JAMES KOVACIC - SPORTSCAR DEBUT AT LAGUNA SECA - 21.05.2010
James Kovacic is set to debut as the youngest driver in the longstanding USA IMSA Sportscar series - COOPER TRES PROTOTYPE LITES for the 2010 season. After a fantastic debut season in car racing in 2009 (Formula BMW) culimnating in a Race win and 7 podium results.
James is now set to follow in the footsteps of many famous Aussies, such as Mark Webber, David Brabham and Ryan Briscoe. All of which have become a dominant force in their respective series they race in currently after competing in Sportscars early in thier careers.
David Brabham (currently racing in the ALMS Series at Laguna Seca this weekend) is the 2009 24hrs of Le Mans winner, Ryan Briscoe (current PENSKE IRL team driver) and Mark Webber (RedBull F1 Racedriver and Monaco Grand Prix winner), all gained experience in Sportscar Racecars.
James debut season in 2009 in race cars, has set him up with good knowledge for the 2010 season. In 2009 James set track records at Mosport International Raceway and fastest laps at Lime Rock Park whilst racing in the Formula BMW series. With very little track practice in 2010 due to school comittments, James flew out of Sydney on Wednesday, May 19th and arrived at Laguna Seca after a 20 hour trip from Australia.
Undaunted by the task ahead, James managed to set 4th fastest time in his 2nd practice on Thursday and 6th fastest in the first session. With no chance to really get over the jet lag, James managed to prove his speed in the PROTOTYPE sportscar on Friday, setting the fastest lap in the final practice session.
After speaking with James, he was philosophical about his chances, as he said " I am very happy to be here. Unfortunately I have never raced or tested at Laguna Seca and I have never driven a PROTOTYPE LITE 1 car before. It is the most powerful car I have driven to date! On top of that, I have to learn about the car at one of the most daunting tracks of all time here at Laguna Seca. Unfortunately, the team had some set backs with flight delays getting to here and we were a bit behind in preparation. The car felt good though and as I get used to it, I should get quicker. The team have been absolutely fantastic. I really feel welcome here and they are doing a fantastic job. Hopefully, if I put on a good show they will perhaps give me a go in the ALMS car one day. In the meantime, I will strive to keep learning and hope that I can make all my sponsors and fans here in the USA and Australia proud and happy. Without their support I wouldn't have been able to get here and race."