Local Sports

Passionate supporters make American Le Mans Series special

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TBO.com
Published: November 21, 2012

BRASELTON, Ga. - In the spirit of Thanksgiving, drivers from the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón reflect on what we, as a Series, have to be most thankful for: the fans.

Without the fans, there would be no ALMS. The enthusiasm of the fans makes a race weekend and makes long weeks away from home worth it for everyone involved. Lest you think we don't recognize how dedicated and knowledgeable ALMS fans are, a few personalities from the paddock would like to share their thanks.

Guy Cosmo of Extreme Speed Motorsports is very appreciative of the people that attend ALMS events during the year.

"ALMS fans are just awesome," said Cosmo. "Our ALMS fans are true followers of our sport. They're knowledgeable about the history of racing and ALMS in particular, enthusiastic and supportive of everything we do. They make the events a true joy for us to put on a great show and share our passion together. Without our fans, we're just driving around in circles!"

Chris Dyson loves the feeling when the fans can get close to the drivers and the cars at ALMS events.

"I love racing in the ALMS," Dyson said. "For me, the paddock has the same vibe it's had since the heydays of the IMSA Camel GT series where I grew up watching my dad race. There's a tangible buzz wherever we've gone for the past 10 years I've been racing here. We go to incredible venues, and the fans are wonderful. People just love these machines, and the technology that's on display here just gets everyone jazzed."

The proximity to the race teams separates the ALMS from a lot of racing series.

"There's always plenty to talk about, and our paddock is always really fan-friendly," Dyson said. "You really feel like you're part of a happening, and because we have continuity in the schedule you actually get to know fans and the corner workers at some of the tracks and form some great relationships."

Green Hornet Racing's Damien Faulkner enjoys the camaraderie the ALMS drivers enjoy with the fans.

"There are many things I like about the ALMS fans," Faulkner said. "What immediately springs to mind though is their warmth when we (the drivers) get to meet them in the paddock. Their sense of knowledge too is impressive."

Corvette Racing's veteran driver Oliver Gavin is a fan favorite.

"The fans in the ALMS are amongst the most loyal and knowledgeable people I've ever met in my career," Gavin said.

Paul Miller Racing's Bryce Miller enjoys the interaction between fans and drivers.

"They are very technically knowledgeable and brand loyal, which sets the stage for lots of fun interactions between the drivers, teams and their fans," Miller said.