The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón held its first official race at Virginia International Raceway last week, the VIR 240. Tomy Drissi was pleased with his performance in the No. 9 RSR Taken 2 Prototype Challenge car and with that of his co-driver, Bruno Junquiera.
“This was just one of those days,” said Tomy. “When the P1 car lost control and spun around in the first corner, everyone got hung out with nowhere to go. Bruno tried to take evasive action only to get hit from the rear. He was by all means a victim. He got back to the pits and the team did a fantastic job of making the repairs and getting him back out there. Knowing it was a four hour race we tried to remain optimistic. It was just too much ground to make up.”
“I got in the car sometime around the two hour mark,” added Tomy. “I had a good clean run. The car was fast but I hadn’t had any time in the car since the team made a significant setup change after morning practice. I just kept my head down and pushed as best I could.”
Virginia International Raceway is located in Southern Virginia, the 3.27-mile circuit is known for being one of the world’s finest road courses. The long straights, the legendary esses and Oak Tree turn provided an excellent showcase for the American Le Mans Series competitors.
“I loved running at VIR,” noted Tomy. “It’s fun, challenging and fast. You come off that last turn before the esses and then hold on. If everything is right you’ve got a fast straight shot. If not, you’ve got to sort it out and get through their as quick as you can. You really need to keep your wits about you. I’m looking forward to going back.”
Junquiera got back in the car for the final half hour. In spite of the team’s best efforts making early race repairs, time simply ran out for the No. 9 RSR Taken 2 Prototype Challenge car
The team will now enjoy and extended break as they prepare for the season finale at Road Atlanta, the 1,000-mile/10-hour Petit Le Mans powered by Mazda scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, Oct 20. ABC’s broadcast begins at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 21. Full, live coverage starts at 11:15 a.m. ET on ESPN3.
Tomy Drissi is an American driver and Trans Am Champion.
His driver experience includes ALMS, Trans-Am, NASCAR and Speed World Challenge.
Born December 9 in Hollywood, California, Tomy owns an advertising firm that produces upcoming film displays for cinemas. Drissi’s first racing experience in motorsports was street racing on Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills.
His professional racing career highlights include; 1999 Trans-Am Rookie of the Year, 2000 Trans-Am BBS Most Improved Driver, 2000 Trans-Am Crew of the Year and Trans-Am Champion. In 2010 Tomy competed in Trans-Am taking 1 win, 1 pole, 3 podiums, 4 Top Fives, 7 Top Tens; He also competed in the American Le Mans Series LMP1 class at Mid-Ohio finishing 3rd. In 2011 Tomy returned to the American Le Mans Series, LMPC division. He scored a 2nd at Long Beach, 3rd at Lime Rock, 1st at Mid Ohio,1st at Inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix and second at Road Atlanta -Petit Le Mans.
Source : Tomy Drissi