Long Beach: Autohaus Motorsports preview

Archer and Mopar Viper Looking for Long Beach Redemption

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. April 10, 2007 -- Tommy Archer and Autohaus Motorsports will return to Long Beach looking to finish what they started in 2006. The three car team is headed west for round two of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Series race to be run through the streets of Long Beach, California on Sunday, April 15th.

Archer paced the practice sessions and sat on pole for the 2006 race. During the race an electrical problem surfaced, causing the Duluth, Minnesota native to shut the car off and recycle the ECU three times during the race. Despite the at speed fixes, Archer was still able to finish second.

The 1.97-mile, 11-turn Long Beach circuit is the longest running street race in the United States, this weekend will mark the events 33rd anniversary. The concrete barrier lined street circuit is famous for its first turn drama. For Autohaus drivers Bret Pearson and Jeffrey Robbins it will be their first visit to the storied circuit.

Tommy Archer hopes the speed the team portrayed last year will carryover to the second race of the new season

"Last year we were quick in every session at Long Beach," Archer said. "I know the track well and I have always up towards the front. The track really happens to fit my driving style. We are a little lighter since Sebring, but I am not sure that will get us battling for wins. This will be my fifth race in Long Beach and that experience goes a long way at a tricky street course where you do not get that much practice time. I like the confined space and cement walls, it forces you to be smooth and clean."

In the companion Autohaus Pearson Motorsports No. 6 Viper Competition Coupe, Brett Pearson will take the start for his first race weekend on a street course.

"This is my first street race, I am pretty excited and a little nervous," Pearson explained. "I have looked over the track layout and will take a walk around when I get there to familiarize myself with the flow. The track has a lot of history and when you look at who has won there it is impressive. I am running the ABS on my car, even though I have the smaller front tires, the ABS will be a benefit in Long Beach. We don't get much track time so we have to be good right off of the trailer."

Jeffrey Robbins will also be driving the Long Beach course for the first time in his No. 7 RSIG Security Viper.

"I am excited," Robbins said. "I have watched it so many times on TV. It is definitely a racers course, tight and demanding. There is going to be a lot of other guys who haven't been there as well, so I like my chances. Tommy and the team have a lot of experience there and we have his data from last year. I also have been watching video from past races, so I will be ready."

-credit: am