Petersen Motorsports/White Lightning Racing will embark on a new era in the latest round of the American Le Mans Series at Road America when they welcome Peter Dumbreck to the fold for the first time.
Although the team started the season with the partnership of Tomas Enge and Tim Bergmeister, both drivers have fallen out favour with the PWL team, meaning Dirk Muller, who raced in place of Bergmeister in the recent races, will now be joined by former DTM star Dumbreck.
Looking to find some stability following a season of pace but disappointing consistency, PWL is confident Road America will signal a turnaround for them, not least because they have won three of the GT2 classes in the last four years.
For Dumbreck though the challenge is going to be immense, not least because he has never driven the
Ferrari 430GT before. Nonetheless, with DTM credits to his name and a recent career racing in the Super GT Championship in Japan, Dumbreck is well qualified to adapt to the ALMS.
"The biggest challenge will be sitting in the Ferrari for the first time," the Brit said. "I have to try and get confidence on where its limits are without over stepping them.
It also makes learning the circuit that much harder because if I was in a car I knew well, like the Super GT Lexus, then I could push straight away and get to grips with the track layout. Having a new teammate doesn't worry me. I know Dirk and I know he is fast. I just hope he is in the mood to help me become fast too."
Still, team owner Dale White is confident Road America will be the round to revive their fortunes, despite the advent of a new driver.
"Our goal at Road America, like every weekend, is to win, said team owner Dale White. After that, we'd like to use Road America as the springboard to the remainder of the year; just like we did in '05. The crew has done a great job for us this season and the Ferrari has always been fast and reliable. We just need the right combination in the cockpit. The drivers need to be fast but we also need to have them in a position to win on the last lap."
