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Miami 27th September 2003 |
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Unfortunately Vic could not join me for Miami which was a shame as he had previous knowledge of the street circuit “by the Bay.” Although they had changed the circuit since last year it was predominantly the same and I was somewhat amazed at its size the first time I ventured out (in a golf cart!) It was not a big circuit by any stretch of the imagination and there were very few overtaking places which potentially would create problems for our multi-class field. Still my experience of most of the drivers in the series through Sebring, Le Mans and Laguna had been exceptional – the patience shown in the faster cars and use of mirrors from the slower ones had been better than in any other series I’ve driven.
My partner for the race would be Ron Attapattu who had raced at the track last year for another team. He had raced in Europe previously in a number of different series and was a great help in circuit familiarisation in Miami. We were a support race to the US Champ Car Series so we would actually be racing on the Saturday. Getting used to the track was not particularly easy at first due to the differing conditions – it was initially very dirty due to the fact that it is actually a road(!) but it started to pick up grip as rubber went down. Unfortunately it then started to rain which made it very tricky due to a distinct lack of run-off’s and the omnipresent proximity of concrete walls. In truth it was not a difficult circuit to learn – just tricky!
Qualifying duties were mine and I took 3 seconds off my best time to put us 14th….I also managed to pay a visit to one of the walls to collect some suspension damage… Although the forecast for the Saturday was poor with the threat of thunderstorms, it was bright sunshine as we took to the grid. I was told I would be doing the bulk of the race and fuel economy would not be a problem! By the time I had come around the last corner the race was in full swing and I sped after the Harzardous 911. I made a few places and was lapping consistently whilst others were having problems. Unfortunately this was not to last as I became embroiled in the battle for the lead. Having let the two leading Porsches through I was clipped by the Orbit car which was I think was too concerned with holding on to the leaders…My damage was minimal but his unfortunately was race-ending. I pitted to check the car out. The team said I was fine and sent me on my way only to radio the next lap to say there was a problem with my backend!! I re-pitted and took fresh tyres and I took to the circuit once more … It then started to drizzle which was interesting but fortunately it didn’t stick although a few were caught out. On the 90 minute mark there was another safety car and they called me in to change with Ron. The stop went smoothly and he was on his way and we continued with our progress. Unfortunately it was not to last as contact with another 911 brought this to an abrupt end. Although he managed a few more laps the damage was too much and we were forced to retire the car. It was a shame because a reasonable result was on the cards – the team’s other car in contrast had a trouble free run and took a fine third place. Next stop Road Atlanta for Petit Le Mans….
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