Tomy Drissi ready for battle at VIR 240

As the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón ramps up for its first official visit to Virginia International Raceway for the VIR 240, Tomy Drissi is excited to take on the challenge of the legendary sports car circuit. Drissi, just of a second place finish at Baltimore, will pilot the No. 9 RSR Taken 2 Prototype Challenge car with co-driver, Bruno Junquiera.

#9 RSR Racing Oreca FLM09 Chevrolet: Bruno Junqueira, Tomy Drissi

Photo by: Michael C. Johnson

Virginia International Raceway is located in Southern Virginia and is known for being one of the world's finest road courses. The long straights, the legendary esses and Oak Tree turn are all waiting for the ALMS cars to take their best shot at this historic venue. While VIR provides four road course configurations, the American Le Mans Series will do battle for four grueling hours on the 3.27-mile Full Course.

"I am looking forward to going back to VIR; it is a beautiful race track, fast yet very challenging," said Drissi. "The track has a few features that are really daunting. Figuring out the fastest way to get through them is what separates the fast guys from the rest. I learned back in my Trans Am days, the quick way around was managed by being strong under breaking and quick in cornering. If you have the speed, and a good setup that is suitable for this track, you're definitely ahead of the game."

While Tomy was unable to take advantage of the ALMS test held earlier this year at the Virginia venue, Tomy has his Trans Am experience to call upon. In 2002 Drissi started 8th and finished 13th and in 2010, he improved by starting sixth. Late in the race he was chasing down Klaus Graff, bound for a podium finish, but finished fifth overall.

"That was a really tough race," commented Drissi. "I got hit four different times, but was able to stay strong and just missed out on a podium finish. It was the last lap, I was in third and I thought I could catch second and overtake. I pushed a little too hard and gave up a couple of spots. But that's the past… I know we'll be competitive with the No. 9 Taken 2 PC and be fighting for the win."

Source: Tomy Drissi media