2003 SEASON ::: MORE RACING NEWS Pre-Sebring Report People often wonder what drivers do during the off season, and for me the past several months have been spent remodeling a home that Robin and I have on Lake Lanier. It has been a ton of work and has included everything from pulling down old paneling and putting up drywall, to building steps down to the dock, dock repair, electrical work…the list goes on and on. Now there is still a ton of work to be done out there, but yee haw I’m glad that Sebring is almost here, and I get to do some real work. For me Sebring is just a magical place. I’m always excited as I pack and load the car for the drive down, but once I get down there and smell all of the orange blossoms…well it immediately puts me in the zone to go racing. Without a doubt it is my favorite circuit in the states, and the crowd is amazing. That said, I think this year is really going to be a tough race. Of course the 4 car is going to be tough to beat…they were right with us last year until they had a throttle stick…but really I think we will again see some tough competition from the Pro-drive guys. We know that they are strong enough to go 12 hours, and they have a great team and driver line up. And like us..they are running two cars this year. The Saleen should also show up, and I’ve said it before, if that car runs the whole race without a problem, they will be right there with us. Finally, and something you love to see, the AVR guys are still going to run a viper or two, but they are also going to be bringing a new car called the Zonda. I’ve seen the pictures of it, and man it is a beautiful car. Actually, I think the team has changed its name to Carsport…I think….but anyway it look like an amazing car, and should be interesting to see how it runs. All of that said though, if you are a betting man, I still think the wisest money would be placed on the number three car. Ron and I are going into our third year paired together, and are as hungry as ever to stay the dominate force in the GTS category. We know how to win the big races. Frank Freon will be joining us for the longer races, and if you remember, he was with us when we won the 24 hours of Daytona…back when it was a good race !!! Sorry, I had to put that in. Anyway, rest assured we will be pushing harder than ever..and with some luck will once again see the 3 car back in victory lane. Johnny O MORE REPORTS...   Site contents © 2002 Johnny O'Connell GM, GM Emblem, Corvette and the Corvette Emblem are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation and used with permission.