Davis Eager to Resume Racing at Homestead
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 23, 2008) - It's almost time to go racing again in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. But before the stars of the Daytona Prototypes and GT cars get underway with the second round of the second - the GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami on March 29 at Homestead-Miami Speedway - Stevenson Motorsports driver Andrew Davis took some time out of his schedule to answer several questions relating to his break and the upcoming race.
What has kept you busy during this break in the season?
I have kept pretty busy with my driver coaching programs during the break, but this last month has felt painfully long. It feels like ages ago that we were at Daytona, and I have definitely found myself starting to get restless. I can't wait to get back behind the wheel!
It's known that you enjoy skiing in your spare time? Have you been skiing at all since the Rolex 24 At Daytona?
My wife and I were really looking forward to hitting the slopes during the break. Skiing is basically non-existent in the Southeast, so it's quite a trip to find the fresh powder. Unfortunately, we weren't able to make the timing of everything work out. I guess we will just have to wait until next year.
You've had the chance now a lot to see what the Pontiac GXP.R can do from last year's competitors as well as the Test Days at Daytona and obviously the race itself. What do you think of it so far?
I am so pleased to be driving the Pontiac GXP.R this season. The car still impresses me every time I get behind the wheel. I am very excited about the performance of the GXP.R thus far, and we have yet to visit a circuit that shows the car's true potential. The Stevenson Motorsports crew has done a superb job of preparing the car, and we continue to learn more about the car's capabilities each time we roll onto the track. It's certainly a nice change to be driving the car that I had so often found myself chasing during the last couple of seasons.
How has it been working with Robin Liddell so far?
Robin and I have teamed together on many occasions over the past couple of seasons. During that time, we have become quite good friends (or "mates" as Robin would say). We work well together, and I feel that we do a good job of bringing out the best in each other. I have the utmost respect for his ability as a driver, and I am thrilled that Stevenson Motorsports has given us the opportunity to drive together for the 2008 season.
There are a lot of different opinions when it comes to Homestead. Some drivers call it a challenge, some believe you have to overdrive it, others think its just exciting to drive. What's your take on it?
I have always been fond of Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is actually the site of my first professional pole in the 2003 Grand-Am Cup (now KONI Challenge Series) event. Since then, I have started on the front row twice and led numerous laps in Rolex Series events. I find the infield to be quite challenging, with a combination of some fast corners and a couple of heavy brake zones. It takes some work to find the proper setup to maximize performance through these different areas. The banking is always interesting in a GT car, although the new Pirelli tires seem to make it a bit easier to take at full throttle. I have to say that Turn 1 is probably my favorite corner on the circuit. It is not everyday that you find a corner with such a fast entry speed.
You and the Stevenson Motorsports team had the opportunity to test at Homestead last month. Do you think the test has properly prepared you for the GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami?
We had a very successful test at Homestead last month. As we left the track, I felt the Stevenson Motorsports Pontiac GXP.R was already prepared for Round 2 of the Rolex Series. However, all of our crewmembers along with the hard working staff at Pratt & Miller are constantly developing ways to make the car even better. I expect the data gathered at the test will result in an improved package upon our return.
After competing in the Rolex 2s4 and being a veteran Rolex Series driver, do you think this will be the most competitive season in Rolex Series GT competition ever?
I certainly consider this to be the most competitive Rolex Series GT class ever. Grand-Am's formula for the series has really worked to bring in multiple manufactures with top-notch efforts. There are so many strong teams that have a chance to fight for the championship this season. With the additional GXP.Rs in the field, Pontiac is making a serious effort at regaining the crown. However, it is impossible to overlook the strength of both Mazda's and Porsche's efforts this year. It is not wise to count anyone out at this point in time, so get ready for a season of outstanding GT class racing.