As many of you know, I drive Next Gen’s #128 BMW 330i in the KONI Sports Car Challenge.
Last weekend, there seemed to be a bit of Murphy’s Law going on. First, I found out my scheduled co-driver would not be joining us after all. Then, after Next Gen handed me a car that felt fantastic during Thursday’s 2-hour practice, the #128 experienced severe engine troubles and it soon became apparent that an engine swap would be needed. For a while it seemed that although I was at the historic Glen and there was a race going on, I may not be racing after all.
Well, teamwork and persistence turned what could have been a disappointing weekend into a solid race experience. First, Next Gen team owner Jeffrey Bock secured Shane Lewis as my co-driver, and I could not have been more pleased. Shane’s pedigree at the race track speaks for itself, and I was elated to have him be my co-driver.
Then, the Next Gen team proceeded to swap out an engine in a matter of hours, so that I did indeed have a car ready to race by the time the checkered flag fell on Friday at 4 PM. I have to hand it to the Next Gen guys--they worked incredibly hard. We didn’t make it to the pre-race autograph session (too bad for me!), but we were there for race start, ready to go.
Shane started the #128 and got to work, driving very well considering the rain and on-track incidents. There were three cautions in the first 40 minutes! I hopped in during that third caution and drove the rest of the race. I returned to pit row shortly before the end of the race for a bit more fuel, and then it was all the way to the checkered flag, where we landed in 26th place.
This race was tough for me, but I am very aware that it could not have happened at all had it not been for Next Gen and Shane. I know they gave 110%, and I’m proud to have worked with them at Watkins Glen. I’m not to dwell on past races, so I’m already thinking about MidOhio on June 20th, 2009. Come by and say hi!
(For more information, please visit danielorrracing.com)
