Friday, 18th April 2008

In the landscape of American motorsports, it doesn't get much more glamorous than the Grand Prix of Long Beach, so it was little surprise when the American Le Mans Series agreed to return for a second race on the streets of southern California.

SS: Driving a P2 car, I take my hat off to the guys in the GT categories - we're almost running two different races out there! They're looking in the mirror constantly, while it's nice to be in the fast car and looking forward all the time!

DB:
Driving as P1 or P2 is definitely easier than a GT car on any track, but particularly the street courses. When a GT is looking in their mirror, a prototype is all of a sudden right behind them - everyone has to be hyper-aware. We got through the race very well at St Petersburg with the traffic and, if we can do the same at Long Beach, we will be in good shape.

Q:
Any special memories of previous races at Long Beach?

DB:
Last year was the first time I raced at Long Beach. It was exciting both because of the history of the event and also because my brother Geoff raced there. Last year, we had so little time before the race that I didn't have much time to learn the circuit - I was still learning it during the race - so I am glad that the team and I have last year's experience under our belts which should give us a strong shot at winning.

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SS:
Long Beach has always been a circuit that I have really liked but, since I was last here, with the circuit being reconfigured, only three of the corners are the same. I was on the pole at Long Beach in a Trans-Am battle with Robby Gordon in 1992, and went there in a handful of CART races in the 90s. I was the fourth quickest on the first day I got there, so it's always been a good circuit for me.


Interview courtesy of American Le Mans Series

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