Combat veteran Randy Little has found only one hair-raising and pulse-quickening experience that compares with piloting a venerable Huey on combat assaults in Vietnam. That’s the sudden appearance of more than 40 race cars coming out from under the bridge at Road Atlanta awaiting the start of Petit Le Mans.
Little will have a unique post for the beginning of the 16th Annual Petit Le Mans powered by Mazda on Saturday, Oct. 19. As the honorary starter, he will wave the green flag to begin the final chapter in the storied history of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrόn and send the thundering world-class field on its 1,000-mile journey.
“I am speechless,” the Georgian said when notified that he won Road Atlanta’s online “Wave the Green Flag” contest by describing in 50 words or less why he loves Petit Le Mans. “I didn’t think I had even a remote chance to win. To say I’m excited is a tremendous understatement. I am looking forward to what will be a life-long memory.”
Little served in Vietnam in 1970-71 as a helicopter pilot in A Troop 3/17 Air Cavalry. He started attending races at Road Atlanta in the mid-70s, and raced a Porsche Speedster in SCCA E Production competition in the mid-80s. He’s attended nearly 100 races at the circuit, with his most memorable cars the Audi R10 TDI and Nissan DeltaWing.
“We literally had hundreds of entries worthy of being selected for this honor,” stated Road Atlanta President & General Manager Geoff Lee. “We are grateful for our devoted fans and confident James will represent all of them well when he waves the green flag to start the 16th Petit Le Mans powered by Mazda and salute the American Le Mans Series on its 147th and final race. Having a fan start the final ALMS race is a very appropriate way to close the ALMS series which was founded on the motto “for the fans.”
Little will have plenty of help for the 11:30 a.m. start. Each fan entering the Road Atlanta gates on race day morning will receive a miniature green flag, making them all official starters for the ALMS finale.
Little’s race-day experience will include VIP passes, a lap of the track as part of the Vitesse program, a hot pit tour and visit to the ALMS TV compound.