Road Atlanta: Tomy Drissi practice one report

Tomy Drissi Pleased With First-Round Practice Results at Road Atlanta

BRASELTON, Ga. (Sept. 23, 2004) -- Tomy Drissi timed tenth overall in first-round practice Thursday for Saturday's Petit Le Mans American Le Mans Series race at Road Atlanta. Driving the No. 12 Elektra -- Looks Can Kill Only in Theaters Jan. 14 Riley & Scott Mk. IIIc Elan LMP1 car fielded by Autocon Motorsports, Drissi and co-driver Melanie Paterson split time behind the wheel in the first session, posting a 1:20.192-minute lap (114.026 miles per hour). Michael Lewis is the third co-driver this weekend.

Drissi finished sixth in the LMP1 class in the ALMS season opener at Sebring this year, prior to his finishing a career-best fourth in points in the Motorock Trans-Am Series. Drissi returns to the ALMS this weekend for the penultimate round of the 2004 title chase.

"The run was very eye opening," said Drissi. "I did a half an hour. That's not a long stint, but it was a nice warm-up. I'm really pleased with the car. This is my first time in the car after nearly a year."

Drissi ran all nine of the Trans-Am races this season. He said driving the prototype is a completely different experience than his Trans-Am Jaguar.

"I have to remember to trust the downforce and I need to use the brakes to their potential," explained Drissi. "There is a lot more downforce in these cars and the braking is phenomenal. A Trans-Am car has to be driven right and driven hard. These cars are a bit more forgiving.

"We definitely have some work to do to catch up with the Audis," added Drissi. "We're like the Little Engine that Could. The team is working hard, and we're going to try to get on the podium."

Chevy presents Petit Le Mans will get the green flag at noon (EDT) on Saturday, Sept. 25. The race will cover 1,000 miles, or 10 hours, whichever comes first on Road Atlanta's 2.54-mile, 12-turn permanent road course. Qualifying will be held tomorrow, along with an ALMS Fan Forum and an open paddock autograph session featuring all ALMS drivers. Night practice is scheduled for tonight from 7 p.m. -- 9 p.m..

LIVE race highlights will be carried by SPEED at 11:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m. and the conclusion of the event at 7:30 p.m. All times are EDT.

Tomy Drissi, who hails from Hollywood, Calif., is a longtime sports car racer and has competed in the American Le Mans Series, Trans-Am and vintage racing. Drissi owns award-winning motion picture advertising firm Drissi Advertising.

-dm-