by AC Guillermo
As I write this column I am glued to the TV watching the VIR race, anxiously waiting to see who finishes 16th and wins that $300,000 bonus [editor‘s note: The Bear regrets to inform A.C. that it is $300, not $300,000]. What a concept, finishing 16th is more important than winning, Once again, Grand-Am proves its marketing prowess.
I couldn’t attend VIR because the Pontiac is in the shop, so TV coverage will have to do. But I miss being there and hopefully I will able to attend the New Jersey race.
It is hard to argue against the Grand-Am spec series formula. Spec Tires (Pirelli), Spec Chassis (Riley), and Spec Driver (J.C. France). And the stable rules make Grand-Am such a better place to compete (sorry Mazda about that 800 pounds of ballast you have to carry). The 200,000+ people at VIR proves this series will soon be bigger than Formula One.
Anyway, to pickup from my last column with a few more observations from Sebring: I ran into some interesting people while in Sebring. There was a guy named “Michael J.” who said he owned the leading sports car racing website, LSMR dot something. He offered me a six-figure salary to edit his website, but I told him I was under exclusive contract with another company. When he introduced me to his imaginary friend, I knew it was time to move on.
I had the pleasure of meeting a photographer who goes by the name of “Huge Molly” (I think that is his nickname because he used to play in the band Molly Hatchet). He clued me in on a few ALMS rumors, including one in which Bruton Smith is buying Sebring and Road Atlanta just to annoy the France family. And another rumor which I find more likely is that Grand-Am will expand to Asia in 2011 with the Grand-Jap Championship, and to France in 2012 with the Grand-Fran Championship. The Grand-Ant Championship (Antarctica) is still on the drawing boards, but Roger E. is a firm believer is spec ice racing.
So much for the rumor mill. After stopping at the Nicotine Patch display to get a free sample, I wondered over to a place called “F Troop.” Not sure if this was an official Sebring display, but there was a guy there who looked exactly like Bernie Eccelstone playing the guitar.
At the end of the race, they have this thing at Sebring called Park and Ferment (weird name, must have something to do with Dr. P’s winery). I heard someone with the Audi team say: “I sure hope they are using the Grand-Am scales!” Not sure what he meant, but I was glad he had heard of the Grand-Am series, since that is where Audi will be running next year.
All-in-all, Sebring was a mess. Too many spectators. Too many foreigners. Cars were way too fast. Track staff was too friendly…As Roger E. told me, Sebring is just a freakin Le Mans in an orange grove. Amen to that.
In closing, I want to address my alleged “Man Crush” on Scott Pruett. Come guys, admit it. He is a spec racing stud. Even a certain stuffed Bear probably thinks Scottie is a Hottie.
Well, I’m going online for my obligatory “Fantastic Race” post on the Grand-Am Forum. See ya next time.
A.C.
Tags: Audi, F Troop, Grand Am, Huge Molly, Molly Hatchet, Pirelli, Riley, Scott Pruett, VIR
Your attempts to be…um…humerous are really anything but.
The Grand-Am race at VIR was absolutely fantastic! Terrific racing throughout, in both DP and GT classes. Very few yellows. Hard racing. A little too agressive at the end between Pruett, Donohue and Angelelli, but otherwise, it was great.
There was also a very, very good crowd there. I should know, because I was there. The infield was packed with cars on Saturday.
Two races to start the season, and two really good races.
I really like the ALMS too, but I am not too blinded to realize that Grand-Am has a very good product.
One other thing. I like the Grand-Am fan forum. We have great people on that site for the most part, most of whom also enjoy other forms of racing.
Take the blinders off for once Murphy. You are spewing an awful lot of nonsense.
And just what above did Murphy write?
With no disrespect intended, I would like to clarify to those who frequent the sportscar boards I am not the same person as the above poster
On a side note, in light of recent events, are the Pontiac Grand Am efforts in jeopardy or are they funded for the season?
As Huge’s question indicates (and for the 1,383,182nd time) A.C. is NOT a nom de plume of Murphy’s. (Huge is one of the few who knows A.C. personally, by the way.)
A.C. is writing opinion that’s uniquely his own. Murphy won’t fire him for that, especially in this economy.
The Bear doesn’t visit the Grand Am forum, because (as should be clear from the above post) whatever other fine characteristics they have over there, a sense of humor is not one of them. A.C, may read that forum, though. Murphy’s never thought to ask him.
Between A.C. and the Bear, this little column is now detested by the management of both “professional” sports car series, and likewise by the few humorless fans of each. One of those series has actually taken action seemingly intended to get Murphy shut down – as if they have nothing better to worry about.
The Bear thinks all that means he’s doing the thing absolutely right.
Hey Murphy, please tell AC to keep up the good work, some of us appreciate it!