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American LeMans
ALMS: 10 Questions With Michael Lewis
Autocon Motorsports team owner discusses 2010 and beyond in latest installment of 10 Questions.
John Dagys  |  Posted December 24, 2009   Chicago, IL
Lewis has also stepped away from full-time driving as of late, but enjoys getting behind the wheel of his Lola B06/10 AER from time to time. (John Dagys)
As one of the smallest teams in the American Le Mans Series, Autocon Motorsports often doesn’t get to share the headlines with the big-buck factory squads in the prototype ranks. But as these high-profile teams such as Penske Racing, Andretti-Green Racing and Lowe’s Fernandez Racing come and go, Autocon has been a mainstay in the series. It’s commitment to the the premier prototype category has been unwavering.

Team owner Michael Lewis takes a unique approach in not only assembling the best possible squad with a limited budget, but also having fun at the same time and not getting too caught up in the highly competitive and multi-million dollar sport. That doesn’t mean Autocon can’t achieve commendable results, though. One needs to only look back to the season-ending round at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, where drivers Chris McMurry, Tony Burgess and Bryan Willman finished fourth overall and third in LMP1.

With the San Diego-based team set to return with its Lola B06/10 AER for 2010, we caught up with Lewis to discuss his plans for the upcoming season and beyond. It’s all a part of the latest installment of “10 Questions.”

DAGYS: Looking back to Autocon’s 2009 season, what were the highs and lows in your opinion?

LEWIS: On the whole, it was a tough year with the reliability problems we had. It’s a shame because the car was excellent, we just kept having engine problems in the first half. The ‘what could have been’ highlight was Sebring where we were running ahead of the entire P2 field on merit and running sixth and seventh overall deep in the race before we had an ancillary engine problem. 

The proper highlight, and a great way to end the year, was our podium at Laguna Seca where we battled Intersport and Corsa all race. We hit our marks as drivers, crew and strategy. It was gratifying to see the result and a great way to end the year and a proper send-off to Chris McMurry.



DAGYS: As you just mentioned, Chris McMurry is stepping away as a full-time driver. Has there been any progress on finding Chris’ replacement for 2010?

LEWIS: We’re in talks with a couple of people and there is some progress. It’s important to us to get the right guy, and not just a funded one.  It has to be someone who fits into the team dynamic. There’s a chance for a real surprise as well. Time will tell. But if all else fails, maybe I’ll suit up again for Sebring! 


DAGYS: What does Autocon’s 2010 schedule currently look like?

LEWIS: We’re hoping to do the full schedule, dependent on the third driver, but as a minimum I think we’re good for six or seven as we stand right now.

DAGYS: Has there been a decision on the engine choice for the Lola B06/10 next year?

LEWIS: We have re-signed with AER for 2010. It’s no secret that we had some concern with last year’s early season problems, but to their credit they stepped up behind their product and worked hard. By the end of the season, I think progress had been made and our new agreement stipulates that the upgraded effort continues.  They’re a good group of guys that are real racers, kind of like us, I like to think.


DAGYS: In 2008, the team competed at Le Mans for the first time, and you’ve never hidden your desire of returning to Circuit de La Sarthe. Do you plan to submit an entry request for 2010?

Lewis, McMurry and Willman competed at Le Mans in 2008 with a Creation CA07 Judd. They hope to return in 2010, entry permitting. (LAT)

LEWIS: Yes. We submitted an entry last year as well and were quite disappointed on not getting an invite, particularly in light of some who did.  But c’est la vie (that’s life) and I see the ACO has made some changes to their selection criteria to give more weight to those that support sports car racing all year. In my opinion, that’s the right thing to do.

We certainly are working hard to get back there in 2010. With the impending rules change for 2011, it’s hard to say when our next chance might be. It’s the greatest experience in racing I’ve ever been part of, and falling five hours short of finishing our first time there was tantalizing. I know that we as a team and myself as a driver will be much more prepared.

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