Jim Downing may not be a household name in modern day racing, but his legacy has saved countless lives. A long-time sportscar racer and team owner in his own right, after achieving incredible success with Mazda and his famed Kudzu racing team, the lasting legacy of Jim will always be his co-invention and distribution of the HANS device, which took years to finally become a mainstay of modern safety in racing. Lunch was served courtesy of Henri’s Bakery and Deli in Brookhaven, Georgia. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
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When it comes to sportscar engineers, especially in GT racing, Lars Giersing has long been a known figure in the paddock. Coming from a very non-traditional background, Lars is one of the most accomplished figures in the paddock without ever earning a degree, relying instead on incredible intuition and knowing how to shape any racing program. This has led to countless IMSA championships, wins at Daytona, Sebring, and beyond. Dinner was served at Zen Bistro in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the song “Island” by Christopher Young taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Filipe Albuquerque has become a staple of modern prototype racing. A winner at Le Mans, Daytona, and having driven for some of the most prolific teams including Audi’s legendary LMP1 program, the Portuguese driver is known for his talent on track and enthusiastic personality off of it. Lunch was was served at Bonefish Grill in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the song “Promised Land” by Dan Ayalon taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
A driver synonymous with BMW, Augusto Farfus is a legend of touring car, GT, and now prototype racing. Hailing from Brazil as a dominant driver in junior categories, Augusto came into the sport with a family history unlike any other, and transitioned it wins at venues like Macau, Spa, Nurburgring, Daytona, and more. Dinner was was served at Bonefish Grill in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the song “Hey Love” by Rex Banner taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Nick Tandy is considered one of best drivers in modern sportscar racing. A winner at Le Mans, Daytona, and just about every other race you can imagine, Nick is a current IMSA GTP driver for Porsche Penske, but his foundation is anything but traditional. Growing up in the UK racing mini stocks on ovals, his path to road racing greatness was far from obvious. Lunch was served to a very hung over Nick at Boondocks in Port Orange, Florida, with the song “Let’s Go” by Marc Robillard taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
