pulled from the car when the results of a routine travel test came back for the team.
“As part of international COVID travel protocols, all drivers and team members entering and exiting the US are required to pass a COVID test before and after all racing activities,” said a statement from Corvette Racing.
“While Antonio Garcia tested negative in preparation for his arrival on the Rolex 24, we have been informed that he has now tested positive in preparation for the departure of the country.
“He was immediately withdrawn from the race upon notification of the positive test result and, although he experienced no symptoms, will no longer participate in additional racing activities at the Rolex 24 in Daytona.
“After consulting with IMSA and its Event Operations Protocols, the series determined that Corvette Racing met all the requirements under IMSA event protocols to allow it to compete in a safe and responsible manner.
“We have notified crew members and others who have interacted with Antonio and will conduct tests with race team members after 72 hours, according to CDC guidelines.”
Garcia is the second driver to sign COVID-19 at the event following Michael De Quesada’s positive test conducted a few hours before the start of the race that also forced him out of the cockpit.
The Quesada was replaced at the last minute by Mike Skeen, while Corvette was unable to bring in a replacement after the start of the race.
