As the GRAND-AM Rolex Series kicked off 2011 with the Rolex 24 at Daytona, one of the most closely watched teams was Brumos Racing. Following the team’s decision to return to their GT roots, all eyes were on the familiar #59 Brumos Porsche 911 GT3, curious to see how the revamped team of 2011 would compare to their legendary predecessors. The Jacksonville, Florida – based team did not disappoint, closing out their debut season as GT Champions.
As the 2012 season gets underway, Brumos drivers Andrew Davis and Leh Keen are looking ahead and hoping to score the ultimate victory with a Rolex 24 win. As Daytona International Speedway celebrates the 50th anniversary of their classic 24 hour race, Brumos legend Hurley Haywood marks a milestone of his own, making his 40th Rolex 24 start. Rounding out the Brumos lineup is Porsche factory driver Marc Lieb, returning for his 2nd Rolex 24 competition as a Brumos driver.
For two-time champion Leh Keen, the 2012 season opener has added significance. “This year is not only the 50 th anniversary race, this may be one of the most competitive GT fields in the world,” he explained. “We are all really excited about this race as a team. We have momentum and we feel strong. Having Marc join us again is a big plus – we accomplished a lot at the Roar Test, so we are ready to race against the best in the world. I think there is actually less pressure than last year, because we all know that we are capable of winning races and winning a championship. It feels great to arrive for the new season as the previous year’s champions.You know every other driver will be going after you, but you want to be the team with the target on your back, and I think we are those guys.”
Andrew Davis was thrilled with the success of last season, but now turns his attention towards a new goal – winning the Rolex 24. “The best way for Brumos to work towards another championship is to win this event,” he said. “No one on the team has rested in the off-season. We have all been working non-stop to make sure we hit the track in the same fashion we ended last season. The field this year is amazing and the competition extreme, but Brumos is up for the challenge. We fought tooth and nail all last year, so we are ready to do it again. We have proven that we are champions and we are fully focused on this great event. We are ready to add a new chapter to the winning history of Brumos Racing.”
When it comes to history, no one can match Brumos’ own Hurley Haywood. In his previous 39 Rolex 24 starts, Haywood has seen it all, but goes into 2012 with added confidence. ”We have a great car, a great crew, and a strong driver line-up,” he said. “There are a record number of entries this year and any one of those entries has a chance of winning this race. It’s not necessarily the track speed, but it’s running a smooth, trouble-free race that will put you in Victory Lane. I am really looking forward to 2012. Last year we were a brand new team and it took us a while to find our feet.
This year, everything has come together and we are going to hit the season running full tilt.” Marc Lieb, rejoining Brumos for the first time since last year’s 24 hour race, notes many positive changes in the team this season. “I can see that the team has really developed over the last year,” the former Porsche Cup winner observed. “Brumos has become a true team – everyone works together and knows that the goal is to win this race. Every person on the team is professional and totally focused and that is the most important thing in a 24 hour race. This year is definitely one of the most historically significant 24 hour races and sharing a car with Hurley is special as well. With all the history Brumos has at Daytona, it’s very exciting to be here as a Brumos driver.”
Source: Brumos
