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Brumos Closes Out a Successful Indy Debut on the Podium

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indy-2012July 27, 2012

Following years of planning and preparation, competitors were eager to take to the track for the series’ first race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Besides its historical significance, the highly anticipated event promised plenty of excitement. There was no shortage of action in the race, which featured torrential rains and numerous incidents, resulting in nine full course cautions. Andrew Davis and Leh Keen managed to steer the #59 Brumos Porsche out of harm’s way to end their strong run in 3rd place, capturing a coveted spot on the Indy podium.

The inaugural Indy race was a dream come true for Andrew Davis, who qualified the Brumos #59 Porsche 911 GT3 in 4th place. “As an American driver, to be racing at Indy and now to be on the podium here is tremendous,” Davis said. “These one-day schedules are really tough, but the teams that are best prepared are the ones who are on the podium. I really commend the Brumos team for all of their hard work and for not giving up on us. The race was really eventful. We hadn’t been on the track in the wet at all, so the rain-soaked start was a challenge. It was close-quarters racing and I quickly realized it was going to be about survival. There were treacherous conditions and some really close calls with a lot of cars going off. We had great pit stops and strategy, and Leh did a phenomenal job his entire stint, but especially in the last hour. We thought we had something for the lead car, but racing is so competitive in the GT class that it can go wrong quickly. We were getting ready to make a move for P1 and then, in three corners, we were P3, but Leh was able to save the podium for us, so I thank him for his strong drive. We are excited for the rest of the season – this is the kick-start we needed and now Brumos is on a roll.”

Leh Keen, who was running in P2 with five minutes left in the race, was happy to be on his first Indy podium. “It was great day and a hectic day,” he said. “I want to thank Andrew for being here for the test earlier this month and putting in all the work when I wasn’t able to attend. The car came off the truck in good shape as a result of everyone’s hard work and I knew we were going to run strong. This was really a wild race – as soon as the track would begin to dry, it would start raining again, and it was chaos out there. It was a challenge to just keep the car on the track at times. It feels great to end the day on the podium here at Indy and the podium is what our guys deserve. I felt that I had something in the end for the lead car, but the racing that this track created at the end was just unbelievable, so I am definitely happy with our 3rd place finish. I am thrilled to make history here at Indy as part of a historic team like Brumos Racing.”

The Brickyard Grand Prix was the final round of the North American Endurance Championship. Brumos Racing finished 4th place in the Team Championship, while Davis and Keen earned 3rd place in the Driver Championship. In overall standings, Brumos gained a position and moved up to 4th place as they prepare to return to Watkins Glen for a 2.0 hour race, which will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2012.

Brumos Ready to do Battle at Indy’s Famed Brickyard

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brumos59smallIndianapolis, IN (Friday, July 20, 2012)

When it comes to legendary race teams, Brumos Racing is unique in its history and its contributions to motorsports through the decades. When it comes to legendary race tracks, Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s history is equally impressive. Indy, nicknamed the Brickyard back in 1909, is preparing to host its first round of GRAND-AM Rolex Series competition, and Brumos is eagerly anticipating their inaugural run on the famous track. The upcoming race may mark the Indy debut for Brumos drivers Andrew Davis and Leh Keen, but the two have a source for advice close at hand in Hurley Haywood, their driving coach and mentor. Haywood, who made his first appearance at Indy in 1979, went on to claim the prestigious title of Fastest Indy Rookie in 1981.

If the two days of testing this month are any indication, the Brumos Porsche 911 GT3 can expect a good showing. Andrew Davis put the famous #59 through its paces both days, posting fastest time in the final session. Davis was pleased with the overall results, saying, “Our recent test at the circuit was quite successful. Although it was extremely hot, we were able to learn a great deal that will help us challenge for the victory when we return. The infield section has a good rhythm, and the long front straight should suit the #59 Porsche nicely. However, the ultra competitive nature of the GT category is still our biggest challenge. As this is the final round of the North American Endurance Championship, the field will be stacked with strong teams and drivers. It’s just an amazing feeling to have the opportunity to race here. The historical significance of our series racing at Indy for the first time really speaks for itself, and I appreciate all the work put forth to make this event a reality. As an American racing driver, being able to drive across the famous yard of bricks on the front straight is very special.”

Leh Keen is also excited to see Indy added to the Rolex Series schedule, saying, “I was fortunate to have been able to participate in the original Rolex Series Indy test back in 2009, so even though I missed our session earlier this month, I have had some experience driving the track. Andrew did a great job at the test days, which were basically run along the same lines as the first part of our actual race weekend will be run. It was unfortunate that I couldn’t be there, but being part of a strong team like Brumos and having a co-driver like Andrew really provides an advantage from a driver’s point of view. In the meantime, I will be reviewing the video and all of the data from the test sessions to be better prepared. It will be a challenge, especially since our track time before the race is so limited due to the one-day format, but I know our guys will give us a good car and we will be ready. It is really something special for me to race with an iconic American racing team like Brumos at an iconic American race track like Indy.”

The Brickyard Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be Round 9 of the GRAND-AM Rolex season and the 3rd and final round of the 2012 North American Endurance Championship. The 3.0 hour timed event will begin at 4:10 PM ET on Friday, July 27th. Live coverage will be provided by SPEED TV beginning at 4:00 PM, along with MRN Radio, which will feature live streaming of the race action on MotorRacingNetwork.com.