Grand-Am

Top drivers share their racing heroes

Rolex Series' best share their racing heroes DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 16, 2003) -- It's no secret that the top drivers in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series are admired and respected by race fans throughout the country for their skill and ...

Published: Jul 18, 2003, 12:02 PM

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Rolex Series' best share their racing heroes

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 16, 2003) -- It's no secret that the top drivers in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series are admired and respected by race fans throughout the country for their skill and talent displayed on the racetrack. Recently the tables were turned on the Rolex Series top guns, as they were posed the question, which drivers do you admire, both in history and among your current competitors?'

While the legendary drivers mentioned in response to the question sounded like a who's who of the racing world, one name was on the lips of nearly every driver questioned - Ayrton Senna. The renowned Brazilian driver that recorded 41 Grand Prix wins, 65 poles and three Formula 1 world championships is held in high esteem by many in the Rolex Series.

"Ayrton was simply the best - most dedicated, most relentless and fastest driver on Earth," said current Daytona Prototypes points leader Mike Borkowski. "His commitment to excellence may be matched on rare occasion, but it will never be surpassed."

"My favorite driver of all times was, and still is, Ayrton Senna without any doubts. He was simply the best driver, no matter the conditions of the track," echoed GTS racer Joao Barbosa.

Another famous name mentioned by several Rolex racers was Mario Andretti. "He's the ultimate in cool - ice water goes through his veins," remarked Borkowski.

"He has raced and won in every type of auto racing," said Terry Borcheller. "It takes a very special talent to race and win as he has in so many different forums. People complement me a lot on being able to race and win in all the different cars I've been in, but Mario has done it all at the top levels of the sport."

However, Borcheller's performance on the track did not go unnoticed by his fellow Rolex Series drivers who named him as someone they admire within the series. "(I admire him) not only as a driver, but as a person as well," said Darren Law, who has been a rival of Borcheller's in three different Rolex Series classes in recent years. "Not only is he fast, but I admire how hard he works both in and out of the car. He is a genuinely good person."

While Borcheller is well respected by competitors, it comes as no surprise that Hurley Haywood's name tops the list among most of his fellow Rolex Series racers. "Of course its Hurley Haywood," said GT points leader Cort Wagner.

"Who doesn't admire Hurley's record? His record at LeMans, Daytona and Sebring alone is enough to make a driver accomplished. Add in his championships, and you have one of the most successful sports car drivers of all time," noted Borkowski.

"It's tough enough to win just one race let alone have the ability to win all of the endurance races that he has," added Law.

While Mark Donohue is considered a legend in sports car racing, it was his son David whose name was mentioned by his on-track rivals as someone they admire. "(I admire) David, because of the pressure to perform that is associated with being the son of a famous racing father. David handles it great - on track and off. He's a professional in all aspects and has his own identity and passion for what he's doing with his career," said Borcheller of the driver he has battled with race after race this season. "David constantly seems to live up to expectations, and when he doesn't, he's able to shrug it off. (That takes) a lot of talent, character and passion."

The Rolex Series drivers will return to the racetrack for round nine at Watkins Glen International in the Bully Hill Vineyards 250 on August 8. Tickets are currently on sale for the Bully Hill Vineyards 250 and the entire Sirius at The Glen event weekend online at www.theglen.com.

For more information on the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series, visit www.grandamerican.com.

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