SCC: Utah: BGB Motorsports preview

BGB PORSCHES LOOKING TO RETURN TO PODIUM IN UTAH

(DAYTONA BEACH, FL - August 29, 2006) BGB is looking to get back into a groove that began with a stout finish at Mid Ohio in June when their #38 and #83 Porsches finished 2nd and 8th. A string of strong, consistent top 10 finishes for both cars was recently interrupted by a trip to Canada that did not go the team's way. This year's field is the more competitive than it has ever been and top ten finishes are nothing to be ashamed of; the Daytona Beach Porsche team is quite proud of them considering the climate. The team felt though that it has had more in its quiver for the GS field, specifically for the race at Barber that ended prematurely because of the threatening weather. Consistent finishes are the reason that the #83 and #38 Porsche 996s occupy the 5th and 6th spots in the Grand-Am Cup's GS team championship. While no championship spots were lost when the #38 and #83 Porsches finished 14th and 17th respectively, no ground was made either. The team is really hoping to turn the heat up for the final two rounds of the 2006 championship.

Despite the fact that this is a brand new facility for motorsports in the United States and for Grand-Am, all of the BGB Motorsports drivers have had a chance to test at Miller in some shape or form. Mark Plummer joined the team from the RUF Auto Centre to pilot a RUF RT12 with the hopes of setting a land speed mark of over 200 mph on the highways outside of the facility. While he was here he was able to get some laps in. Tim Traver recently completed a day or two at the school that is based here at the track. Craig Stanton and Mikel Miller are BGB's setup specialists and they both have been here for coaching. With learning the track out of the way, BGB can spend Wednesday's test getting the cars dialed in. The whole team is really looking to make something of this weekend and feels that they have some unfinished business.

BGB has been able to showcase their knowledge of the 996 chassis by being a consistent front running program. As of late however, the 997s have picked up speed. While the BMW M3 has always been a very strong package, a recent rules change for the Mustang has enhanced its braking abilities. The field is very level right now and we can thank Grand-Am; their formula keeps the parity in check. It will however make for close, tight racing. The team will have to look beyond driver and car speed to make sure they've got all their homework done with pit stops and race strategy.

Qualifying for Saturday's 200-mile GS race is on Thursday at 6:15pm on. The green flag for Friday's 2-hour race drops at 2:45pm. Stay tuned for more from the inaugural trip to the brand new Miller Motorsports Park. Tape delay television coverage of the Discount Tire Sunchaser 200 will be available on Speed TV on September 23rd at 1:00pm.

-credit: teambgb.com