Take the best of America’s top two sports car series and season it with a heavy dash of open wheel racing at Road America, and it’s a tastier combination than the legendary circuit’s famed bratwurst.
On the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón side, IZOD IndyCar Series’ Ryan Briscoe is usually joined by open wheel veterans Bruno Junqueira, Jan Magnussen and Townsend Bell. The GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series has four-time Champ Car titlist Sebastien Bourdais, along with Scott Pruett, Christian Fittipaldi and Justin Wilson.
Unfortunately, Level 5 Motorsports learned early this week that Briscoe would be unavailable for the weekend as he recoveries from injuries suffered in an IndyCar race at Toronto, so team owner/driver Scott Tucker turned to another IndyCar Series regular to take the seat.
Simon Pagenaud didn’t hesitate when he got Tucker’s call to join him in the team’s No. 551 Siemens/Alpina Watches/Ohiya Casino Resort HDP-ARX-03b.
“I’m pretty used to the HPD sports cars,” Pagenaud said. “Ryan is a fantastic driver and a good friend, and I feel bad for him, but I’m happy to be here to help the team score as many points as possible this weekend. Obviously, I have a great relationship with Level 5, Scott and [team manager] David Stone.”
The 29-year-old Frenchman is a nine-time winner in ALMS competition, winning the 2010 championship with David Brabham for Patron Highcroft Racing in 2010 while finishing second in 2009 with Gil de Ferran. He has 23 podiums in 30 career ALMS races.
Pagenaud had a bit of a surprise when he checked out the Road America weekend schedule, though, seeing that ALMS shared the weekend with the GRAND-AM Rolex Series.
“It’s great to see the merger coming together,” Pagenaud said. “It’s fantastic for the fans to get to see the two series together on the same weekend.”
While the HPD fits Pagenaud like a glove, it’s a tougher transition than it sounds. But he’s eager to take on the task.
“I wouldn’t say it’s easy … it certainly takes a lot of memory resets,” Pagenaud explained. “Obviously, I’m more used to the Indy Car now since that’s what I drive on a daily basis. But it’s good to switch to something else. Driving a sports car in an endurance race is completely different and requires a completely different skill set. But I’m looking forward to working on those details, to make myself a better driver.”
With Briscoe expected to be back in action for the next ALMS race in Baltimore, Pagenaud is happy to yield the seat to his friend. But he’s hoping to be back in a sports car when the ALMS and GRAND-AM unify in 2014.
“I’m very hopeful for the new endurance series in the U.S. – it’s great to see the merger coming together. I was in the Rolex 24 [At Daytona] last year and I definitely want to put it on my calendar for next year. Hopefully, I will put myself in a position when I can win.”
Source : ALMS