The first of my columns for one of Australia's premier motorsport publications, 321 Ignition Magazine. To read article easily I've provided a transcript.
Life in the States Part One:
Well it’s just over three months since I touched down in the USA, and what a few months it has been.
The IMSA Lites Championship couldn’t have started better. Two wins from two starts at Sebring, with all its history and tradition.
It seems like a life time ago though, and I guess 8 weeks is a long break in any racing calendar, but as I write this I’m heading back to Sebring to instruct at a Dodge Viper driver training school and I have just completed a two day test at Road Atlanta, so I’m keeping pretty busy.
I thought in my first report from over here I would touch on what life is like for me over here in the States, and the differences in the racing scene between the two countries and series I’m racing in, IMSA Lites.
The racing industry over here is full on. Everything is on a bigger scale. There are at least four circuit racing governing bodies and lots of strong categories. A big Winnebago or goose neck trailer is the minimum, even for people racing club level Formula Vee. An SCCA paddock looks more like a V8 Supercar paddock than a club meeting, with all the transporters, scooters and golf buggies.
Yet I think the standard of race preparation, competition, and level of expertise in Australia is just as high. So don’t ever think that Australia is behind the rest of the world when it comes to racing! We’re not. It’s just there is so much more of it over here at a high standard.
Racing in IMSA Lites as part of the American Le Mans series is awesome. The crowd at Sebring was amazing. The place was absolutely packed. The entire infield was a sea of RV’s, flags and race fans who would give any Bathurst tragic a run for his money as being the rowdiest, drunk and most passionate.
The Series is run extremely professionally. IMSA is the sanctioning body for the ALMS and we are treated in much the same manner. We have our own Chief Steward, Press officer, as well as Series Manager. Like the big boys, very much the onus is put on the teams and drivers to abide by the rules and safety regulations. There is no room for interpretation of the rules and this makes the Championship the best spec series I’ve ever raced in.
If it’s not in the rules. You can’t do it. You can’t try anything on. Two of the drivers in L1 nearly got rubbed out at Sebring because the car manufacturer Elan had changed the location of the front splitter support cables and they were found to not comply. In no way was this a performance gain but the cars didn’t meet homologation.
As far as the status of the Series goes, there is no doubt IMSA Lites is becoming more recognized and more competitive. The series is a great stepping stone to Star Mazda, Indy or ALMS. Gerado Bonilla, the 2007 L1 Champion did the same IndyPro test as James Davison with the Sam Schmidt Motorsport team and this year he’s driving the BP Mazda factory prototype sportscar in the American Le Mans Series.
The category is divided into three classes; L1, L2 and L3. The L1 cars are an Elan DP02 based on the Star Mazda tub with a 2.3L Mazda 4 cylinder engine producing 230hp. The L2s use the much lighter West semi-tubbed chassis with the fast revving Kawasaki ZX10R motor and gearbox providing 175hp. Both are now using tunnel floors, although the West tunnels extend the entire length of the floor like Indy and Champ Cars.
Essentially the West is faster around corners, but the Elan has more torque and is much more forgiving out of the corners. Both L1 and L2 are turning lap times that are as fast as, or faster than GT2 in the ALMS. Then there’s L3 which is based on the Formula SCCA Enterprise space frame chassis and uses a de-spec. Mazda producing 170hp.
In terms of the competition, we are racing for outright bragging honours, but our overall position doesn’t affect the class race or championship points.
The different car characteristics makes life pretty interesting in the races. You can really use the L1’s to your advantage, by putting them between yourself and the next L2. However, obviously they can also make life difficult when you’re trying to extend your lead by holding you up.
It really makes for very tactical racing, and prepares you for the multi-class racing in American Le Mans.
So what’s life like in the States? What’s it like going from having a day job and racing on the weekends to racing full time? Well, in some ways it’s much the same. In other ways it’s a world apart.
I thought I would have plenty of time on my hands in America given that all I’m doing is racing (my VISA doesn’t allow me to work).
However, I feel I’m just as busy if not more so. Having to personally organise much more of my racing, I have really come to appreciate the amount of time and effort my father, Mike, spent outside of preparing my cars.
I generally head to the PVM Racing factory once or twice a week. There I help prepare my car, check on where the guys are up to and plan for the next outing. I have complete faith in my mechanic Chas and engineer Jake, but I really take the Allan Moffat gave me before I left for the USA - ‘Double check everything yourself, then you’ve only got yourself to blame if something goes wrong on the track.’
The rest of my days are spent doing publicity, such as writing this article or press releases, working on sponsorship proposals, analyzing the next circuit I’ll be at, and getting fit.
I’ve found I really need to work on my arm and neck muscles. The circuits over here, such as Road Atlanta, are so much more demanding with many more high down force flat out corners than we have in Australia. I go to the gym and run every day. I am constantly trying to improve my fitness/strength while decreasing my weight.
The biggest challenge for me is to turn up to a completely new circuit every time I go to a race meeting. Yes, in many regards it’s just another circuit, but I think it’s fair to say the circuits over here are generally far more demanding and challenging.
Up until the last couple of weeks I’ve been completely focused on racing. Most of my time has been spent just making sure the car and I are prepared for the next outing.
Obviously when you move to a different country you leave all your friends behind. What you also quickly realize is you leave all your contacts behind as well. So one of my other main focuses is to create a network of friends in and outside the motor racing fraternity.
I’ve just begun to make friends within the ex-pat community here in Atlanta. Would you believe there’s even an Aussie rules footy team here, the Atlanta Kookaburras?
Next week I’m catching up with Leigh Diffy (ex Channel 10 commentator). He’s living in Atlanta and working on Speed Channel over here as one of its lead commentators. I’m also going to a reception with the New Zealand Ambassador. Then it’s nearly time to go to Utah for rounds three and four!
So for now I’ll leave you with a little off-the-record gossip I heard at Road Atlanta the other day. Everyone over here is generally ecstatic with the Indy/Champcar merger, but I’ve heard a few people have quit their jobs in Champcar teams because they are not Tony George fans.
A bit of an over reaction I would have thought, given how positive everything looks.
Anyway, now I’m starting to hear a few people mumble about the potential of another merger. Apparently Grand-Am isn’t what it used to be financially, and a few think it may fall to the way-side next year to give the American Le Mans Series even bigger fields. So as they say, watch this space!
Life in the States Part One. (Ignition Magazine)
Drewer shows fizz. (Auto Action)
Article appearing in Australia's Auto Action Magazine on May 28, 2008. Reporting on my two wins at Miller Motorsport Park.
Auto Action is Australia's premier Motorsport publication.
Drewer and Goliath. (Auto Action)
Article in Australia's Auto Action magazine published after the Utah Rounds, May 2008.
The report details the success I had at Miller Motorsports Park and mention's my new sponsor, the Daily Planet.
Formula 1 at Road Atlanta.
A few weekends ago I visited an historic meeting at Road Atlanta. Alan Jones' Williams was one of many historic Formula 1 cars competing.
The photos in order are Alan Jones' Williams, James Hunt's McLaren, Keke Rosberg's office in the #1 Williams, one of Pironi's famous Candy sponsored Tyrrells and an early Beneton sponsored car. I believe this was also a Tyrrell.
Drewer a winner, again. (Sunday Mail)
Article published in Adelaide's Sunday Mail Newspaper May 25, 2008.
Reports on the successful Utah Grand Prix for Tom Drewer and his Daily Planet WEST.
Drewer delight. (The Advertiser)
Article published in Adelaide's The Advertiser newspaper May 20, 2008.
I'm keeping good company (in ink atleast), here with Chris Atkinson and Casey Stoner.
Four from four in Drewer's chase for the championship.
In another performance reminiscent of the P2 Penske Porsche’s in the American Le Mans Series, Tom Drewer impressively piloted his Daily Planet WEST L2 to the second step of the overall podium today, and made it four class wins from four in Round 4 of the IMSA Lites Championship held at Miller Motorsports Park, Utah.
Drewer set a new class Race Lap Record as he navigated his way from fifth on the grid around the more powerful Elan DP02 L1 cars to hold a convincing second place overall, 5 seconds clear of the third placed Matt Downs (L1 Elan).
Drewer’s time of 1:48.802 was only 7 tenths slower than the fastest lap of the race by L1 race winner, Jonathan Goring. His average speed over the 3.048 mile (4.9 km) circuit was over 101 mph (162.5 kph).
‘This is an awesome result for myself and WEST Race Cars. Yesterday we showed we had what it takes to mix it right up the front of the field and today we took away a podium position from the L1’s. We’re only one step from taking the outright win.
‘I really want to thank the whole WEST/PVM team, in particular Eric Vassian, team owner, Chas Gorton and Randy Aust. The new tunnel floored WEST was on rails the whole weekend. WEST’s Australian part owner, Greg Steer was also here to see the result- mate this one’s for you and Eric.
Drewer’s second place is WEST Race Car’s best overall result for nearly two years in the IMSA Lites category.
‘We’re lighter, but about 55 horsepower down on the L1 cars and we’ve matched their performance all weekend, even though this Miller circuit is so high speed.’
Today’s result caps a perfect weekend for Drewer, who qualified first in class (4th overall), won race one in class (4th overall), qualified first in class (5th overall) for today’s race, and set a new class Qualifying Lap record and two Race Lap Records.
‘I have a brand new sponsor on-board this weekend in Melbourne, Australia’s iconic Daily Planet. I want to thank John Trimble for his support. What a way to start the partnership- and I think it’s only the start of things to come.
‘I also want to thank everyone back home for their continued support. We packed out a supporter’s dinner the other night. I said on the Skype video link up I would do you all proud and I will continue to do so. I can’t thank everyone who was involved and who attended enough. Being such a long way from home, it’s fantastic to know I have so much support.
‘People back home can put their names and messages on the back of my car. It really pumps me up to look down at my car and see them all. It really pumps me up.’
The win today gives Drewer maximum points in the L2 Championship after one-third of the IMSA Lites Championship completed.
His next race is at the North East Grand Prix of Lime Rock Circuit, Connecticut, as part of the American Le Mans Series.
Drewer continues his winning streak at Utah.
Drewer extended his winning streak to three from three by taking race one in the L2 class in round 3 of IMSA Lites at the Miller Dealerships Utah Grand Prix as part of the American Le Mans Series.
Drewer and his Daily Planet L2 WEST nearly stole a podium place from the faster L1 class and showed form in both qualifying and the race comparable to that of the P2 Penske Porsche’s performance versus the P1 Audi’s in the American Le Mans Series.
‘All day we have been right up the front with the fastest L1 drivers. In both qualifying and the race it was important to push hard and impress amongst the top L1 drivers.
In what is only Drewer’s first visit to Miller Motorsport Park, he started the race from position 4 over all and position 1 in class after an impressive qualifying session that saw Drewer and his WEST L2 take a new track class lap record of 1:48.05.
‘The WEST is flying this weekend. Miller is a rather unique track, it’s 4000 feet above sea level for a start. My number one, Chas, and the PVM/WEST team has done an awesome job again. Miller is extremely high speed and we can use the full effect of the new WEST ‘tunnel floor’. The amount of speed we can carry though the turns is awesome. I think we really proved the speed of the WEST today.’
In qualifying Drewer’s average speed over the 3.048 mile (4.9 km) Miller Motorsports Park course was 101.5 mph (163.4 kph).
‘After such a great qualifying performance I knew the start would be critical. The L1’s have more power and torque. Jonathan Goring (Elan L1) and Ricky Taylor (Elan L1) had the field tightly bunched up. I had my nose buried in the back of Ricky and got a great start. I still got a little out dragged into turn one and ended up in sixth after a slight tap in the rear from Joel Feinberg (Elan L1).
‘After quickly working back to fourth I spent most of the race catching third placed Feinberg. As I moved for a look down the inside he started to move across and closed the door. Since I’m not racing him for points I kept to my plan and just thought about the championship. But I think the L1’s will have to watch out tomorrow.’
Drewer’s L2 Daily Planet WEST finished fourth overall.
‘It was a fantastic and fitting result for many reasons, most importantly I have a new sponsor on board this weekend in Melbourne’s (Australia) iconic Daily Planet. It’s the perfect way to start the partnership. I would particularly like to thank John Trimble for his support.
‘I’ve also been really inspired this weekend by the amazing support that has been building back in Australia. On Wednesday night we had a supporters’ dinner in my hometown of Adelaide. I actually did a Skype video call to the function from Atlanta airport just before I flew out. It was amazing. With Ford Performance Racing’s V8 Supercar driver Steve Richards guest speaker, we packed out the Sporting Car Club of South Australia’s club rooms with over 150 people.
‘To hear them cheer as I spoke really pumped me up for this weekend and I think the fact we are mixing it with the very top of the L1 cars proves this. I really want to thank every one who attended and contributed to the night for their support.’
Drewer’s win is also the maiden win for WEST Race Cars since being acquired by PVM Racing’s Eric Vassian, also Drewer’s team owner.
‘It’s great to be able to reward Eric with another win and such a strong performance against the L1 Elans. It’s also fantastic to be driving for the Factory again after winning the 2007 Australian Thundersports Sportscar Championship for WEST Race Cars Australia and WEST’s other owner, Greg Steer.’
Drewer takes to the Miller Motorsports Park circuit again tomorrow for Round 4 of the 2008 IMSA Lites Championship.
Thank you from the other side of the world.
I'm just sitting here at Atlanta International Airport waiting for my flight. I've just skyped the Supporter's Dinner in Adelaide, and I just want to again say thank you to everyone!
You've got to love technology! Hearing the applause of so many fans and supporters was just amazing.
I really want to thank everyone for attending and I hope you had a wonderful night.
A big thank you to Steve Richards, Bruce Abernethy and Michael Brock. I also want to thank everyone who donated their time organising the night as well as those who supplied auction items and raffle prizes. And all of my supporters who appear on my car!
Adam Wallis
Adrian Dallenogare
Andrew Slattery
Anna Wiltshire
Anne Gowlett
Blackwood Dynotune
Blackwood Tyre Power
Bruce Burchett
Central Audio Visual
China Shop
Chris Ferguson
Clemenger BBDO Adelaide
Daily Planet
Daryl & Julie Warren
Dick Johnson Racing
Doug Lehmann
Fasta Pasta
Ford Performance Racing
Greg Steer
Guy Pemberton
HeliAir
Holden Racing Team
Jack Daniels Racing
Jacquie Drewer
Jeff Mattner
John 'Stonie' Stoneham
John Trimble
June Taylor
Lemon Myrtle Fragrances
Lion Nathan
Lyn & Sue Punshon
Marcelle Smith
Martin and Rachael Wagg
Michael Brock
Michels Warren
Mike Drewer
Naomi Sellick
Oliver Warren
OV Hair
p.create Penny Gordon
Penny Hill Wines
Peter Lehmann Wines
Ray Robbins from TEGA
R-Tek Motorsport Services
Richard Fewster
Ruston's Roses
Saturno Hotel Group
Scotsport
Scott Gillen
Scott Hartshorne
Signs Inc.
Simon Dick
Sporting Car Club of SA
Stuart Sykes
Team BRM
Team Vodafone Triple-8
Terry Little
Terry Slattery
Tom Tymons
Tony Parkinson
Universal Wine Bar
West Race Cars Australia
I will do you proud at Salt Lake. Tom.
Help drive a racer's campaign. (Sunday Mail)
Article appearing in Adelaide's Sunday Mail newspaper before the Supporters' Dinner held May 14.
