Grand-Am
Utah: Brumos Racing preview
Haywood & Rice Back on Board for Brumos at Miller Finale As the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Series season winds down, Brumos Racing has a notable list of accomplishments to celebrate. Heading into this year's final race, Brumos' ...
Published: Sep 17, 2008, 1:04 AM
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Haywood & Rice Back on Board for Brumos at Miller Finale
As the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Series season winds down, Brumos Racing has a notable list of accomplishments to celebrate. Heading into this year's final race, Brumos' #58 car is in 3rd place in Team Point Standings, while their #59 car trails their teammates by just one point for 4th . In addition, #59 driver J.C. France holds the lead in the Trueman Sportsman Award, fittingly enough, by 59 points. Brumos now stands as the only team to compete in every Grand-Am DP event since the inception of the prototype class in 2003, and 2008 has proven to be their best season since that inaugural year. But while their achievements are numerous, one bit of unfinished business still remains for the Brumos team a victory.
Aside from the successes, Brumos has also had its share of heartbreaks this season, as both of their cars saw what had appeared to be a sure thing evaporate seconds from the checkered flag. #58 driver Darren Law's disappointing loss and coast to third place in Montreal after running out of fuel just yards from the finish was soon followed by another emotional roller-coaster. When Joao Barbosa was punted out of second place on the closing lap at New Jersey, it cost #59 car their long-awaited podium. Brumos has one more chance to achieve the finish they deserve this season, and they are confident they have the winning formula in place to get that finish at Miller.
The Miller Motorsports track presents its own unique challenges, as the 4.5 mile, 24-turn Utah course features little or no elevation change. Since laps are twice as long as those of the typical Grand-Am course, strategy will focus heavily on pit stop procedures and the timing of those stops. For the demands of a seven hour race, both Brumos cars will add a third driver to their roster, and both cars turned to experienced and talented Brumos veterans for help. Former Indy 500 winner Buddy Rice first joined #58 teammates Darren Law and David Donohue in 2006, and now returns to mark his third consecutive year in Brumos colors. Endurance legend Hurley Haywood will once again drive alongside teammates J.C. France and Joao Barbosa, resuming his familiar position behind the wheel of the iconic #59 car he helped make famous.
The advantages of going with drivers who are experienced with the team are obvious, as Darren Law explained. "It will be great to have Buddy joining us again. He has driven with us several times now and he really fits well into our program. He understands the cars and the team we all work well together. He is always fast, too, so David and I have no worries when he drives with us in the longer events." Aside from the professional aspect, Law and Rice enjoy a long- term friendship. "It is also personally great for me," Law added, "as Buddy and I have been friends for quite a while. We met long before he raced Indy cars and we always have fun running together."
Hurley Haywood has been anticipating his return to the #59 driver's seat, saying, "We have one more race and one more chance this season to get our victory. We've had some really heartbreaking situations this year and come very close, but just haven't quite reached that top step yet. I am really keeping my fingers crossed for both our cars and they both deserve a win. While I do enjoy my other role with our team, there's nothing like being able to drive, so I'm really looking forward to the chance at Miller and will do all I can to help get us back in Victory Lane."
While this year's field is likely the most competitive in Grand-Am history, Brumos has been a consistent contender all season. As they head to their finale, they are confident in their drivers, their crew, and their ability to close out 2008 by adding a victory to their impressive list of accomplishments.
The SunRichGourmet.com 1000 for the Rolex Sports Car Series will be held on Saturday, September 20th , beginning at 1:00 PM ET, and will be televised live on Speed TV.
-credit: brumos racing
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