The Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series is round three of the 2008 season, and carries extra motivation for the Highcroft Racing pairing of David Brabham and Scott Sharp, who carry Patron colours on their Acura ARX-01b in search of the team's first LMP2 victory.
Q:
With Patrón the title sponsor of the Long Beach round, what extra pressure or demands does that put on the team?
David Brabham:
It doesn't put much more pressure on us - we are already very driven to win at Patrón Highcroft Racing, no matter what the race. There is always positive pressure for the team to perform at its optimum level. The team just keeps getting better and better and we know we are getting closer to our first win.
Scott Sharp:
We all really want a great finish and to take it to the next level. Because Patrón is sponsoring the race, to nail the win at Long Beach couldn't be any sweeter. However, one of the things that impresses me the most about Patrón Highcroft Racing is everyone's commitment and push at all times and at all levels - there doesn't need to be any extra incentive for this team to win a race as soon as possible
Q:
How many changes go into the car between a track like Sebring and a street circuit like Long Beach? Are there drastic changes to the suspension, tyre pressures, etc.?
SS:
Certainly, you have different demands on a street course for the Acura ARX-01b. Typically, during a street race, there is very low grip so you're looking for a quick rotation in the car and to put the power down pretty hard. At a permanent course like Sebring, you have longer high-speed, high-grip corners and more stability in the car. But, at a temporary street course like Long Beach, you are chasing the ever-changing grip.
DB:
There are a fair amount of changes between a track and a street circuit - a lot of suspension, ride height, aerodynamic and tyre pressure changes. We had a very strong set-up at St Petersburg, a street circuit, so we feel we're in good shape for Long Beach.
Q:
Coming off second place in LMP2 at St Petersburg, how much more needs to be done to beat both the Penske Porsches?
DB:
We're getting closer and closer. We do need to improve more, but we've been making huge strides in all areas over the last twelve months. We are coming up to Long Beach with a car that has performed very well on street circuits but, since it's hard to pass on street circuits, we need to be sharp and pit-stops have to be perfect. The team has been working very hard over the winter and, as a result, our pit-stops are much tighter. So between that and improving our set-up, we will keep edging closer.
SS:
The Penske Spyders are really tough and seem to have the complete package right now, but I think we showed some great flashes of speed at Sebring and in St Pete. We just need to keep pushing and the results will come - if we can keep making improvements each week, that first win will come soon.
Q:
David has raced in all four Series classes, while Scott raced the works Corvette in 1999 at Sebring and Petit Le Mans. How different is it being one of the cars that makes a majority of passes rather than being mindful and aware of the prototypes in a GT car?
