SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (May 24, 2013)- Following a six-week break since the last round of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, Magnus Racing heads in to next weekend’s Chevrolet GRAND-AM 200 knowing that many team wives are happy to finally have the house to themselves.
“On week one, my wife was so happy to have me home,” stated Tucker Merten, one of the team’s veteran mechanics. “We spent a lot of time together, took care of several household projects, and really enjoyed life away from the track. By week three, she began to question how many consecutive days I could wear sweat pants. By week six, she was already ‘helping’ me get my suitcase packed.”
Luckily for Merten, and most of the Magnus crew, next weekend’s race kicks off a busy June that will feature three races in five weeks.
“My girlfriend kept confirming with me that I would be gone for six weeks straight,” stated Patrick Dubuc, who lives with his girlfriend just 20 minutes away from Montreal. “It was weird that she was so concerned, but I guess she wants to have the pool cleaned while I’m gone. The pool seems fine to me, but she really wants to have the pool boy come by several times to really inspect it. Oh well, a clean home is a happy home!”
Heading to the 2.1 mile course built temporarily on the public roads of Detroit’s scenic Belle Isle, the bumpy and tight nature of a street circuit has historically not favored Porsche entries. Knowing that the theme for the weekend will be on maximizing points and ensuring a solid finish, Magnus is part of a tight championship fight that sees the team in second just one point shy of the lead.
“It’s a tough track and you’re always on the edge of your seat,” stated co-driver Andy Lally. “The guys have been putting a lot of effort in to being as ready as possible for June, and it’s incredibly important we have a lot of good momentum through the weekend.”
“We’re taking this one race at a time, but it’s been a great season so far,” stated team owner John Potter. “Preparation, reliability and good fortune are going to be critical, but we have the right group for it. It was nice to have a small break, but I think everyone’s ready to return to action… especially many of the wives.”
The Chevrolet GRAND-AM 200 will take place on Saturday, June 1, as part of a double-header weekend with the IZOD IndyCar Series. The race will be broadcast live at 5PM ET on SPEED.