Brian Simo Detroit preview

Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich Cup
June 16, Belle Isle, Detroit, Mich.

Trans-Am Series champion Brian Simo hopes to repeat his 1999 victory on the 2.361-mile Detroit Belle Isle road course, but preferably in different weather conditions. The Carlsbad, Calif., driver started the '99 race from the pole and held for the win, despite heavy rain that caused off-track excursions for many of his competitors.

"Winning in Detroit was important because it's one of the biggest races of the season," he said. "To win in those conditions really made it memorable. "From a driver's perspective, it was very difficult to maintain concentration and not make any big mistakes. There's a lot of satisfaction in winning a race like that. You feel like you really did your job."

Simo led last year's Detroit Trans-Am race and set the fastest race lap, but settled for second place when the race ended under caution. He will be looking for victory this year in the No. 88 Tommy Bahama Qvale Mangusta with associate sponsorship from Valvoline .

-Sylvia Proudfoot