Le Mans 2008
Added 06/13/08

Well if you’ve been paying attention you know that things are going well for us this year at Le Mans. Corvette Racing has two very strong cars, and Jan last night got the first pole in our history of racing here. We are all very optimistic about our chances, and it looks like we should have pretty good weather.

Tonight we have the drivers parade to attend, which is riding in antique cars through the village of Le Mans, the streets are lined with well over a hundred thousand people and it’s a very neat tradition. Then it’s back to the mini hotel we have at the track for hopefully a good night sleep.

If you are interested in seeing what we are doing during the race, log onto www.badboyvette.com as they will have 24 hour coverage of what is going on in our garage…. So if you have someone on the team you care about, you can see if they are awake or falling asleep !!!

I hope that you all enjoyed Kelly and her articles on what we were doing. And those of you that know me know that I’m not mean, and I can drive on the other side of the road. It’s just that I was driving a crappy ford rental car and the brakes were too sensitive…. But I did feel bad about her banging her lip. She’s better now, and it’s been fun seeing her adapt and come to love being over her. She didn’t want to leave the chateau we were staying in, and it’s the funniest thing in the world to see her get kissed on both cheeks the way they do over here. I’m thinking that she is going to be a good luck charm. Never has our car been more speedy, and there are good positive feelings in our team right now.

Thanks for cheering us on….

Johnny
 

Le Mans 2008
Added 06/11/08

Hi this is Kelly again.   My dad is making me do another article cause he is so mean.   SO  I will tell you about what we did in Ireland.  First off they drive on the other side of the road over there, and my dad really sucks at doing that.    When I was looking at my camera he hit the brakes really hard and I smashed my lips on the camera.  I got a cut and started to bleed and my dad didn’t even care.   He’s so MEAN!!!!!!!

But Ireland was more fun and nicer than Paris.  We stayed in Dublin on O’Connell street and saw the statue of Daniel O’Connell who was a famous historical figure in Ireland.   We played lots of games in an arcade.   And also shopped for lots of Irish things.    And of course we ate at McDonalds and Burger King which my dad really hated !!!!

The next day we drove down the coast and ended up in a great resort that had the nicest indoor pool ever.  We swam and swam.    It was the most fun that I’d had since coming over..    But then we had to leave and go back to Dublin because we had to fly back to Paris early the next morning.

IT WAS THE WORST FLIGHT EVER !!!    We had to wake up at 4 in the morning , and then for the entire flight there was a baby sitting next to me that screamed the entire time.   AND LOUD .   Everyone on the plane hated it !!!!   Then we took the train back to Le Mans and I was glad to get back to the track and get on the computer again.

It is supposed to be a better week weather wise.   I am having fun, but I’m also sad because my best friend Maura is going to be moving to Utah this week.    And if my other best friend Joy is reading this … HI JOY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Ok, well my dad is driving the race car tonight so I’m going to go.    So……..PEACE OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!BYE BYE!!!

By: Kelly O’Connell

Le Mans 2008
Added 06/06/08

Well I’m taking control back for a day or so.   Kelly and I are right now in Ireland, and staying just down the road from O’Connell Bridge in Dublin.   An amazingly beautiful city, the people are all very friendly, and we are having a great time.    We’re off shortly to drive around and check out some castles, and get a feel for the place.  It should be fun.

Paris was also great.   The highlight for me was going to the Louvre.. And sharing that with Kelly.   The Eiffel tower was also spectacular,  but I think Kelly had more fun chasing the pigeons there than going up to the top.     I’m learning that she is quite the shopping addict… and also quite the negotiator !!   Hopefully we’ll have room in our luggage to pack it all into !!  Or most likely I’ll just get another bag !!!

Anyway, I’ve not forgotten why we are here.   I’m very much looking forward to getting back to Le Mans, and getting on with business.   Prequalifying really didn’t show where everyone was at… and I’m anxious to see just how good our Corvettes are.   I know that even now tons of data are being looked at, seeing if there is anything we can do to eak out more speed.   The Pratt and Miller guys are second to none….   We’re going to be strong for sure.

Johnny

Le Mans 2008
Added 06/03/08

WE ARE IN PARIS RIGHT NOW AND I HAVE A LOT OF STUFF TO TELL YOU GUYS!!!!!FIRST OFF WHEN WE WENT TO RETURN RON’S RENTAL CAR AND MY DAD THOUGHT YOU HAD TO PRESS A BUTTON TO OPEN THE DOOR BUT IT WAS ACTUALLY THE FIRE ALARM!!!!TO OPEN THE DOOR YOU JUST HAD TO PUSH ON IT!!!MY DAD SAID IT WAS THE FIRST TIME HE’D EVER SET OFF A FIRE ALARM!!!!AND AFTER THAT WE GOT A TAXI AND WENT TO OUR HOTEL!!!I FELL ASLEEP ON THE TAXI.BUT ANYWAYS ITS BEEN A LOT OF FUN HERE!!AND I FORGOT TO TELL YOU GUYS WHEN I MADE MY FIRST ARTICLE THAT MY DAD MADE A VIDEO ON MY CAMERA OF HIM WAKING ME UP AND THAT WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO POST THAT VIDEO ON MY DADS WEBSITE!!!

BUT WE HAVE MOSTLY BEEN SHOPPING AND I’VE BEEN REALLY SPOILED SO FAR!!!I HAVE GOTTEN A LOT OF TINY LITTLE ANIMAL FAMILIES CALLED SYLVANIAN FAMILIES…

AND THEY ARE SOME OF THE CUTEST THINGS I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!THEY COME WITH THE TINIEST ACCESSORIES AND I LOVE TINY THINGS!!!!!! I ALSO GOT THIS REALLY CUTE KEYCHAIN!!!

AS FAR AS FOOD GOES I’VE BEEN REALLY PICKY AND MY DAD DOESN’T REALLY LIKE THAT…I DO THE WIERDEST THINGS WITH FOOD!!!FOR EXAMPLE  YESTERDAY WE GOT A BIG PRETZEL AND I ONLY ATE THE SALT OFF OF IT!!!I CAN EAT SALT PLAIN AND THINK IT WAS A FULL MEAL…..IT DRIVES MY DADDY CRAZY!!!!BUT IT’S FUN TO MAKE HIM GO CRAZY!!!

TODAY I RODE MY FIRST SUBWAY AND MY DAD AND I VISITED NOTRE DAM CATHEDRAL

!!!EXCEPT WE DIDN’T HAVE TICKETS TO GET IN SO THAT’S KINDA UNFORTUNATE!!!BUT IT WAS STILL A VERY COOL PLACE…THE WEATHER REALLY STUNK THOUGH, IT WAS RAINY AND COLD OUTSIDE…BUT WE MANAGED!!!

WELL I HAVE TO GO BECAUSE I HAVE A PLAN TO DRIVE MY DAD CRAZY!!!WISH ME LUCK!!!!BYE BYE!!!!!!!!!PEACE OUT!!!!  :P

KELLY

Le Mans 2008
Added 06/01/08

HI!! THIS IS KELLY!!!!!!THIS WEEK IT WILL BE RAINING THE ENTIRE TIME……HOW SAD….LLLWELL WHEN WE GOT HERE AT THE RACE TRACK I LOOKED AT THE ROOM AND SAID TO MY DADDY THAT IT WAS TO DULL…SO I TRIED TO BLING IT OUT MORE!!!FIRST I GOT TWO OF MY DISNEY MAGAZINES (BOP AND J-14)…THEN I TORE OUT A MILEY CYRUS AND EMILY OSMENT POSTER AND HUNG IT UP ON THE WALL!!!!!NEXT I SAW THAT OLIVER GAVIN HAD SOME PINK DUCT TAPE, SO I ASKED HIM IF I COULD BORROW IT!!AND THEN I TOOK THE PINK TAPE AND WRAPPED IT ALL AROUND ME AND MY DADS BEDS BUT IT IS NOT FULLY FINISHED YET…BUT WHEN IT IS OUR BEDS WILL BE PINK ALL OVER AND IT WILL FEEL LIKE I’M IN MY BEDROOM AT HOME!!!!SINCE MY DAD WAS WORKING ALL DAY TODAY AT PRE-QUALIFYING I HAD TO STAY ALL BY MYSELF WITH  NOBODY TO PLAY WITH,  SO I GOT ON MY DADDY’S LAP TOP AND WENT ON YOUTUBE…AND I WATCHED FRED VIDEOS AND PETUNIA VIDEOS ALL DAY AND LAUGHED MY HEAD OFF WHILE WATCHING!!

  SO TOMORROW WE ARE GOING TO PARIS AND ME AND MY DADDY ARE GOING TO BE THERE UNTIL THURSDAY AND THEN WE HEAD TO IRELAND AND STAY THERE UNTIL SUNDAY AND HOPEFULLY I CAN TALK MY DAD INTO A LOT OF SHOPPING LIKE I USUALLY

DO!!! JJJJJJBUT WHEN WE LEAVE IRELAND WE WILL COME BACK TO THE RACE TRACK AND GO BACK TO STAYING AT THE CHATEAU….AND SOME PEOPLE SAY IT IS HAUNTED BECAUSE IT IS SO OLD, BUT I KNOW THAT IT ISNT BECAUSE I HAVE STAYED THERE AND IT WAS REALLY FUN!!

THE CHATEAU IS REALLY,REALLY OLD AND EXTREMELY BIG!!!!!!! IT IS GINORMOUS!!!!! IT WAS TAKEN OVER BY THE SOLDIERS IN WORLD WAR 2 SO I THOUGHT IT WAS PRETTY EXCITING TO BE STANDING EXACTLY WHERE THEY WERE!!!BUT EVERYTHING LOOKED LIKE MEDEVIL TIMES SO I THOUGHT IT WAS REALLY FUN THERE!!!!IT WAS ESPECIALLY FUN BECAUSE VICTOR (THE GUY WHO OWNS THE PLACE) HAS FOUR DOGS AND THEY ARE ALL LABS!!!! THEY’RE GIANT!!!!BUT THEY ARE SO FUN TO PLAY WITH!!! THEIR NAMES ARE LASLO,ROMULUS,RAMULUS,AND LOOPUS. LASLO IS THE OLDEST AND HE IS PARALIZED ON HIS LEGS SO ALL HE DOES ALL DAY IS BARK AND DRAG HIMSELF AROUND WITH HIS FRONT PAWS….ITS REALLY SAD BUT HE IS A REALLY HAPPY DOG!!!!!THEN ROMULUS AND RAMULUS ARE BOTH SONS OF LASLO AND ROMULUS IS VERY OBEDIENT!!!THEN LOOPUS IS ROMULUS’S SON AND HE IS THE LITTLE PUPPY BUT HE IS REALLY BIG AND PLAYFUL AND BY PLAYFUL I MEAN HE TRIES TO BITE YOUR ARM OFF!!!!IT HURTS REALLY BAD!!!!!BUT HE IS A REALLY CUTE PUPPY!

SO THAT’S ALL I REALLY HAVE TO TELL YOU GUYS TODAY BUT I’M GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF MORE ARTICLES!!!!AND IF MY MOM,JEN JEN,CANAAN, OR ANYBODY ELSE THAT I LOVE IS READING THIS RIGHT NOW THEN I LOVE YOU!!!

                                                                            SEE YA L8TER,

                                                                             KELLYBELL!!!

Le Mans 2008
Added 05/31/08

As I write this I’m on my way to Le Mans with my daughter Kelly.   Lots of you know her from her singing the national anthem at Petit Le Mans, and I know this race will be very special getting to show her and share with her the amazing spectacle of Le Mans.  I know she is very excited, and it should be a great adventure.

The way the next few days will go, is we arrive in Paris and then take the TGV ( a very fast train ) down to Le Mans.    Once there we will settle in, check in at the race track, and then we’ll head out to the Chateau where Ron and I stayed last year.   It’s a very cool place with amazing atmosphere, and is over 700 years old, so historically very interesting.

Sunday is Pre Qualifying for the race, and allows us the opportunity to begin dialing the cars in for the race.   It takes several hours for the track to begin getting cleaned and having some rubber down on it, but once that happens the times really begin to fall.   I know there will be lots of competition for us this year, not only the Aston Martin guys, but also several Corvettes that have been campaigning in Europe should also be a challenge.    However , once again I think our Pratt and Miller Corvettes will be the ones to beat, and I expect both cars to be very strong.

I’ll keep you updated as always as to how things are going, and the adventure that Kelly and I are having.

I think it might also be fun to let her post on the website how she is seeing things over here, and hope that the perspective of an eleven year old girl is something that you all might enjoy.   Fingers crossed for next few weeks…

Johnny O

Salt Lake City 2008
Added 05/20/08

Things continue to go well for Jan and I in the Number 3 car with us getting another win, this time at Miller Motorsports Park.   It was a very good race, and as always Dan Binks and the guys did an amazing job making sure we had a speedy race car, that for the race was as good as it had been all week-end.   Special mention to our engineer Ken Flory, who gave us the best car we’ve had all season.    It’s very impressive to see how quickly he is learning what the car likes, and what Jan and I like, and translating tons of information into speed on the track.  

Jan and I had been the quicker of the two cars, right up until qualifying.    We were allowed 3 timed laps, and retard that I am, thought I was going to get one more than I actually did !!  I know.. hard to count to 3, but I left some on the table and Olivier ended up beating me by a tenth or so.   Needless to say I was a bit ticked off at myself, as I should have done better, but credit do to Olivier.    He has more pole positions than anyone in ALMS history, so beating him in qualifying is no easy task.    I’ll just have to work harder at that in the future.

The race went well, both cars were very equal.   I more or less followed Olivier for my first stint, and during our first stop we were able to take the lead when they had a fueling problem and took a bit more time on the 4 car.    Once in the lead, Jan and I never looked back, and were able to stretch the lead as the race went on.   Each stop we gained more time, and then the four car had a problem with an over anxious p-2 car that cost them even more time.   It was unfortunate for them, but good luck for us.

Luck is a funny part of the game.   For over two years, it seems there has been a dark cloud following the 3 car.   So many times things just went against us,  and no matter how hard we tried, bad breaks would happen.    But I’ve always known that as long as we didn’t quit, our luck would turn, and right now things are going well for us.    All the guys working on the car day in and day out have never quit on us, or trying to win, and for that I am so proud.   

So it’s off now to Le Mans.   I know that Corvette Racing will once again give us strong and fast cars, and that we will again be one of the favorites.    Ron I know is as eager as Jan and I to improve on finishing second last year,  so keep your fingers crossed,  as we’ll be pushing as hard as we can to make it our year there.

Johnny O

Long Beach 2008
Added 04/21/08

I first raced in Long Beach back in 1986 believe it or not.    Not until this past week-end with the Corvette did I ever win.   I had some good races over the years, and last year our Corvette was really strong, but things just didn’t go our way.   This time though, everything did, and the number 3 car and crew pulled it off.

The organizers of the race gave us more track time this year, which was nice, and I think proof that the strength of the series and the depth of the talent has been recognized.   This was Jans’ week-end to qualify the car and he did an awesome job.   He had been quick in every session and put in a great lap to get us in front of the 4 car.  Anyway, both Corvettes were strong and we knew we would have a great race.

At the start Jan and Ollie worked each other hard, running very strong times.    Jan would open up a slight gap,  and then Ollie would close it back up.   Really good racing.    Just as we came into our fuel window, there was a caution for debris, and both cars pitted at the same time.   That’s when just about everything went wrong for both Corvettes.

As Jan came down pit lane, Ollie right behind him, an official became confused, and ran right into the path of Jan !!  Now I was jumping off the wall to get in the car, and didn’t see the rest, but apparently he kind of bounced off our car and somewhat landed on the hood of Ollies Corvette.   The teams though didn’t miss a beat, and both cars dropped together with us able to maintain the lead.   It was pretty exciting stuff and I could hear in Dan Binks voice that it was a pretty cool thing to be a part of… that pit stop.  

Anyway, I was initially able to open up a slight gap to Olivier, but then we had a caution.   I was able to pull away some, but then he started stringing together some awesome laps and began closing gap to me.   I was struggling with a lot of understeer in the middle of the corners, and then loose on the exits.    Anyway, Binks is in my ear telling me, “you gotta go man, you gotta go”!   So I’m pushing as hard as I can, coming close to wrecking so many times, but was able to keep it off the wall and bring it home.

So it was a good week-end for us, and Corvette racing.   Anytime both cars roll on the trailer after a street race you’ve done your job, and both Corvettes were good as new after the race.    The E85 continues to work well, as do the Michelins.    Next up for us is Salt Lake City, a track I love.   The number 3 car was not as strong as we would have liked last year, and I’m looking forward to getting back and making things right this time.  Our new engineer Ken Flory is doing a great job, and with each race things are getting better and better….

Johnny  

St Pete Pre Race 2008
Added 04/01/08

Some of you may know that early in my career I spent a lot of time working as an instructor for the various driving schools.    This past week-end I was out in the phoenix area doing some aero work for a racing team, and had the chance to once again visit Bob Bondurant and see how things were going for his school out there, and needless to say I once again came away very impressed.

If you’ve ever thought about going to a driving school, definitely give serious thought to visiting Phoenix to do it.   The staff at the Bondurant school is second to none, and the facility was created solely for the purpose of teaching high performance driving.  I taught there for almost 5 years, and the only thing that has changed, is the cars.   Now they are using Corvettes rather than the old Mustang, so participants better be prepared for a whole lot more horsepower and way better handling.   Along with there usual programs, they also offer some very cool go-kart classes… which is really what this pre St. Pete report is all about.

I took Canaan with me on this trip, and on Sunday he went through the go-karting course.   Now he and I have been go-kart racing, and do a whole bunch of indoor karting nearby.   But what Bob and crew have created out there is unreal.   A perfect place for young kids to learn skills before they get in a real car, and done in a mega safe environment where whether you are 13 or 73, you can be safe and push hard.    I admit to running a few laps myself, and man it totally reminds you of how fun and pure driving karts is.

As far as St. Pete goes, well I know that last year really left an unpleasant taste in our mouths.   We had a speedy car, but then had a problem about 45 minutes into the race, and I ended up stranded on course.   Jan and I have lots of unfinished business there, and count on us being very focused and positive.   We began things right this year at Sebring… and know that everyone on the # 3 car is going to be doing all we can to keep that  momentum going…

Johnny  

Sebring 2008
Added 03/18/08

A few years back someone at Sebring mentioned that if I stay in the game long enough I might actually be able to get to Phil Hills record of winning at Sebring 6 times.    I kind of laughed to myself, thinking that it would be a cool goal, but probably not one that I would get to as the track is so hard, and you need to have lots of things go your way to get a win there.    Well when I tied him several years back, I was pretty excited to say the least, and honestly thought with my driving for Corvette Racing, there was a good chance I might actually get win number 7.

Last year I really thought was going to be the year.   We had a very good car, and Jan had put us on the pole.   Luck wasn’t on our side however and we ended finishing second on the same lap and not that far behind the 4 car, but still not what we wanted.   This year things turned however, and we finally got that win.

It was an interesting week in that the track was the slipperiest and most inconsistent that I’ve ever experienced there.   One lap would be ok, the next sliding around, made it very hard to set the car up.   Our engineer Ken Flory, who is new to us this year, handled the challenge well and we had a very good race car.   Jan got the pole, held onto the lead for his first stint, and then when I got in we held the lead.

Olivier and I were both having a good race running almost identical lap times, but just about 5 laps from the end of the stint they had a problem, which would end up taking them about 8 laps to fix.   Dan Binks got on the radio, and let me know, and from that point on we really just looked after the car, and left a little bit in reserve just in case.

I did the final two stints, and really focused hard on just not making any mistakes.   It’s sometimes more difficult to not run flat out, as you can relax too much and make a mistake, but luckily that didn’t happen.   Our Corvette ran great, we had super pit stops, and were speedy all day.

Sharing this win with Jan and Ron means a lot to me.   I had my first ALMS win with Jan back in 1999 in the Panoz, winning over all at Mosport.   Then with Ron, well we won 25 races together.   Both are amazing drivers, and I couldn’t pick better teammates.

Back to Phil Hill.   I met him at Sebring years ago, and well the guy totally lives up to the word hero.   He, John Morton and myself spent almost an hour talking about when he raced there, the cool cars that he drove, the competitors, what the track was like, and what the race meant to him.    And what was totally cool was that he didn’t see himself as anything other than a regular guy who just happened to race cars.    Someone any driver would admire.    Sebring has always been my favorite race… and well being mentioned in the same sentence as Phil Hill… is pretty darn cool.

Finally, the biggest thanks to everyone at Corvette Racing, and all the people behind the scenes.    Over the years we’ve done lots of amazing things, and I know that we will continue to do so in the future.    Years ago Doug Fehan had a vision.   He sold that vision to GM, and low and behold he has created the finest sportscar team in American History.    When he says something, you can guarantee it will happen.    I remember my first year with the team when we were not scheduled to race at Portland.   We were going to skip the event.   But if we did that, well we would not win the manufacturers championship.   So without the funding in place… we went.   And won.    Taking that chance on his own and then going on to win the championship, for me cemented his commitment to winning not for himself, or us as drivers, but to Chevrolet and Corvette Racing.   We’re lucky to have someone like him in place moving the program into the future,  and then also having Steve Wesoloski and Mark Kent from GM helping guide the ship as well, guarantees that for years to come you will get to see Corvettes racing at the sports highest levels.

St. Pete is next, and that track owes us.  Know that Jan and I will be pushing hard… good things happening this year.   Thanks to everyone for the congrats on Sebring…  now lets go get a few more !..

Johnny

First test of the year
Added 02/25/08

We just finished three days of testing at Sebring, and things went very well.   A lot of work was accomplished, and I know that everyone at Corvette Racing is eager to get the season underway.

Once again the # 3 car will be driven by myself, Jan and Ron, and I know we are going to have a great season.   It’s about time for us to win at Sebring, and there is nothing that I would like more than getting that 7^th win with Jan and Ron as my teammates.   Both of them are great guys, and strong drivers.

The #4 car again will be driven by Olivier, Oliver and Max.   They totally put in a great season last year, and had way more luck than we did, man we gave a lot away.   But this is a new season, and Jan and I are totally ready to get things right !!!

One of the biggest changes we have for us this year is that we are running E85.   It’s pretty cool “going green” and we don’t seem to have lost much in performance.   Our mileage is not as good with it, but hopefully the ALMS will let us run a bit more fuel to make up for that.

So we’ve once again got speedy cars, and a team that is ready to get back to work.   It’s very good news that we have at least one Aston Martin to race against, and we are hearing rumors from Scott Atherton that more might join us soon.

Thanks as always for supporting us at Corvette Racing.   Steve Wesoloski and Doug Fehan really go to the mat to keep this program running into the future, so be sure and thank them, and let all the GM brass know how much you enjoy and appreciate seeing your Corvettes compete in the ALMS.  

Daytona Pre Race
Added 01/20/08

A Speedy car.    A pretty important thing you need to have in order to win the 24 hours of Daytona.   But that’s not the only thing that has to be speedy.   You need good drivers, good pit stops, and for sure luck on your side

The Matthews Riley Team I’m driving for this year has all the ingredients.   I just got back from Charlotte where we were practicing driver changes, and it went really well.   A long day though.   I woke up early, then drove 4 hours up to the shop, did two hours of practice then zipped on back to Flowery Branch.   But it was time well spent.   I have to be honest, one of my biggest worries is the pit stops during the race.   For so long in the ALMS I’ve come into the pits, and then shut the engine off once stopped.  In Grand Am, you leave the engine running, so I’m hoping they remind me each time not to shut the ignition off !!!!

The car is very fun to drive, not quite the hot rod that the Corvette is, but still very cool.   Now that I’ve driven a Daytona Prototype, well I can see why there tends to be so much contact in Grand Am.   Running in the GT category the past two years, I had the impression that the DP cars were glued to the track much like the prototypes are in the ALMS.   But really that is not the case at all.   They’re not as nimble and sharp as I expected them to be, and as a result it is sometimes easy to step over the line, and have to use your competition to hold you on the track.   Of course this is just my impression, but I did see that Alan McNish is doing the race, so I’ll track him down and ask him how it feels versus the Audi.   My guess is a lot different.

Anyway, by this time next week we are hopefully sitting with a really speedy race car, and ready for a hard 24 hours.   It’s never easy at Daytona, the night seems to last forever.   There are so many GT cars to avoid, and the name of the game is to follow Doug Fehans rules… and if we do… well it sure would be nice having another Rolex….  

Daytona Test Days
Added 01/09/08

I just got back from testing at Daytona and things really went well.   It was a 3 day test, and I didn’t need to show up until the second day.    I had been down in Fort Lauderdale with my kids, and the plan was to zip to Daytona on Saturday, and then just hang out until I got to drive on Sunday.   But things changed and I was able to do night practice, which was very fun.

What made it so cool was that the car was beautiful to drive.  So easy.   We went pretty quick and I was looking forward to more time in the car Sunday.   Now like all teams do, some changes were made to improve the car over night.    In the morning, Marc Goosens, who is really the lead driver on the team, went out, and spent the better part of his time in the car struggling with a bit of looseness.    I got in after him, and was amazed at how much more difficult the car was to drive from the night before, and gained all new respect for Marc as he did some great laps.  

Anyway, the car was changed for the final session, and we once again found the sweet spot and I was able to turn in the fastest time in the afternoon, which for sure made the long ride home much nicer.  I’m very impressed with the Riley Matthews team, and how well everyone works together.    They certainly have made me feel welcome, and I look forward to driving hard for them 

The race is just a few weeks away, and I like our chances.   Marc is of course very quick,   Ryan Hunter Ray is also very strong, and Jim Matthews unreal consistent.   Provided we just stay out of trouble,  I know it will be a good event.    I hope you all watch on Speed TV….  And a big thanks to Steve Wesoloski and Bill Riley for getting me in the car.  

Johnny O

Daytona
Added 12/13/07

Every year my boss at GM tries to get me in a car for the 24 Hours of Daytona.    It was the first race I ever did for Corvette Racing, and we won it.   That was very cool to say the least.   Now, I look upon the race as a great tune-up for the ALMS, and well winning there still is important to a driver.  

The past two years I’ve driven for Pontiac in the GTO and then the GXP-R.   We came up one lap short of winning in the GTO, and were it not for the pit lane speed limiter getting stuck on, well we would have won.   I’m very excited about this year, in that I’m once again in a Pontiac, but this time in a Daytona Proto-type, and a very speedy one to say the least.

A deal has been done to drive for Riley Matthews Motorsports, and I honestly feel it’s an effort very capable of winning.  The lead driver is Mark Goossens, who is an extremely gifted and fast driver.   I’ve watched him drive over the years, and he’s one of those guys who can get the most out of everything, look after the equipment, and I’ve never known him to fall off or hurt the car.   Very good things to have in a teammate.   Ryan Hunter Ray is also going to be in the car, and though we haven’t met have only heard very good things about him.   Very fast, and well he and Mark won the last DP race at Miller Motorsports Park along with Jim Matthews who is also a team principal.   I’ve known Jim the longest time.   One of the best guys you will meet in the sport, and also a very good driver.

Running the show is Bill Riley, who everyone knows.   He’s won tons of races, and is a lot like Pratt in that he runs a very tight ship, and overlooks absolutely nothing.    I’m still getting to know all the guys on the team, but they are no doubt a cohesive unit that knows how to win.

So come the end of January, be sure to check out the race.   I know there will be lots of big Nascar guys running there, as well as the best from other forms of motorsport.   It should be exciting, and well I’m ready to get 2008 going already.   Have a Merry Christmas….

Johnny O

Sema 2007
Added 11/04/07

Last week I went to the Sema Show in Las Vegas to make an appearance for Michelin.  For those of you that don’t know about it, Sema is where just about everyone associated with cars goes to show what they do and all of their products.   The place is huge, and you’ve never seen so many exotic cars, parts, wheels, you name it, in one place.   

GM had all of their cool stuff out, very impressive, and one very cool thing was the Corvette that Pratt and Miller have made that is almost the race car built for the street.   It has an engine in it that Katech built to over 600 hp, the aero kit on it having lots of stuff that the race car has, very advanced suspension and brakes, and a very nice leather interior package.   I haven’t driven one yet, but if I get the chance, know I’ll tell you all about it.  

The Michelin display area was very impressive.  They had one of the C6-R’s there along with a Z-06, as well as cars from Audi, and Porsche.    Also attending were Dindo Capello and Ryan Brisco.   Both really nice guys that I enjoyed spending time with and getting to know better.  Anyway, we all gave talks to the press, and then each evening had a nice dinner with the executives of Michelin.

  It is easy to see why Michelin is the dominate force in sportscar racing.   From their top executives down there is a commitment to using racing as a tool to better engineer their street tires.   And for all of us that are racing on them, well it is for sure the biggest advantage in the world.   I don’t’ think anyone has won a race on anything other than Michelin for ages… and I know that all of us at Corvette Racing look forward to building on the relationship into the future.

Finally, one very cool thing we did at the Michelin display was race XBOX 360 against each other and then also against other guys online.  Now as someone that owns an XBOX 360, I was somewhat confident that I would do well, and well I was fastest the first day.   But Ryan must’ve done his homework overnight as on the second day he was completely in the zone, and neither Dindo nor I could touch him.   Anyway, it was lots of fun, and thanks to John Reynolds from Microsoft for helping out.   People say that I have the best job in the world racing Corvettes, but I think those Microsoft gamers have a pretty good gig as well !!!

Anyway I’ll keep posting things up here on the website as the winter comes, and for sure let you know if I drive anything speedy.   Hmmm wonder what that will be ?  

Johnny O

Laguna Seca 2007
Added 10/21/07

Man I hate losing.     Especially when you have everything in place to win, and everything is looking like you will, and then something happens and you manage to grab defeat from the jaws of victory…or something like that.    Just too many times we managed to do that this season…and Laguna was no exception.

Jan did an awesome job qualifying, and got the pole setting a new track record.   The new surface at Laguna is really fast, and each category saw records broken.   Now if they would only get someone out there to move the gravel traps back so that we don’t have so many full course cautions, well then they would again find themselves with one of the better tracks in the country.    

For the race we had a speedy car, and Jan was able to maintain the lead for his first stint.   Both cars pitted under caution, and the 4 car was able to take the lead in the pits.   Ollie and I had a good run with both of us being very equal, neither really being able to make time on the other.   It would go up and down some with traffic, but for the most part it was a good race.   Towards the end of our stint, there was a full course caution, and a few laps after the restart Ollie had slight contact with a Gt-2 car and I was able to move ahead.    Shortly after that, there was another full course caution, and both cars again pitted together, and again the 4 car was able to take the lead in the pits.    And that was pretty much what decided the race.

It’s a bit of deja vous really, in that 2 or 3 years ago, our car won the Klein Tools pit challenge, and then in the race we had one bad stop that cost us the win.   The guys on the #3 car again had incredible pit stops during the pit stop competition, and once again won the Klein Tools Challenge.    The same thing happened this year, and it just goes to show how perfect we all have to be in order to win.   Honestly I wouldn’t change one guy on our crew.   They are the best.    Not only at pit stops, but always giving us a safe, fast hotrod.   They work harder than anyone I know in racing, and the success of Corvette Racing over the years is the result of their hard work and incredible skill.

So we go into the off season now, and all of us are still uncertain exactly what the program will look like going into 2008.    But I do remain confident that Corvette Racing will keep moving forward, and that the future for the team, and for the fans, is bright.   I’ll continue posting things here on the web site, and to everyone that supports us, thanks.  

Petit Le Mans 2007
Added 10/09/07

Sadly our race ended after only 15 laps when Bryan Herta attemped to make an impossible pass on Jan, hit him just in front of Jans right rear tire and launched him into the tire barriers at 118 MPH.    Jan was so lucky he didn’t get really hurt, but as it is I know that he’ll still be feeling it days from now.   The car was not so lucky, being very wrecked and so Jan and I will have to use one of last years cars for Laguna.   You expect drivers at this level to use their heads, and it’s a shame that Bryan was lacking once again in the patience department.  We for sure had the best car on the day.

It was an odd week for us, in that we had a pretty good car, but the track was changing a lot.   I qualified the #3 car and Ollie was in the #4 car.    I know that both of us were mega surprised at how little grip there was in qualifying and neither of us went as fast as we thought we did.   As it was I just had him by a tic, but the maserati was very quick and was on pole by over a second.    Jan took him on the first lap of the race though, and in race trim they couldn’t match the pace of either Corvette.

Some good things around the week-end were the auction, which went very well.    Not the best we’ve ever done, but still a lot of money raised to help the Guest House and the Alzheimers association.    Also, if you watched the race you saw my daughter Kelly sing the national anthem… which was beyond cool.    To say she was nervous would be an understatement, but as nervous as she was I was proud.    For sure the best part of the event.

So next up is the last race at Laguna.    Jan and I will be in a different car, but pushing as hard as we always do, and hopefully we will be speedy.    We both love that place, and it would be nice going into the off season with a win.  

Petit Le Mans Preview
Added 09/26/07

Two weeks from now,  the tenth Petit Le Mans will be in the history books, and hopefully Corvette #3 will have won.   The team is currently busy getting the cars ready, and lots of work I know still needs to be done as we just finished a three day test with Michelin out at Road Atlanta, but the test was more in preparation for next years 24 hours of Le Mans than the get ready for Petit.

I’m guessing that might surprise some of you, that Michelin is looking that far ahead, as are everyone at Corvette Racing, but we are.    Le Mans is the primary reason the team exists and why we still race as hard as we do, even with the lack of competition at the moment over here.    But hopefully in the future that will all change.

It is a shame that as we go into this race we don’t have the Factory Astons to compete against.   They are certainly a great team, and have provided us and the fans with some great racing.   Of course I feel our Corvettes are a bit more speedy…. But we did love the challenge.

I’ve been in touch with the track a lot, and from what they tell me this is going to be the biggest and best Petit ever.   I know that I’m looking forward to it, and hope that you are as well.

See you there !

Johnny O

Petit Le Mans
Added 09/07/07

Man I apologize for getting this information out to you so late, but I’ve finally gotten around to setting things up with Road Atlanta regarding tickets for the event, and how you can get them and help support the Alzheimers Association and the Guest House, a senior citizen day care center here in Gainesville.

A huge thank you to everyone at Road Atlanta that enables me to do this, and for playing such a big role in helping out two very worthy causes.    If you get a ticket through me, all the proceeds, and I mean every dollar, goes directly to the charity.   So I hope you pass the word, and we have the best year ever.

Road Atlanta has allocated 50 tickets to me, and all you need to do when you call them up to order your tickets is to let them know that “I bought tickets off of Johnny O's website”.   

That is the key phrase so that they know to credit the charity account.   Also, if you want to get into the Corvette Corral, they can do that too.  The phone number for Road Atlanta is : 770-967-7207

Also, we will once again be putting on the auction.   It will be Friday night at 6 PM and will be down in the main paddock at the winners podium.   I know that lots of teams will be bringing gear, parts, all sorts of stuff.   I know that I’ll have sets of tires to auction off, as well as some other cool things that will make it a fun event.

Petit Le Mans this year is going to be unreal.    It’s the tenth anniversary of the event, and the Road Atlanta staff I know is going to make sure that it is by far the best ever.   The surface is brand new and wicked fast and I know that our Corvettes will be awful speedy running around it.   I hope that I see you all there, and thanks to everyone that has supported the auction and charity over the years.

Johnny O

Detroit
Added 09/03/07

Well for those of you that are now wishing the #3 car bad luck … Thanks !!!  it seems to be working !   What an incredible week we had in Detroit.   Getting to see the Tigers destroy the Yankees from the GM suite on Monday, and getting to throw out the first pitch at  the game, and yes it was a strike… to visiting all the GM execs and the heritage museum, and then finally on raceday winning…. What more could you ask for?

What I like the best about it all though, is seeing the guys on the number 3 car getting their reward for all the hard work that they’ve put in with no complaints ever, and never losing the desire to win or losing their faith in me and Jan… or me and Ron.   It shows how strong our belief is in each other, and that glue has really held us together when on most teams things may have broken down and become miserable.

As far as the race went, well all credit for the win really needs to be given to Jan.  At least most of it.   He put in the most amazing qualifying lap, and then built up enough of a lead over Olivier that when a pace car came out, we were given the wave by and a huge lead that we would not give up.  

I got into the car with almost an hour and forty minutes left, and though we had a very speedy car, did not go psychotic with it as I knew that my job was to really look after it and make sure that we brought home the win.   I’ve been in that situation a lot, where you mostly have to just bring it home, and being in front of everyone at GM head quarters, wasn’t about to blow it by getting tagged or hitting  wall.  

To be honest, I never liked the circuit.  You know me, not afraid to let you know how I feel on some things.   But passing areas were minimal to non existent without taking a big chance, and the surface changes with bumps and different levels of grip I know are what led to so many people having contact with other cars and the wall.   I think there were more incidents during this race than any other that we’ve been to.  

But that said, the event was a major home run.   Detroit welcomed it with open arms, and GM and Chevrolets involvement and excitement with the event was visible everywhere.   It made you wonder what the other car guys based in Detroit were doing?    From what I understand the contract is in place for us to keep going back there, and I know that with the experts involved with the program that each year we will find ourselves with a race track that just keeps getting better and safer, by leaps and bounds.   Now if only Roger Penske could get involved with Lime Rock…hmmm there’s an idea !!!

To all of the team, on both cars, job well done.   The crew of the Number 4 car was quickest during the Klein Tool pit stop competition and won that event over the number 3 car but just a tenth or so, and the finals at Laguna will be amazing.   If I know Dan Binks, he is already thinking about it, as he hates losing just as much as Jan and I do.    Petit is next, time for me to get busy !!!

Johnny O

Mosport
Added 08/28/07

How about we keep on wishing us bad luck ???  Cause finally Jan and I broke through !!!   It was great in that we had our only win together when we were at Panoz in the prototype at Mosport, and was awesome finally getting things to go our way.    It was also mega cool being out there with Ron, and having him show me some of the tricks he’s learned about Mosport, that I could only learn by following him.   The guy is awesome.

Anyway, we were all pretty close in qualifying , but this time OG got the pole with Ron and I right behind him.   We were all so close and knew that it would be an interesting race.    Jan and I changed the car after morning warm-up, and it was a move in the right direction as I think we had just a tic better car towards the middle and end of a stint.

Anyway, we were running identical times until the first caution, and then on the restart the 4 car opened up a gap as Ron and I worked traffic.  Once clear we were about 4 seconds down, but running some really good laps.   Exiting turn 3 Ron had a problem, turns out it was a gearbox thing, and I was able to get by.    I was able to slowly close on the 4 car, and not long from our pit stops he had contact with one of the p-2 cars and spun off.   We went by, and from that point on never looked back.

Jan did an awesome job keeping the gap up, and with 40 minutes or so I got back in and was able to maintain the gap, and then when the 4 car had a puncture, well the win was in the bag.

We had a speedy car for sure, and big thanks to Ben Brady our engineer.   It’s been too long since we’ve been able to show off in the number 3 car,  and it was nice to finally win again.   Unreal nice.   But most of all, you have to give all the credit to the guys that sweat and break their backs on the car.   Dan Binks, Gary Young, Mike West and David James.     They never have quit, slowed down, or lost the hunger to win.  Thanks guys…. Job well done.

Johnny O

Petit Le Mans update
Added 08/22/07

Petit Le Mans update

A lot of you are getting in touch with me about getting tickets for Petit.   I just wanted to let you know I’m working on it  !!!   This has been one flat out year for me, and I do plan on doing the auction and hopefully the tickets as well.

I hope to get something done in the next week, and will let you know what Road Atlanta and I can arrange.

Thanks for the years of support.

Sincerely,
Johnny O

Elkhart Lake
Added 08/20/07

It’s getting kind of hard to believe isn’t it ?    Why is it that I have in the back of my mind that the next time we are on the pole… Something else is going to happen to take it away from us ?   This is just unreal.

Too bad it didn’t rain longer, as I usually quite enjoy driving in those situations.   I was looking for places to find grip, and think I might have found a few tricks for if it rains there again.

Our new engineer Ben Brady is coming up to speed, and I’m thinking that soon we should be really good.   The number 3 car is always speedy, but you need those little tweaks to get her to really fly, and Ben is figuring it out unreal fast.  

I know lots of you…. Especially my friends, have been wishing me good luck for awhile.   Maybe the trick is to wish us rotten luck….see what happens then !!!   Can’t hurt ?

Mosport is up next, and I’m really looking forward to it.   One of my favorite tracks, Jan and I won there in 1999 in the Panoz.   Hopefully we can repeat that …

Johnny

Mid Ohio
Added 07/25/07

Well again the dark cloud follows us.   It’s good to be speedy, but sometimes you need more than that.   Anyway, our new engineer Ben Brady did a nice job in his first race, and we had a pretty darn good car.

Qualifying went well, and I was very pleased with my lap.   We had made a significant change to the car just before qualifying, which makes it very challenging as a driver as you have to push really hard and not know what the car is going to do.   I was pleased to get the pole, only our second of the year, and knew that most likely we would be in position to win the race.

Sadly our car failed the stall test in tech, and we had to start the race from the back of the pack.   I knew that Ollie and I would match up well in the race, and I was hopeful that by our first stop we would still be in touch with them, and as it turned out we were about 11 seconds back, which in my book was ok.   Jan was running really well, and I was hopeful he could make up time on Olivier.

It was good being in the pits watching his run, and he started to make some big gains near the middle and end of his stint.   He closed in to just under 3  seconds, and I knew that with a good pit stop and out lap, we could take the lead.   Bad luck hit for the second time though when Bryan Herta got into the back of Jan just before coming out on the front straight spinning Jan out.   Was one of those ones that you watched on the monitor and wondered what in the world was Bryan thinking…. Impossible to pass where he wanted to, and it wrecked our chances.

Road America is next.    Anyone got a rabbits foot for us ?

Johnny

Lime Rock
Added 07/12/07

The place gets amazing crowds, and the fans are awesome.   Some of the best we get all year long.  They totally love us competing there, and we do our best to put on a good show.   That said, I always feel bad when I trash the facility, cause I know how much they love watching us race there.   But then if no one says anything, well then nothing will be done and when someone does finally get hurt it will be too late.

During the drivers briefing on Sunday I brought up the fact that the track had become too dangerous, and in ill repair.   There was not a big discussion as time would not allow, but prior to the race I had at least 5 top drivers from top teams come up to me to say thanks for bringing it up.   During the race we had an Audi wreck hard, as well as several GT-2 Ferrari’s.   Not to mention all the contact between cars where no one crashed.   And every year we get the same thing.    I applaud the track for improving the curbing in the chicane, but then also need to remind people that I first mentioned to the track back in 1994 that the curbing was wrong, and hope that it doesn’t take another 12 years to get things changed to make the track safer.

Ranting and raving aside, both Corvettes had a very good race.   Qualifying was determined by practice times in the first session due to weather, and Olivier had gone .01 of a second faster than I had, so they started in front.

And that was how we ran the entire race.   Glued right to the back of the #4 car.   I was happy to get fastest race lap, but frustrated that I still don’t have a win at that track.   The guys did a great job on the pit stop, even if I did stop a tic close to the wall, and both Jan and I were really proud of the job they did in the pit stop competition.   Talk about speedy…they completely smoked everyone.   With luck we can get another Klein tools championship for them.

Finally, I have to point out what a mega great job Jan did.   He had never been to the track before, and even with little time before the race, was totally rock solid.    I know both of us are frustrated that we have only one win, but I know another one has to be close.   Also, a big thanks to our engineer Joe Keifer.   Joe has been engineering our car for the past year and a half, and is moving on to another position with Pratt and Miller.   His presence will be sorely missed, as the guy is a total genius at setting a car up.   Mid-Ohio is next, and I know both Jan and I are both looking forward to it.

Johnny O

Lime Rock
Added 07/05/07

Well here we go again.   Back to the American Le Mans Series.   And back to Lime Rock.   It’s funny but about 3 years ago we were promised that the track would be paved, all new amenities for the teams would be added… and safety improvements made to the track.   Then we were told that unless the track did the improvements needed, that we would not be coming back to it.   But here we are.

Now don’t get me wrong, there are some positive things to be said for the place.   For fans it’s great in that they get to see so much of the action.   It’s one of the most beautiful areas in the country and we have usually had nice weather there.   But as a place to show case the worlds greatest sportscars, well in that area it does come up on the short side.

Last year Ron and I almost won, with my finishing about a fender behind one of the Astons.   It was a good race.   But we should have won.   With about 20 laps to go I was pushed off by a prototype in the very dangerous downhill turn.   In gathering it up, and cleaning my tires off, I lost about 8 very valuable seconds.    I think that the downhill corner is alone a very good corner, but in racing situations one of the worst.   It’s far too bumpy to go two wide through it, but in our type of racing that is going to happen, and the outside guy is going to lose big every time.    And run-off room does not exist there.

Personally, I think that the standards for the circuits at which we compete should be higher than what is presented to us at Lime Rock.   And honestly there are really no other tracks that we go to that are at that level.   Virtually every other track we compete at, the folks that run the track make the investment to do all that they can to ensure the safest racing they can provide.  All of us want to be speedy, and show what we can do, but safety is something that should not be disregarded.

Three years ago I bought a bumper sticker that said, “ I helped pave Lime Rock”.   Needless to say that money must have been spent somewhere else…and I want my money back.

Johnny O

Le Mans 2007
Added 06/20/07

It’s always great landing back in the states after so long being away. You appreciate so much all the great things about this country. It’s nice to be home. Sadly we didn’t win Le Mans this year, but for sure we gave it all that we had. We just were missing a tic of speed versus the Aston Martin that was slightly more speedy then we were. Had the rain at the end of the race come sooner it might have been a different outcome, but was too late and all we can do is prepare for next year.

It was very much an odd race, and not what we expected. Very bad luck for the 64 car when they broke meant the teams chances were reduced, but throughout the entire race it was impossible to out run the Astons. In past years they broke…and this year they didn’t. Almost always in a 24 hour race, if you only pit for tires and fuel, you win. Well we did that, but they did the same and we wound up short.

That said, all should be very proud of the job the team did. Our car was the best it had been all week during the race, and the guys on the car did an excellent job. The weather certainly made us work harder in the car, and all three of us pushed as hard as we could the entire time.

As you know, my son was with me, and Canaan was super through the entire event, and I know will have memories to last a lifetime. He not only got to go in the drivers parade…but also got a lap around the circuit before the race in a corvette. He was all smiles, and that was awesome.

It will be a few days getting back to normal, and catching up on sleep, but thanks to everyone on the team for an excellent job. We’ll be back for sure, and I know we’ll all be working hard to get that final step on the podium again.

Johnny O
 

Le Mans 2007
Added 06/13/07

Well Canaan and I just arrived back in Le Mans after a whirl wind tour. We started out on Monday by jetting in our Z-06 up to Normandie...and reliving a bit of history. Visiting the American Cemetery was by far the most impressive and emotional part of the trip...and with it being only two days before the D-Day anniversary, there were lots of preparations going on. If you haven't been...I recommend it, in that it very much lets you know about the huge sacrifices made, and the unreal challenge those guys faced so that we can live the way that we do today. It very much puts things into perspective.

From there, we drove very speedy across France, getting a ticket along the way...sheesh...through Belgium and then into Germany. We stopped at the Nurburgring, and stayed in the hotel there in a room overlooking the circuit. Pretty nice place with a pool that we thoroughly enjoyed, then into a small village for Pizza and then back to the hotel. Driving to all of these places in the Corvette Z-06 was a total trip in that everyone wants to check the car out. We woke the next morning and hopped in the car, and cruised on down to Switzerland where in order to get to our final destination (Zermatt), we had to drive the vette onto a train and pass through a mountain ! It was the coolest thing ! Anyway, we made it to Zermatt and had a great time walking through the village, shopping some, and the next morning took the tram up to the highest point we could get to, and had a snowball fight. The view of the Matterhorn was spectacular, and I know is something Canaan won't soon forget.

So after that, we zipped on down to Italy to stay in Maranello and visit both the Ferrari and Lamborghini factories. Now I know it's a lot of driving we were doing, but that Z-06 made it really special. I was doing all i could to keep from flying everywhere, but on occasion we did let her loose a little, and each time Canaan made sure to take a picture of the speedometer ! For sure it was cool being in the heart of Ferrari country and having everyone check out the vette, and well we did have one little race I'll tell you about in a bit.

We spent two nights in Italy, then began the trip back to France and stopped over in Geneva for the night, and the next morning began the final push back to Le Mans. Now when we were on our way to Normandie, Canaan was all over me to pull the trigger and see how fast the Vette would go. I then made the mistake of telling him that if we came across any fast cars, Lamborghini...Ferrari...heck Aston...and they wanted to race...well that I would see what we could do. So of course as we are headed out of Geneva, on the highway, we see up ahead a Ferrari 430...and Canaan is all over me to catch up to it. So of course I do, and then the guy seeing us behind him takes off. Well we stick right with him until he backs off, and I'm pretty confident that we have him covered. We both arrived at a toll booth at the same time, and upon exiting both pulled the trigger. Now I'm not going to tell you how fast we went, but Canaan did get a mega cool picture of the Ferrari in our side view mirror behind us as we pulled away.

Anyway, it was a great week-off, and we met back up with the Fellows family Sunday night at the Chateau we are staying at, relaxed some and shared stories, and Ron and I began getting our heads into the game for this week. The weather looks like we might have a bit of rain for practice and qualifying, but for the race it looks like it should be good. I'll get reports up as I can, and let you know what's going on.

Johnny O
 

Le Mans 2007
Added 06/02/07

Well my son and I finally have arrived in Le Mans, and are excited about the events about to unfold. Getting to share this with him I know is going to be an unbelievable memory for him, and this year especially is a good time to be here. We arrived into Paris yesterday, and took a cab into the city to pick up a beautiful Corvette Z-06 to drive down to Le Mans. Needless to say a Corvette over here gets as much attention as a Ferrari does in Flowery Branch Georgia !!! We made a very speedy trip from Paris down to Le Mans, and for once didn't get lost once thanks to the GPS in the car. A special thanks to Tom Wallace for helping arrange that !

Upon arriving we checked in with the team at the track and settled in to the "mini hotel" that GM sets up in the paddock. The place serves as our dining area as well as a place for GM to entertain VIP's and press, and is a very cool set-up. We had a quick bite and then went with the Fellows family to check into the 14th century Chateau in which we are staying for the event. It's a pretty unbelievable place with so much history, and I know that Canaan was enjoying hearing about the history of it, and the region.

Le Mans is special for so many reasons, and it's history and tradition are enjoyed and honored by all that race here. Tomorrow is the first day on the track for testing, and with all the work that the engineers and team have put in, I'm confident that we'll have good cars right out of the box. We'll spend the day trying different things on the car, and different tires, and with luck finish the day with two cars that are very quick and most importantly reliable.

This year promises to be our most difficult in the history of Corvette Racing. Not only have the Astons been given a tic bigger restrictor than they had last year, but there are more of them ! Also, there are two Saleens being run by ORECA, that have shown to be quite fast in what they have done this year. I would be surprised if they aren't very fast.

On Monday after testing, Canaan and I will be heading up to Normandie to pay our respects to the brave soldiers that 63 years ago changed the course of history. It was a very special flight over for us, as one row back of us was a Seargent Jake McNiece who on June 5th, 1944, was one of the para troopers dropped behind enemy lines the day before D-Day. The captain of the plane flying us over told a bit about his story, and needless to say it was quite cool getting to travel with someone that truly is a hero. After Normandie, well than it's off to Germany for a look at the Nurburgring...and who knows maybe from there a trip down to Italy and a visit to the Ferrari or Lamborghini factory. 12 year old boys love that kind of stuff...and well so do I !

Keep watching Johnnyoconnell.com for updates as the event unfolds, and as always, thanks for cheering us on !!

Johnny O
 

Le Mans Pre Race
Added 05/30/07

It’s what we think about during the winter when we’re training, and what everyone at Corvette Racing is always focusing on.    It’s the most important event of the year for us, and I think all you need to is look at the teams success, to see that we take it very seriously.

This year could perhaps be our most difficult ever.   Not only will the factory Astons be there with a stronger package than what they had last year, but there will also be a few Saleens run by a very strong team that knows how to do well at Le Mans.   The Saleen on paper should be the fastest, followed by the Aston….then us.    Just kind of the way the ACO has written the rules.   I think there are something like 15 or 17 GT1 cars.   Most of them strong, so it will be a battle indeed.

Our strength though, will be in the back of every teams mind.   Our cars are the strongest.   Bar none.   We’ve proven it year after year.   Both cars have always finished, and always at least one on the podium.   In my mind it will take an extreme effort to qualify in the top 5.   Again, just how things will play out speed wise.    But Around the 20 hour mark, as others are struggling and getting fatigued as well as there cars,  know that we’ll be pushing even harder.

This year for me will be extra special, as I’m bringing my son Canaan with.    He’s usually a good luck charm for me, and will be fun letting him see what the greatest race in the world is all about.    Count on us being speedy and not quitting.   And I’ll be sure to get info to you while I’m over there.

As always thanks to everyone that supports me… and the team.   It means more than you could ever know.

Sincerely,

Johnny O

Salt Lake City
Added 05/08/07

We’re still a week away from Utah, but I’m really looking forward to it.   That track is amazing.   So fast, good combination of corners…and really safe.    Stretching the legs on the Vette there will be a good tune up for Le Mans.

Since Houston, I’ve done a lot of training, worked on my house a lot, and this week-end am taking my son down to savannah to race go karts.   It will be his second real race, and I know that both of us are looking forward to it.

Also in this break I visited the Corvette museum with my daughter.   It was her first visit and I know she had lots of fun.   It was cool showing her around, but I think what she liked most was the hotel and swimming !!!   I guess that’s to be expected of a ten year old !!

Anyway, rest assured that at Salt Lake we will have speedy cars, and that Jan and I will be giving everything we have…like always.

Johnny O

Houston
Added 04/23/07

Finally !   Each race this year we’ve had a speedy car, but something has kept us from winning.   At  Houston, well things finally turned right for the #3 car, and Jan and I got our first win together as teammates .    It was a great feeling.

Houston is a really difficult and bumpy track.   Not the sort of track you would choose to run on it you had a choice, but we don’t , so all of make the best of it then visit our chiropractors on Monday !   We don’t get much track time there, and for the session before qualifying we went the wrong way with the set-up, and with the tem minutes between that practice and qualifying the crew changed the springs, bars, and dampers to something closer to what we had started the event with.   The car was better, but not good enough and I was just about a tenth back of Olivier in the #4 car.   Frustrated as qualifying is so important.

Anyway, for , morning warm-up our engineer Joe Keifer had tuned on her a tic more, and in the morning warm-up I actually went faster than where we had qualified.   That was a good sign, and in the race we had a strong car.    I was able to stay right with Olivier, who I think was struggling a bit more with grip than I was.    The difference in the race came on the first round of pit stops, when I had a very clear in lap, and then on my out lap also had a clear track.   That was the difference as I came down the front straight, and got by Olivier just as he was leaving the pits.

I was able to open up some gap to him, and kept pushing hard as even though you might have some advantage, things can go wrong on the pits stops, and you loose it all.   But when I switched over to Jan, the crew did an amazing job, Jan got out in front of Oliver, and we never looked back.

A really good feeling needless to say.    Hopefully it is the beginning of a streak, that sure would be nice.   A special mention really has to be made to all the guys that work on the #3 car day in and day out.   Just like us driving, they have never given up, and never quit despite the long run of bad luck.   Make sure that when you see them at the track…to let them know what a great job they do.

Salt Lake City is up next….one of my favorite tracks…. And know that the #3 car will be speedy…. Wicked speedy…

Johnny

St. Pete
Added 04/10/07

Well sorry about the delay getting this report up, but after the race I went to South Florida with my kids and did some jet skiing and had a bit of fun.    Another disappointing result for us in the #3 car with us having a drive shaft failure during the race, and had it not been for that, well it would have been quite a battle as we really had a great race car.   Very speedy.

I had really been looking forward to the race, as I had a good run there last year in the Caddy.   We were good all the way up until qualifying when we went the wrong way on the set-up, and wound up being a bit behind the #4 car on the watches.   But knowing where we were, and had been, well I was optimistic that during the race we would be hooked up.   And we were.

Until we broke.  Olivier and I were having a good run, running very close, and pushing very hard.   I know that everything would have come down to pit stops, and I was quite confident that our guys could get Jan out fast and we could get in position to win.   Unfortunately we never got the chance to find out, and as I sat at the far end of the track with a broken car, well knew that Jan and my chances of winning the championship were truly set back, and that we’ll have to really attack the rest of the season.

Long Beach is up next and hopefully we will have a good run.   Jan has been there and run the current circuit….I’ve been there but on the old track.   Our schedule there really stinks, and the race is shorter than usual, but hopefully we have a good race, and put on a good show.   We are so overdue on the #3 car, and I know that both Jan and I are as hungry as ever to change that !!! 

Johnny

St. Pete
Added 03/29/07

Always always use the right tool for job.    When you don’t bad things can happen, and that is exactly what happened to me early in the week.   Trying to get a tie wrap off of something, I was using a Swiss Army knife, knowing it was wrong, and of course cut through the tie wrap, and then straight into my hand.    Not a pretty sight the inside of your own hand, and after quickly checking to make sure I could still move my fingers, wrapped my hand in a towel and headed to the emergency room.   About 2 hours later I was out with 6 stitches, and for the first time in awhile feeling some luck on my side as I didn’t get anything that would keep me out of the car.    So good news !!!

As I’m writing this, I’m in St. Pete, and realizing that it was over 20 years ago that I first raced here.   Having won and always been at the front, it’s a favorite place of mine to race.   Very cool city, and excellent circuit.   Making it even better is that I have my kids with me, and they are always good luck.    We brought the Jet Skis down with us, so after the race we’re going to the Marco Islands for a few days of fun.   Should be a great time !!!

The race itself should be really good, and I’m  looking forward to it.   The car is yellow again, and it will be the first time in 7 years that Jan and I will be together in a sprint race.    I know that he is as motivated as I am to win, and both of us are hopeful that we have a speedy car.   No doubt the guys in the #4 car will be motivated as well…so it should be a very hard race between us.

Hope that you enjoy watching it, and I’ll try and get updates up when I can.

Johnny O

Sebring
Added 03/24/07

Well it was a good event for Corvette Racing, but we came up just a tad short with the number 3 car. For me Sebring is just as important as Le Mans, I’m tied in wins there with Phil Hill, and each year I go there so focused on winning. We had a great car, and the guys did a super job prepping it, and changing it over to white, but I guess I’ll just have to keep on going back until we get that seventh win.

The week was going great for us on the number 3 car and Jan is acclimating himself very well. There were some tire issues that we were having to deal with, and based on what we had all run on before qualifying, it was best for Jan to qualify as he was the only one that had gone out on sticker tires that were what we would qualify with. He did a super job getting the pole, and all of us were confident that we had a great race car.

In morning warm-up, we found a small leak in the gearbox, and the team did a super job putting in a different one, that had slightly different ratios that we would have to get used to in the race, but it was not a big deal. Ron had a good stint keeping Oliver behind him, and then I was able to keep the lead and open up a gap to Olivier during my stint. We had one small problem in the pit stop when I handed over to Jan, that allowed the #4 car to catch back up to us, and when Jan handed the car back over to Ron, well that was the difference in the race.

Oliver Gavin had pitted two laps before us, and did just an amazing out lap and first lap that allowed the #4 car to get in front of us. You have to give credit where it’s due, and those few laps meant a lot in the overall scheme of things. From that point on we were pushing as hard as we could to get back in front, but the opportunity never arose, and so the #4 car won, with us second. Not the way I wanted to start the season, but we go again in a few weeks at St. Pete….and hopefully we can reverse that order !!!!

One really cool thing, no pun intended, that the team has developed in the off season, was the Air Conditioning. For the first time ever, the car is actually comfortable to drive heat wise. It was all developed in conjunction with the production side of GM working with Pratt and Miller, and is a good example of why Corvette Racing is such a valuable tool for GM. Each working together and improving the product. In 6 years of being in that car, working on the seventh, it’s the first time I’ve run with my visor down. That’s great as with it down you breath a lot less carbon dust, and towards the end of a stint, you are so much better physically and mentally. So to Doug Fehan and Gary Pratt and all the guys that made that happen….a big thanks.
 

Johnny O

Sebring
Added 03/02/07

Well a lot has gone on over the winter, but the biggest thing racing wise is Ron deciding to step back and just focus on the longer races.   I know that this was a hard decision for him to make, especially because he is still lightening fast, very speedy, and for me it’s really going to be odd not sharing the #3 car with him all the time.  

My first race with Ron was of course the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2001 which we won overall.   It for me was a great debut, and as the season went on we began on a journey that I know for both of us will be incredible rocking chair equity.   All the wins, fun times, hard times, challenges we had to overcome….. just so many memories.   But I know we will make more.

Some special ones that come to mind.   The only win we’ve had in the #3 car at Petit Le Mans when we were running second to Thomas Enge in the Ferrari .   They had been running quicker than us just by a tic most of the race, but on the last stop the guys put softer rubber on and Ron just totally ran him down…and with like two laps to go we got by.   Unreal.   Then there was qualifying at Sears Point 2 years ago.  We had missed a tic on the set-up, but on Ron’s flyer, watching him run into turn one without lifting, well chills went up my spine.  He got the pole, and it was one of the most special laps I’ve seen.   Shoot as I’m writing this I know I could go on and on.

He’s been an incredible ambassador for the team over the years, and has always represented Canadians in the highest light.   He is the most honorable guy I know, and like me, I know that all Corvette and racing fans will miss him suiting up each week-end.   If you are only planning on one race this year, make sure it’s one that Ron will be driving in… I promise you you’ll see something special.  

I’m glad he will be going to all the races with us, as his ability to set up the car, work with the engineer…and well me, is amazing.  

Jan Magnussen will be my new full time teammate and is someone I know all Corvette fans will come to love.   He’s extremely quick and talented, and I know dedicated to winning races just like Ron is.   When you meet him, be sure and mention that you think Johnny has more hair than he does !!!   Kidding aside, I know that for me this is going to be a very special year.   Sharing the car with Ron for the big three races, hopefully getting some wins with him, and then working with Jan to make the #3 car as strong as possible.

I hope to see you all at Sebring….and if not there, somewhere along the way this season.

Johnny O

Super Bowl Ad Report
Added 02/10/07

OK for those of you wondering…no I’m not quitting my day job and leaving racing to pursue as career as a rapper.   But it is nice knowing I have something to fall back on, so thanks to everyone a GM for letting me exhibit some other skills !!!   Now you understand that normally I respond in time to almost everyone of the Guest Book, but I hope the following will answer your questions.

We actually did that in December at Indianapolis at the Speedway.  The last time I was there I left in an ambulance…so I was happy to know I’d not be leaving the same way.   It was really cold, and when they told me I was going to be rapping just laughed…cause Red headed white guys from Georgia are really known for that !!!   Anyway, I learned my lines, and they seemed to really like it.  

They then just in case had me sing American Pie.   Now that I nailed.   Honest.   I used to sing it to the kids at bedtime, and was hoping that they would use it…but no luck.   Anyway I had no idea that it was going to be a Super Bowl commercial, and man did my phone start ringing for the next few hours !!!   So thanks to everyone that called, and glad that I was able to amuse you all.

We just finished 3 days of testing at Sebring and it went very well.   The engineers keep finding ways to make the car better, and Michelin with the tires is always giving us solid rubber.   It looks like it might just be the 2 vettes in ALMS this year, which is a shame, but I know we’ll still put on a great show for all the fans.    Someone else came up with the following idea, and I think it’s great.    You should contact the offices at ALMS and let them know if you agree with me.

Let us run open.   Seriously.    We make around maybe 600 hp now.   Let our guys build them to 900 hp.   They can do it, and it will most likely be easier on the engines.   Think how cool it would be seeing old time horsepower again !!!   Like wheel spin in 5^th gear type power !!!!   How cool would it be to see us out drag an LMP1 car…  They would still be faster cause of braking and cornering, but hey let us make a show !!!

Maybe you think that’s nuts, but it would be cool, and the ALMS is for the fans is it not ?  Yes we’re speedy now, but just imagine….

Anyway, for the first time in a long time I’m back in town for about 3 weeks and not having to leave.   I’m really looking forward to the breather, and getting to spend some time with my kids.   I’m closing soon on a new house they both love, and it will be fun getting that place up and running.    Again, thanks for all the nice notes about the commercial.   It’s very cool, and a good sign for our program, that GM included us.  

Johnny O

Daytona 24 Hours
Added 02/01/07

If you watched the race, I doubt you saw much of it as from what I heard most of the coverage was on the DP cars, and not the GT class.   Our Pontiac GXP-R was very well prepared by both Pratt and Miller and Banner racing, and all things considered it was a good result.   No kidding we were down about 10 MPH to the Porsches, and it was all we could do to just keep things close.

I had a very good qualifying session, using the draft, and would up 5^th.    Way better than we expected, but I knew once the race started we would lose positions to be down on power.   I started out doing a double stint, and then gave the car over to my team mate Leighton Reese…and then he handed it off to Tim Lewis who was the third driver in the car.  

We all pushed as hard as we could and stayed in the top 8 of our class most of the event.

Tim did an excellent job staying out of trouble when it was raining, and think that as the season goes on he will show quite well.

Near the end of the race, we were running in  5^th  about 14 seconds back of a Mazda driven by Randy Pobst.   I got in the car with about 50 minutes remaining, and finally caught him on the last lap as he got tangled in traffic.   I managed to get by him with some bumping and banging…then he got back by me…and then I finally got back by him and we crossed the finish line one car length in front.   It was a great way to end the race, and I really appreciated how hard and clean Randy raced me.   Good fun.  

Next up for me is testing in the Vette getting ready for the season.   Things with Pratt and Milller are as strong as ever, and we all look forward to putting on a good show for all Corvette fans this season.   It might just be us racing each other, but even that will be exciting.   Hope to see you at Sebring…

Updates
01/14/07

Sorry that it’s been awhile since I got anything up here, but with the holidays and all you know how it is.  Anyway, here’s what’s been going on.

Recently I tested down at Daytona in the new Pontiac GXP.R and got acquainted with Leighton Reese who will be campaigning the cars in Grand- Am this season.   He will be teaming with Tim Lewis Jr. in one car with Kelly Collins and Paul Edwards in the other.  For Daytona, I will be teamed with Leighton and Tim, and then Andy Pilgrim will be with Kelly and Paul.

In testing, we learned a lot of things.   One is that we needed to do a lot of work on making the cars more comfortable in the cockpit.   Lots to do there.   But we also learned that under the current rules, man it’s going to be impossible to win Daytona.   Compared to the Porsches we are so slow on the straights that we might as well be dragging a parachute !!!   Our handling is not that awful, but Hoosier apparently has a new tire this year, that I think most would agree is not an improvement on last year.   So many challenges ahead of us.  

One thing that blew me away in the test days was the number of times they had to stop the sessions for someone wrecking.    With the competition so close I guess…everyone is taking big chances, even in testing, dropping wheels all over the place, and making the chicane in particular a mess.   I hope it’s better for the race…but then that’s something you can never count on !!!

The GXP I think has lots of potential.   Some of the more difficult driving aspects now are visibility…when you see the car you’ll notice we sit very low…well actually that’s not the case.   It’s that under the rules the body work had to sit really high !!!  So it’s going to be hard not getting run into from time to time as you just don’t see the small proto types sneaking under you at the last minute !!!   Luckily Pratt and Miller build a really strong car !!   Anyway, it should be fun regardless.

On the Corvette side of things, well we are testing shortly and really looking forward to it.   I’m not sure where we are racing to be honest.   If there is no competition we may find ourselves racing in Europe.   I’m still shocked that no one has looked at the rule book and realized that the Saleen would be winning lots of races if it was still around.   They would have given both us and the Aston last year fits.   But as things stand right now we are waiting to hear if Aston will be back.   If they are, then I know we will be too.

Finally I’m doing more top secret work on future production corvettes.    I really enjoy doing it and having an input into what all Corvette owners will experience a few years from now.   I promise you the cars will be very speedy…very speedy indeed !!!!

Johnny O

More Corvette stuff
12/13/06

I’ve been totally flat out lately.   Between going testing for GM and other appearances I haven’t been home much, but finally I get some time to begin thinking about Christmas !!!

One very cool thing I’ve been doing recently is working with Tom Wallace and Jim Mero on future Corvette stuff.   I have to tell you, this stuff is wicked cool.   It’s interesting in that they are working on things so far into the future, and seeing how much technology and the geniuses associated with it, well very impressive indeed.   If you haven’t had the chance to meet Tom Wallace yet, do what you can to get the opportunity.   Behind all the intelligence and experience is a guy who digs cars … make that fast car…more than anyone I know.   We got mega lucky when he got the call to head up Corvettes future.

Finally, I was in Indianapolis at the Speedway on Monday.  The last time I was there I left in an ambulance…so it was a much nicer trip this time !   We shot a commercial bit that should be run on New Years I think.    I think based on what they told me it should come out looking pretty cool….but if you think I come off as a dork…well I don’t mind having a little fun poked at me.   Regardless let me know what you think !!!

Most importantly… to everyone, Merry Christmas.   I hope that God watches over us all during the holidays keeping us safe, our families safe, and our hearts happy.   2007 is here in the blink of an eye.   I’ll once again be doing Daytona in the Pontiac, and hopefully will improve on finishing second last year.   Then, the real work begins.   I’m already thinking about Sebring…and know once again the #3 car will be the one to beat.  We’ll be speedy for sure !

Johnny O

More sponsors
12/01/06

For ever now I’ve been wearing Bell Helmets.   Fortunately I’ve not had to rely on them for quite some time, but each time I’ve needed to, they’ve done great.   They take care of Ron and I really well, and Toni at Bell is the best at taking care of us.

Personally I get my helmets painted my Bullseye Visual.   Mine is a very easy design that I’ve had forever, but  they also do Andy Pilgrims helmet which if you get a chance to look at is very artistic and neat.   They do an amazing job if you are looking to get your helmet painted.

Other folks that help me out are Piloti Shoes.  Over the years I’ve used so many different brands, but by far the best are the Pilotis.   It used to be after a long race, 12 hours and up, my right foot would be so bruised from braking that  walking was a big problem much less being effective with the brakes.   With the Pilotis there is virtually no problem with that, and a big thanks to them.

Finally, X-Autoproducts.   They supply the team with great lubricants and car polish/wax.   The guy that  I work with is named Barry Moore, and he also sells car lifts for your own garage and other cool stuff.

So if you’re looking for a Christmas present for one of your car loving friends, check out my links page, and check out their sites.

Johnny O

Sponsors
Added 11/24/06

As you all know, sponsors play a big role in racing, so over the next few weeks I’ll mention a few of the folks that help me out.

I’ll start out by talking about BerryBoost.   It’s a product I use regularly, and is awesome at keeping colds away, but perfect for really maintaining your body whenever you are stressing it really hard.   Whether that be through hard training or just the stress of everyday life.

Anyway, I’ve found it to be really helpful for me in my training, and race preparation, and use it during the events.  It’s incredible the difference you feel the day after a race when using it, versus when you don’t.   So if you’re one of those people that are into looking after your body, you might want to check it out.  

You can click on the link and check it our for yourself.

Johnny O

Sebring Testing
Added 11/15/06

As I write this we are Sebring doing testing for next season.   Every year we come down here before thanksgiving, and begin to work on both tires and chassis for the following year.  Then during the month of December the team goes back, looks over the cars and the ton of data collected, and then when we return we always have a car that’s even more speedy.

We’re running our new cars, and they have a great feel to them.   Each year there are very small subtle changes made that improve the car.   It’s funny in that it seems the sanctioning bodies are always trying to slow us down, but somehow or another we find ways of remaining fast.

One really cool thing I did was tow my jet ski’s down with me, and before the test I went to Ft. Myers and did a little bit of running on the faster one around Sanibel Island.   Totally the coolest thing as about half an hour into my ride I saw a few dolphins so I stopped…and there must have been about 20 in the area.   It was extremely neat to watch, and once about 15 yards away one totally went airborne.   I was trying to take pictures with my cell phone, but sadly it wasn’t quick enough to catch.    Still it was a great time.

The next few weeks I’m busy doing lots of cool corvette stuff.  Both on the racing and production side.  I’ve also begun working on getting a few driving events set up like we did last year at Carolina motorsports park.   I’m most likely going to open it up to other cars…like Ferrari’s and porsches and stuff…so that we can see who really has what !!   I know that all that attended Corvette Camp had a great time and learned a lot, so if you’re interested keep watching the site, and we’ll get information out to you as we get plans firmed up.

Johnny O

Season Review
Added 11/06/06

Well we certainly didn’t get the results we wanted this season with the #3 car.   In looking back it’s very frustrating as so many times we had a good car, and then bad luck went against Ron and me.   Sebring was a great example where we were leading, had to do a stop and go, dropped back, then retook the lead only to have a rare gearbox problem take us out of contention.

At Houston, we had it again, but on my in lap there was a caution and the extra time getting in the pits allowed the #4 car to move in front of us.   Le Mans, well that was my mistake, but think that the Audi being so close to me on corner entry took the downforce off the back of the car…which led to the spin and contact.   But for that, we again had a great car.

Lime Rock we needed another lap,  Mid-Ohio a better starter, Petit we had brake issues…and well Laguna, we would have won but for a rare tire malfunction.   What is really frustrating is that speed wise I felt we were pretty good all year long.   Whereas last year the #4 car regularly out qualified us, this season I think we really got the better of them.   Our engineer Joe Keifer was amazing, and the Dan Binks, Gary Young, David James and Mike West crew of the number 3 car were stellar as always.

Ron, well like always he was fast and solid.   This was our 6^th year teamed together and the guy continues to amaze me.   His ability to read the car is so good, and his race craft is second to none.   He is the best teammate a guy could ask for in the car, but out of the car he is just as special.   This past season has been very difficult for me due to some difficult family matters, and Ron, Linda, and well the entire team have been the best friends any guy could ever ask for.   The same could be said about all the Corvette Racing fans we see over the season.   The manner in which you treat us all, makes us so appreciate representing all of you on the race track…and your love for the Corvette and sportscar racing is one of the things that help keep our program alive.

Finally, a special thanks to everyone at GM and Pratt and Miller for the outstanding efforts given to our program.   Gary Pratt and Doug Fehan have assembled the best talent in America to ensure our success, and it’s with great pride that when we suit up and hop into the cars, we know that we are given the best possible chance to show well.   Though it seems far away right now, 2007 is going to be here in the blink of an eye.   We will be testing the new cars again shortly, and rest assured that next season, Corvette Racing will again be the ones to beat on the world stage.

Johnny O

Laguna Seca
Added 10/24/06

It used to be on of my favorite circuits.   Great layout, elevation changes, and good places to pass.   With all the changes that they’ve made to it to make it safer for motorcycles though, it has turned it into an awful place to hold a car race.   All the dirt and sand that gets dragged onto the surface, and cars getting stuck in gravel traps, well it is just as frustrating for us drivers as it is the fans having to spend so many laps under caution.   Hopefully next year they will have it figured out.

Once again Joe Keifer and the guys gave us a great race car.   I was pleased with my qualifying run, getting second to the Aston, and felt that though maybe not the best qualifying car, (we had too much understeer), we did have a great race car.    And so badly I wanted to end the year with a win.

Ron started the race and things got very interesting when Olivier was rammed into and had the left rear quarter panel damaged.   He pitted under yellow so didn’t lose to much time.   And luckily the handling was still ok for him.   Ron was having a good run, keeping the Astons close…and I knew it was going to be a great race as both teams seemed even.

I got into the car at about an hour and a half into the race, with the way things were going thought that maybe we lost a lap with yellows and all.   It was weird as you would have 2 laps of racing, then 10 of yellow.  Anyway, once things got going we were in third place and able to close on the Astons.  When I finally got close to the 009 car I was very pleased with our car, but was beginning to go loose.  I wanted to tell the crew, but then didn’t as I know that the Aston Martin team listens to us, and didn’t want them to know !!!

Anyway we closed up and had a very good battle.   With about half and hour to go I was able to get by, but then ended up getting passed back down the straight.  It was good fun, but to be honest with how the car was going loose…figured that even if I had made the move stick it would have been hard to keep the lead.    Just after he got by me I was punted by one of the Zytec cars and lost about 6 seconds.  I tried to get back our lap times, but with my tires going off, couldn’t do it and let Olivier go by so that he could have a chance.

The last 10 laps of the race were awful.   Unreal hard to go quick and not spin.   We ended up finishing third, and I later learned that my right rear tire had delaminated which is why our handling went so bad.   Just kind of our luck for the year, in that when we had a good car that should have won, well something always happened.

I also ran the caddy at Laguna, and honestly was given the best handling CTS-V that I’ve ever had.   We qualified 6^th but things were close, and I thought for sure I would be able to work my way to the podium.   There was the usual chaos at the start, and once things settled down I was in 5^th, and happy to stay there and let everyone else run their tires off.   Like I said, we had a great car and I was confident that we could not only move up…but a good chance that we would win.

Bad luck struck again though when we had an ignition problem similar to what cost us a win at St. Petersburg.   I tried recycling the master, and it was only when I got into pit lane that the engine re-fired.   We went back out way down the order, and though we only finished 13^th or something, we did get fastest race lap.   Like I said…the car was really good.

So not a great week-end, but Corvette did win the manufacturers battle which is always the main goal.   Looking forward to next season there is much to be excited about.   New cars for next season that I know will be great, and getting back into the winners circle…and more than just once.    Thanks to everyone that supports us, it means an awful lot to us all.

Johnny

Laguna Seca
Added 10/16/06

Well I leave on Wednesday for Laguna and I’m very much looking forward to it.   New surface and other track improvements should make for a great time.  I’m racing both the Corvette and the Caddy…so it will be another busy week-end for me.   We should be a little bit more on equal footing with the Astons, and hope that the Michelin tires will suit the new surface well.   In the Caddy, well I’ll be running 100lbs more that Max Angeleli….but a little less than Andy Pilgrim.

In both series there are championships to be decided.   Manufacturers and Drivers.   Hopefully we will be in position to help both, by winning in the Corvette…and then hoping that one of the three Caddys can win as well.    Both cars have done well in the past, and hopefully can continue in the same direction.

Last year Ron and I had it more or less sewn up, when a very rare bad pit stop cost us the race.   In the Caddys…I think Max Papis won last year, so they also go there with a very good set-up.  No matter what , it will be a challenging week-end and with luck we’ll end the year on a high note.

Finally, we’ve already done a bit of testing with next years cars, and they look really good.   The engineers always find some way to improve things, and the new cars are no exception.   Everyone at Pratt and Miller does such an amazing job, it really is great being part of all that they do.

So keep fingers crossed for us…and I’ll be sure to fill you in on what went on behind the scenes…

Johnny O

Roebling Road
Added 10/11/06

So what do you do on a week-end when you aren’t racing ?   Well you get in the car and drive down to Roebling Road to help your son in his first go-kart race !!  Now it had been years since I’d been to a go-kart race, and pulling in and hearing the engines and smelling the fumes…well was totally awesome.

My son went down with his friend Palmer who’s been racing with his dad Height Adams for years.   They had a spare kart and were totally cool about letting Canaan have a run.   He practiced on Friday while I was up in Charlotte doing one of the star mazda shows, and then I met them at the end of the day.   The reports on him were really good, that he went quick but showed good patience.   We had dinner with a bunch of karters on Friday night and it was fun hearing their stories and seeing the boys crack each other up.

On Saturday one of the guys I had met came up and told me that there was a guy there named Robbie Harper who would be happy to put me in a kart.   I kind of hemmed and hawed, but after getting the OK from Steve Wesoloski went ahead and gave it a try.   Now it had been 22 years since my last kart race, and I had never been to the circuit, so figured I would be toast.   I got to do 7 laps before the race and was amazed to find how physical it was.   Totally a killer workout.

Anyway, I made a good start in the race, and after a few laps started catching the leaders.   When I finally got there it was the biggest blast drafting back and forth, and really I thought I had a good chance of winning.   I lead a bunch of laps but then my motor started missing and rather than blow it up pitted.  Big smiles on my face, and Canaan was cracking up as I gu