9/16/99

Well, today was the first official day of the Petit Le Mans Race. I say "official" because yesterday was a practice day, but not sanctioned by SportsCar.

I really don't know where to begin, so much is happening this weekend regarding my driving duties. I am not only driving in the WGGT series but I will also be driving a Porsche 911 RSR in the main 10 hour race!!! I still cannot believe that I get to drive in both events!!

Let’s start with the WGGT car. I drew the same car that I drove in the Portland race, which was not a great draw. But I am stuck with "her" and will make due the best I can. So the first session out wasn't too exciting but I was running 2 seconds off the pace I normally run. So needless to say, I wasn't too thrilled or happy with my performance. Unfortunately, the number of crew for all the cars really isn't enough. There is only 1/2 person per car. So, there isn't too much we can do to the car which is a little frustrating but that's the way it has to be.

The second practice session we made a few changes and picked up 1.3 seconds but so did a few others. Its interesting that there are new people who are running quickly this race compared to the last. It’s hard to tell if it’s the car or the driver. So I am 0.4 seconds off the leader. But tomorrow is a new day and I am going to have to attack the track harder and go for it.

Now for the Porsche 911.............it's a REAL race car and I LOVE IT. I was able to get 3 laps yesterday and 5 more today. Not too much track time but enough to know I am in love with the big cars!! Holly smokes, it turns, it goes like stink and boy does it stop!! After my session this morning, I was 4 seconds off the fastest time for the car, which seems like a lot, which it is, but the lead driver Chris Hall has gotten TONS of laps in the car. So I feel better about this car than the WGGT car.

Unfortunately, in qualifying, Chris accidentally missed a downshift and "zinged" the motor. So out it came and a new one was put in. We missed the night practice session tonight due to the repair on the motor. In fact, the crew is still at the track right now working on the car and its 10:30 PM.

Tomorrow is qualifying for the WGGT and the Petit Le Mans race. There is a small chance that we might not make the field in the Porsche. It’s a very tight and large field and not everyone will make the show.

The main race will be aired on Sunday on NBC around 1:00 PM. So if you’re around your tube, get it out.

I can't tell you how much fun I am having and how excited I am to be a part of this series. It’s a dream come true and I can't wait for tomorrow to get back in that Porsche!!!!!!