by A.C. Guillermo
Because of the long gap between Grand-Am races, A.C. took a well-deserved vacation to Dollywood, and is now back at his laptop catching up on correspondence. Emails have been flowing in to A.C. for several weeks. While he works on his next column, in which he makes a stunning admission, he was kind enough to answer some emails.
After a contrived race at Daytona in which the finish was clearly managed by certain owners of NASCAR, what credibility does the Rolex Grand-Am Series have, if any?
A.C. – Roger E. and the Jim F. family told me they are the most respected people in motorsports. And I believe them.
Why was the crowd at the Daytona 24 hours the lowest in many years?
A.C. – Ever heard of a recession? Everyone is hurting right now, including the dozen or so Grand-Am fans across the country.
If that is true, why did Sebring attract such a big crowd?
A.C. – According the Daytona News-Journal, that race does not exist. According to a not very well known journalist, the crowd at Sebring is actually an illusion created by orange blossom fumes.
What do you think of having the July Grand-Am race at Daytona on the same day as the 400?
A.C. – Roger E. and the France family told me it is a great idea. And I believe them.
Isn’t it ironic that the ALMS is now trying to pad its entry with GT3 Porsches, just like Grand-Am?
A.C. – The ALMS is desperate, that is obvious. I have even heard they are re-bodying old Daytona prototypes cars to look like LMP1 cars to fill the field later this year. By the way, Hurley, I am really sorry about barfing on you during that roller coaster ride at Dollyworld.
Rumors are there will be a mass exodus from the Grand-Am series after the season?
A.C. – Gee, I bet that rumor originated in North Georgia, didn’t it! Jim F. and Roger E. are quite happy with the series (plus it keeps J.C. out of trouble), and I believe them.
A so-called journalist who regularly covers the Grand-Am Series recently did a post-race column on the Rolex 24 and didn’t even mention the Brumos car being illegal! You have got to be kidding. Does NASCAR have everyone in their pocket?
A.C. – Not sure who you are talking about, but this journalist did a column (posted on this website) on this subject as soon as the race was run. Is it a big deal to you that the winning car was illegal? Jim F. said the Brumos car was due for a win, and I believe him.
Despite all their reforms, the Daytona security staff was as bad as ever at this year’s Rolex 24. Why is their customer service so lame?
A.C. – I have no idea, but don’t you think “Smoke” is a great nickname for Tony Stewart?
The Audi vs. Peugeot battle at Sebring was spectacular. Why are DP’s such slugs?
A.C. – I guess you have never seen a Crawford battling a Chase, have you?
With all NASCAR Sprint and Nationwide series suffering dramatically from the economic conditions, how does NASCAR justify subsidizing a second-rate road racing series that is a financial drain?
A.C. - As Jim F. once told me: “You never too many Rolex watches.” And I believe him.
I think your columns are great, and expose the ALMS for what it is: An over-rated elitist series that values recycling plastic bottles more than close competition.
A.C. – I agree Roger.
The Rolex series entry is way down this year, and many of the teams are not happy with the series management.
A.C. - NASCAR spent a lot of money on those “I am a Grand-Am driver commercials.” What more do they want? Anyway, the ALMS is the series hurting for cars.
On behalf of the France family and Grand-Am fans everywhere, I want to thank you for telling the truth about our series.
A.C. – You are welcome Matt. Hope that SunTrust loan works out for you.
On behalf of the France family and motorcycle fans everywhere, I want to thank Roger for turning motorcycle racing into a series just like Grand-Am.
A.C. – I agree, Adam. Roger has the magic touch, doesn’t he? And promoters love him!
Don’t you think the ALMS should call it quits and let the road racing experts at Daytona control everything?
A.C. - Yes I do. And I honestly believe that will happen in the next few weeks. The guys at NASCAR know all about sports car racing (and Ferris wheels), while the ACO worshiping fools in Braselton are clueless. Sports car fans want to see a parade of beautiful Riley DPs, not some silly diesel-powered French go kart.
A.C.
St. Petes observations on my borrowed T.V.
I just can’t believe my eyes. Those darn
rear tires, now known as “north”, “east”, “south
and “west” to the two new P-1 AMLS tire crews.
They still can’t get it right, running around the car
looking for the ‘front” or “rear”. Now it doesn’t
help either when three of the four tire crews names
are “Bill”.- That’s why three of them ran to the front of the
car, after receiving radio instructions.
The tire crews are getting really fed-up. They want the old
tires back, just like on the old P2 car(s). Now did you
see the other old P-2 car? (The one that won Sebring)
Its driver was waving his hands at his tire crew.
They wanted to put a big fat tire up front! – just like the
big brother P-1 car. Confusion may be festering here too.
For the next race, the P-1 tire engineers will replace all
four location stickers, north, east, south and west with
“rabbit” , “cat”, “horse” and “elephant”, so that
Bill, Bill, Bill and Syl will get the “fat” tires to the correct
corner on the car in a timely fashion.