Thursday, September 25, 2008

Brumos Racing traveled to our season finale event with a lot on the line. Going into the Miller Motorsports endurance race, our #58 car was in 3rd place in Team Points, trailed by #59 in 4th.  J.C. France also held the lead for the Trueman Sportsman Award.  In what has proven to be the most competitive season since the inception of Grand-Am’s Daytona Prototype, our position was far from guaranteed.  When the checkered flag fell on the seven hour race, #59 finished in 4th place and #58 came in at 10th. Those results boosted #59 ahead of their teammates to claim 3rd place for the year, while #58 held on to 4th, closing out our best Grand-Am season yet.

Things were off to a good start and confidence was high as our cars posted a 1-2 finish in an early practice session. David Donohue qualified #58 in 3rd place, and drove an extended first stint, leading the race for 18 laps. Buddy Rice also held the lead for 3 laps during his turn behind the wheel, but problems arose for Darren Law late in the race, as contact from another car resulted in a drive through penalty, costing position that could not be regained.  David Donohue called it a bittersweet day for the #58 car.  “It was great to see #59 up front and with a great finish. Joao and J.C. did a great job all race long and they kept it in the hunt. The yellows helped them as well, but they took total advantage of the way the race played out.” He went on to add, “We ran strong in the beginning, but the car just wasn’t quite as good as it had been in practice.  Then Darren got forced into the dirt and just couldn’t stop and got into another car by accident, but we got penalized.  It seems like we had a tough start to the season and a tough finish as well, but next year we will start all over again with a clean slate.”

Strategy for #59 was a bit more complex for this race, as maximizing points for the Trueman award was of primary importance. With points awarded for each lap driven, it was critical that J.C. France stay behind the wheel as long as possible. To assist in this effort, Hurley Haywood stepped aside for his rotation, giving J.C. the advantage of more time behind the wheel.  J. C. kept the car in good position, and when heavy rains developed, took advantage of a subsequent yellow flag to bring the car in for rain tires and a driver change. The strategy worked well, as the stop was at a point where Joao Barbosa could remain in the car through the finish. He turned in his usual fine performance, bringing #59 across the line in 4th and again earning the “Improve Your Position” award.  The finish not only earned #59 a 3rd place for the season, it also secured the Trueman Sportsman Award for J. C. France.

Joao Barbosa was proud of the season’s accomplishments for #59, saying, “It was a really good race, although it was too bad we didn’t finish in third.  I’m so proud of the Brumos team, they did a great job and we finished strong for the year despite not making it to the podium during the season, so next year it can only get better.  We have a great team - the chemistry is good and the team is good - we will just have to wait for next year for our podium.  To come in 3rd in the championship in such a competitive season, you can’t get much better, but next year, we plan to do just that!”

J.C. France was equally proud of the results of the day and the 2008 season.  “I’d say it was a great day for Brumos Racing.  I just wish Bob Snodgrass was here to see this.” He went on to add, “I’m really proud of our whole team, and my teammate Joao Barbosa, especially.  I was having a blast out there until the torrential rains came down. At that point I was just happy to get out of the car and hand it over to Barbosa to let him take it in for the finish.  He had another great performance and we certainly have a lot to celebrate.”

Dan Davis was in agreement with his drivers and summed it up by adding, “We were very competitive at every race this season and I am very proud of the hard work of our crew and drivers. We will be an even stronger team next year as we continue to challenge ourselves for better results.  Brumos is back!”

Following the race, the team celebrated their accomplishments at the annual Grand-Am banquet in Las Vegas, as Brumos was recognized for three awards during the evening. Dan Davis joined our #59 drivers onstage to accept the award for 3rd place in the Team Championship; J.C. France received the Trueman Sportsman Award of 2008; and the #59 car received the annual SunTrust “Improve Your Position” award for the season.  Aside from those awards, #58 was also mentioned for their impressive performance in 2008, as they scored seven top five finishes and five podiums during the year.  Our strong season’s results, despite the absence of a win, clearly demonstrate the hard work and consistent performance of our entire crew. Our break will be a short one, however, as Test Days at Daytona International Speedway are coming up in October and November, and Brumos is busy making plans in preparation for their Championship run in 2009.

Posted on 09/25 at 01:30 PM

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