Normally, at this time of year, I am still scrabbling around, trying to put the finishing touches to deals or travel schedules for the coming season but, following a busy end to 2006, not much changed.
After the Christmas-New Year break, things didn't really slow down that much. I was testing the new Highcroft Acura at Sebring and was back again at the end of February. The February test was a great sign for things to come. We managed to do a lot of laps and spent more time on the track than the pits. With so many new systems in place and everyone learning them, the test was a success. The next test will be in a week's time, and it will be the toughest so far for the teams, as it will be the last big test before the first race.
Everyone at Highcroft and HPD are doing an amazing job getting ready for the race, but it is very difficult to say how we will do at Sebring as we have a new car, team and systems to get together and working properly before the race. We have some new development bits to try at the test and that will be an ongoing development programme throughout the year.
Am I excited about the year....? Well, if you could see the smile on my face, then you would know. I do feel that I have the best seat in the house in sportscars. Why? Well, Highcroft doesn't want to come second and nor does HPD. The drive within the organisations is so focused on succeeding, so passionate about winning, that it is not a case of
will it succeed, but
when. Duncan Dayton and Danny Sullivan have put together one of the best teams in sportscar racing, and in such a short time. On top of that, driving with Stefan Johansson is always a bonus as he is still highly motivated, fit and has masses of experience.
I have to say I am really impressed with Duncan's speed too. I am not saying this because he is my boss but, for someone who is not a professional driver, he stands on the gas. When he jumps into the car and does a few laps, he is straight on the pace. It is always a good sign someone is comfortable and confident in a car, and I admit that I was concerned as I have driven with semi-professionals before and they have been as much as 5-8secs a lap slower. Strewth, there was a time at Le Mans when I was with someone who was 15 seconds off the pace....!
I must thank all the people who have e-mailed and rung me, saying how nice it was to see me back in a prototype. Yes, it was a long time coming, but the last three years in GT have taught me a lot, so I will putting some of that knowledge into this new programme.
On top of my own racing activities, the MSA British Race Elite applications are coming in and we are well pleased with the response we have got so far. With over 50 applicants for six slots to date, it will make the judging a bit difficult, but we will have the first 20 named not long after the application closes on 28 February. After that, the chosen few will be interviewed by the expert panel and six lucky drivers selected into the programme.
The other good news is that I have a deal for Le Mans this year and am 'well excited' to be part of that programme. More news on that later, but what a mega year I have in front of me...! The stars and moons must be in line for me this season....
DB
