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The Fast Lane

Patrick Long Returns To ALMS With Penske Racing

thefastlane | 08 January, 2008 01:33

Patrick Long, currently a Porsche factory driver, will be returning to the American Le Mans Series this time with Penske Racing. Previously, Long have driven for Alex Job Racing and Rolex Sports Car Series.

Long is preparing for the most challenging season of his racing life. When this ALMS season starts, he will be piloting one of Penske Racing's Porsche RS Spyders.

In a recent interview, no holds barred, Long answered the questions. Here’s an excerpt:

What was your first exposure to Porsche, and do you remember your first contact?

The first person I met was Uwe Brettel (now Porsche's Head of Worldwide Customer Racing Services) at the 2002 USGP. He was managing and running the Porsche Supercup race there, and we were introduced through Danny Sullivan based on their past relationship and Danny racing in Porsches. All of that was during the first Red Bull F1 driver search. There were 16 of us there to meet the press and were in the running. It was something that generated a lot of interest and publicity. Red Bull had hired the right people to find the right American, so Porsche thought why not keep an eye on it? From there, I was invited to test in their selection for the UPS Porsche Junior Team.

When first joined the Porsche Junior Team, was an opportunity like the one you have now with Penske the goal?

The goal when joining Porsche was not to become a DTM or Champ Car driver. It was a decision to make a future with Porsche in motorsport at the top level. Even though they didn't have a prototype at the time,

The goal when joining Porsche was not to become a DTM or Champ Car driver. It was a decision to make a future with Porsche in motorsport at the top level. Even though they didn't have a prototype at the time, I knew it was just a matter of time before the tide turned and they returned. My goal was to become a professional racing driver and I knew that involving myself with a manufacturer like Porsche was the best way to do it. Porsche is so supportive of their drivers, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. You're employed by the factory and are exposed to so many teams, series and other countries. You never really know where you're going to go.

My goal was to become a professional racing driver and I knew that involving myself with a manufacturer like Porsche was the best way to do it.

You have often spoken about Danny Sullivan, Bobby Rahal, Kenny Brack and many others being career influences. Where do you think Roger Penske fits in?

Naturally, he's a huge hero of mine. Any young racing driver from the US knows who Roger Penske is. I've started to realize what he's about, and that's winning. There is so much going on in motorsport these days, but racers like Roger are the ones who are passionate. It's a thrill to be working inside his effort. I really look forward to learning from his success. He's on the radio with us and he's even there coaching us during driver changes. He knows everyone's name from the tire carrier to the engineer. It's one of those things that we're all wanting to do one thing, and that's win.

Preparations for the 2008 ALMS begin January 28-30 with the annual Winter Test at Sebring International Raceway. This season opens with the 56th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida on Saturday, March 15.

[credit: The Auto Channel]

 

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