A lot has happened since my last column, with the big build-up to the start of the season involving lots of testing, then the races at Sebring and St Pete, a tragedy and a sex scandal...!

Going back a little in time, the race at Sebring was a really disappointing, as we were hoping for a better result. We arrived for the race having put a lot of testing miles under our belt, and we had a good feeling that we would be strong.

We went into the race in two minds, to go with full downforce or very little. In the end, we went for the very little and this probably wasn't the best choice as we struggled with the changing conditions of the Sebring track, which seemed to be worse than normal. Each time we went out on the track, the car would be very different to drive, and we also had a few issues with our 2008 tyre, which didn't help the situation. The Fernandez and Andretti teams also had a few issues and went back to the '07 tyre, but we stuck with the '08.

On a positive note, all the talk around the paddock was of the Acuras going flat in sixth around turn one, and I have to say it was a real buzz to do it. The cars are progressing so fast now - much quicker than we have seen for some time - and, when I tested with the new aero bits in January, I did a ten-lap run and eight of those laps were flat in sixth at turn one. Mega....!

The race, however, turned out to be a struggle, with the lack of grip and the inconsistency we had. The AGR car was fast, and the Fernandez car was also quick, but we were a little behind. In the end, things came our way by staying out of trouble. We had a very reliable car and put in a few quick stints because all the stars and moons lined up.... briefly. So, eventually, we managed a good result, taking fourth in class and fifth overall, which was as good as we deserved.

Before we moved on to St Pete, we heard the tragic news that David Leslie and Richard Lloyd had been involved in a horrible aeroplane accident in the UK. I knew both men really well, and David had been a judge on the MSA British Race Elite programme on the Wednesday before the accident. Everyone was, and is still, in shock and our thoughts and prayers are with their families.

St Pete was good for us last season, as it was where we picked up our first podium, so we confident heading back there this year. The shorter track has always suited the Acuras, although the Porsches have also got quicker from last year, so we knew a good battle was ahead of us.

We qualified third, just behind the Dumas Penske and a surprise pole for the Audi - I thought they would be quick, but they really kicked our butts!

Scott got a good start and was running strongly, then I jumped in and continued the good work. The car ran well again and we took a strong finish, third overall and second in the P2 class between the two Penske Porsches. The Highcroft team's pit-stop was fast and we stayed out of trouble all race, while others didn't. I must also thank Bryan Herta for getting out of the way on the restart two laps from the end, as I had Pat Long in the Penske trying to get past me and really had to make the car wide for those two laps. Bryan was a lap down, which was a shame as they had a fast car in the race, but proved to be a fair competitor.

It's onto Long Beach next, and another street race which will be good for us. We need to improve a little to get our first win, but we are close now. We're second in the championship, so we need to catch the leading Penske Porsche and beat them.

Finally, on an unrelated note, it looks as though Max Mosley has got himself into a bit of trouble. I think it is a shame that it has come to this, because I think he has done some good for the sport. What happens next? Who knows.

DB