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Laguna Seca 7 September 2003 |
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In preparation for the final event in Atlanta, I decided to return to US asphalt by running at Laguna and Miami. Once again I would be driving with PK Sport in one of their Porsches 911GT3R’s. I had been to Laguna as a spectator and really wanted to drive the circuit. The contour changes and of course the most famous corner in the US, the “Corkscrew” had a very tempting allure.
For Laguna I would drive with Vic Rice who I partnered in the Roock Porsche at Daytona in 2000. Vic had done most of the season with PK and being a local Californian knew the circuit well. He was able to help a great deal by conveying the lines and pointing out where time could be gained or lost. Whilst we would not be looking to challenge the leaders we were hoping for a good clean run which would allow a creditable finish. Vic had qualifying duties and we lined up 15th on the grid although the midfield times were very close together. We thought a top ten would not be a problem! I continued with my familiarisation of the track and was confident of a strong run.
Unfortunately I woke up on race day feeling very under the weather – a visit to the medical centre and a bag of saline helped but I was definitely not right. Fortunately I could rely on Vic to do the first 110 minutes leaving me the remainder of the race to bring the car home. Despite an unscheduled pitstop to “re-boot” after a lock-up he took the car up to 12th by the time he handed over to me. I felt dreadful before I climbed in and wasn’t sure whether I would last the course but after a few laps I settled down and surprisingly felt okay. Steve radioed to me every 15 minutes to relay time to go and position and I just got on with it. I confess I wasn’t displeased to see the chequered flag…..We finished 12th in the end which did not give any points but it wasn’t bad in the circumstances. Next stop Miami…….
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