Murphy doesn’t usually post two articles in a single day, but when AC surprised him with this timely and helpful column for Grand Am fans from the World Center of Racing this morning he knew he couldn’t delay it. For the Bear’s Rolex picks and predictions, and some Sebring grid changes, see below. -MHB-
by A.C. Guillermo
The World Center of Racing is a little chilly today as I sit in the plush infield media center at the World Center of Racing. I am sooooo stoked about this year’s race. Not only is the Ferris wheel back, but the greatest field of Riley’s and Porsche Cup cars ever assembled in the history of the world is ready to put on a great show.
The fact the entry is down by 20 cars over last year is actually misleading, because the Grand-Am series has more hours than the ALMS, thus it is the true endurance series in North America. In any case, I was relieved to read in a Grand-Am press release that “…as the Daytona Prototype and Grand Touring fields just keep getting better, a greater number of cars can be expected to contend…”
When I arrived this morning and parked in the special VIP media parking lot (reserved for very important media people, and no, I am NOT paid by the International Speedway Corp to write this column), I happen to notice one of our fine DIS security people disciplining a lost spectator. A little verbal abuse and that spectator quickly knew he was in the wrong place.
Roger E. and the France family have spared no expense to make this Rolex 24 one of the greatest events in road racing history. Several flat screens and a hot breakfast buffet in the media center to name just two.
As a true “insider,” I thought I would give you some tips to make your visit to the Daytona enduro truly special.
1. First and foremost, obey all commands by your assigned Rolex 24 Security Officer.
2. Ignore all those empty grandstands, it’s merely an optical illusion.
3. After the first hour, go to Hooters or the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and drink a lot of beer and tell the waitress you are Wayne Taylor’s personal banker.
4. Buy a Daytona Beach News-Journal and read their fine Rolex 24 coverage. If you prefer non-fiction, buy the Orlando Sentinel.
5. Go to the Daytona USA exhibit, and see the new “Dangers of the Nicotine Patch” exhibit.
6. Take a “Boat of Tomorrow” ride on Lake Lloyd in the infield. The boats were designed by a NASCAR team and are truly amazing, made of this new exotic material called fiberglass.
7. The most exciting part of the Daytona’s road course is the chicane, which of course in not accessible to spectators nor visible to the naked eye. So stop complaining you weenies and go to Best Buy and purchase a 300x telescope to see all the action.
8. Go to the Daytona Beach Kennel Club and bet on the #4 dog in the fifth race (trust me on this one). By the way, the Kennel club has moved, and is being replaced by the “NASCAR Spa,” a 20 billion dollar project aimed at attracting people who would enjoy a downscale health and beauty experience.
9. Get a good night’s sleep. No sense sitting in that freezing cold.
10. With an hour left in the race, return to the track and watch the thrilling finish, and be thankful there were no Audis, Peugeots, Acuras or other pathetic wankers getting in the way of the Ganassi cars.
Well, I got to get back to work. Remember, France ain’t a country, it’s a family of billionaires.
A.C.
Well, I watch the 24-hour race at my local Wal-Mart store; the old department store downtown is now closed. In fact all of downtown is closed and boarded up, must be a special event coming or they may be getting ready for a street Indy Car race. I figured out all the proton cars, they are just painted different.
Number 16 was interesting… so I went out and bought a bottle of Crown Royal and drank it.
The guy next to me got interested in the Rolex racing, and then he pulled up his sleeve. It was Steve the
Undertaker from the Funeral parlor. He was wearing 6 Rolex watches! I asked him if he ever won at Daytona. Walmart security finally kicked us out, only because we moved furniture closer to the T.V.
Who won anyways?