As I reviewed the entry list I took note of the excellent competition that was to be in this race. There were drivers from the American Le Mans Series, drivers that were series champions, as well as several other very good drivers. I knew that getting past them would not be an easy task. I was given a car to drive just before the race. Race officials informed me that I could have a couple of hardship laps just before the race. I always feel very fortunate that there is a car available to me. I thanked the officials for their efforts and off I went.

I chose the inside lane to start the race. I remembered that passing was not allowed until after your car passed the start/finish line. I remembered that Road Atlanta is a 2.54 mile 12 turn race course with many steep elevation changes. This was my challenge.

At the start of the race as we came down the steep hill and turned right to the start/finish line the neat formation of cars became a muddled group as drivers jockeyed for an advantage. They were 3 and 4 wide going into turn one. One car put all 4 wheels off. I later learned that I had managed to move up to 5th position. I looked forward and took note that I had an American Le Mans driver in front of me. He was good and this was not going to be easy. I waited and tried to stay close. He wasn't easing up. On the 7th lap I saw an opportunity and went for it. We raced vigorously with the result that I was able to gain a position. I was now in fourth. I kept focused on the 3rd place driver and 4 laps later took advantage of an opportunity to move into 3rd. However, a car went off and was in a danger zone. The black flag flew and we were called into the pits for a single file start.

Race officials informed me while I was waiting in the pits that because the pass that I had made was completed on a black flag lap, by rule, it is nullified. It does not make a difference that the flag came out after the pass. So, I now was back in fourth. They also informed me that there was about 8 minutes left to race.

As I came down the hill in single file with the rest of the drivers, I had to hold my position until I passed the start finish line. I moved up on the third driver and chased him down to turn 1. I made an inside move and got 3rd place back. I continued to pursue the second place driver and found an opportunity on a right hand turn to put the nose of my car to the inside of his. It was nip and tuck there for a while. However, I moved by and obtained second place. It was to my competitor's credit that he helped to avoid contact so that we could both continue on. The race ended on this note. A very satisfying finish for a weekend of racing that started out so precariously for me.

On the podium, I thanked God, Visteon, my mechanic Mike, my coaches Patrick and Cha Chi, and my fellow drivers for racing fast and without contact. It was a satisfying race because of their enthusiasm and competence for racing.