Laguna Seca: Bryce Miller preview

Bryce Miller has been on the high Formula One-style podium at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif. He hopes to be there again after this weekend's Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race. The Summit, N.J., driver finished third in the GT ...

Bryce Miller has been on the high Formula One-style podium at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif. He hopes to be there again after this weekend's Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race. The Summit, N.J., driver finished third in the GT class in the 2007 series race, driving a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. He would like to repeat or better the finish on Sunday in the No. 30 Marquis Jet Mazda RX-8 prepared by Racers Edge Motorsports.

Miller's co-driver, Dane Cameron, lives in Sonoma, Calif., just a few hours north of Monterey, and the track is sponsored by their manufacturer, Mazda. Both drivers will host guests at the track, Miller's representing his long-time sponsors IPC Information Systems and Total Lubricants. It adds up to a lot of support.

"IPC and Total will be at our race on Sunday and I'm excited to share a strong result. With both Dane and I having sponsors in attendance, a podium would be special," Miller said. "The Mazda should be well-suited for Laguna, and I think our team is hungry for a win. I have a good feeling about this weekend."

Miller has raced on the 2.238-mile road course four times previously. He learned the track quickly, scoring a pole position in his first attempt, in 2006. He admits it is a challenge and the right car setup is critical:

"Laguna is a difficult circuit, but it's a lot of fun. It's got a little bit of everything and the elevation change with the Corkscrew [turn] is unlike anything else. The track surface is very smooth and finding grip in the setup and on the track -- with some of the dust that can kick up -- is important."

The track's rank among the world's best, its spectacular setting and past success all combine to make this week's cross-continent trek worthwhile for Miller.

"Monterey is such a beautiful spot, I find myself enjoying the scenery in the drives to and from the race track," he noted. "I've also had some good success at the track and that is special to me, just because of the history and prestige that is captured in the circuit."