Supercar Life Racing heads to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal, Quebec, August 29, hoping to secure the team's second-consecutive podium finish in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series' Daytona Prototype class.
Circuit Gilles promises to be the perfect capstone on a successful month: On August 7, team owner Scott Tucker and co-driver Christophe Bouchut drove their No. 55 Supercar Life Racing BMW-Riley DP to a third-place class finish at Watkins Glen International-their first podium finish of the Rolex season.
"Overwhelming-that would be the word I would use to describe our last race," Tucker said. "I couldn't be happier for this team. We've all worked so hard this season, and standing on top of that podium was incredible; none of us will ever forget that moment."
With the Montreal 200 a major summer attraction, large crowds are expected to descend upon Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve to watch their favorite Rolex Series drivers charge around the 2.708-mile road course. It is the Series' first stop in Canada this season; with only two races to go until the championship, stakes are high and the excitement is palpable.
"I am very excited to go to Canada for our next race," said native Frenchman Bouchut. "The Canadian fans are always supportive. After the last race, this team is pumped up. I think our chances are good for another podium."
But Team Manager David Stone is keeping his team focused on the task at hand-preparation. "After our last performance, this team is more determined than ever to take first on the podium. Montréal's circuit is fast. The roads were designed for automobile racing, but are used as public roads for the rest of the year, so it is similar to a street circuit with some very distinctive characteristics, such as the low grip, long straights and hard braking. Whoever is behind the wheel first will need to concentrate solely on the initial laps and get a feel for how best to drive the track to get the fast times we will need."
Located on the man-made Ile Notre-Dame in the middle of the St. Lawrence river, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has 15 official turns and offers many challenges along the way to the checkered flag. In 1999, the well-known wall that bears the greeting "Bienvenue au Quebec" ended the race of three Formula One World Champions-Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve-and also sidelined FIA GT champion Ricardo Zonta. Since then, that wall has been nicknamed "The Wall of Champions"; its tricky turn continues to claim victims race after race.
But it's not Tucker's first time at the infamous Montreal track. The expert driver pulled double duty there during the 2008 Ferrari Challenge Series season. He and the No. 55 F430 were well on their way to a podium finish when a serious crash between two other competitors ended the race early, forcing Tucker to settle for ninth. That same afternoon, Tucker competed in the IMSA Challenge Porsche GT3 SuperCup, driving the Kelly-Moss Motorsports Porsche 911. Yet again, Circuit Gilles' tough track foiled the ace driver's plans for a podium finish; he was making his way to second place when another competitor caused him to spin out. Tucker's level head and superior handling nevertheless secured a hard-fought, fifth-place SuperCup finish.
"The most important thing for Scott and Christophe as they drive through this weekend's turns is to be able to take those bumps and hits well, so it doesn't disrupt the car too much. In general the No. 55 needs to remain as steady as possible. If the guys stay focused, that podium will be ours," Stone said.
Their eyes on the prize, the Supercar Life Racing team will be ready when the green flag drops at 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 29. For live coverage of the race, tune into SPEED TV at 2:00 p.m. EST.
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