Cog-zio's Tidbits
By Derek Meluzio
Both Darren Law and Forest Barber took time to answer a few questions for their fans. Both drivers will be competing at the upcoming Bully Hill Vineyards 250 at Watkins Glen.
Darren Law
How did your relationship begin with G & W Motorsports?
"Actually it started in 1998 when 2 friends asked me to drive with them in
the #2 G&W car at the Sebring 12 hour event. Our car broke in the first hour but
I had gone quick enough in the old car that G&W asked me to jump in their
primary car and finish the 12 hour event. I think we came in 4th in class. I have
driven for them ever since."
How does the Picchio DP compare to previous cars you have raced?
"The power is not outrageous but good and it has nice torque. It is quite a
bit different from a sedan but a lot of fun to drive and pretty predictable.
Because they don't have a lot of downforce it takes a lot to get the most out of
it but when it is handling good I really enjoy it."
What is your impression of the class and the racing that has gone on so far
in 2003?
"I am very impressed with the class and the competitiveness of the cars
within the class. It has been very close racing, wheel to wheel and sometimes even
closer than that. Grand American has done a great job with the rules package
in keeping the cars equal. Anyone can win so that has made it a lot of fun. So
far we have had great response from both other competitors and fans and it
looks like we have a lot of new cars coming in so I think it is just going to get
better and bigger as the years develop."
What are your plans for the remainder of the season and 2004?
"My plans are to finish out the season with G&W in the Picchio and continue
to develop the car. As far as 2004, I am not really sure at this point, there
are a lot of things to sort out before the end of the season but I hope to be
back in a DP next year."
Forest Barber
How did your relationship begin with Doran Racing?
"I had known of Doran Racing/Enterprises for some time, but Jim Bell, our
team owner and race engineer, has known Kevin since the days when Kevin's
team (Al Holbert) raced 962 Porsches against Jim's Team."
How does the Doran JE4 compare to previous cars you have raced?
"The DSP is very different than other cars I have raced, i.e. Ferrari F355
Challenge, and Grand Am Cup spec BMW E36 M3. DSP is faster, more g-forces,
HOTTER, and much more "edgy" than the production based cars. It is a purpose
built race car. It is really fun to drive when all is as it should be, and
can be pretty intimidating at times."
What is your impression of the class and the racing that has gone on so far
in 2003?
"The class has been slow to grow, but all the efforts have been high
quality. The competition has been very keen, and I believe the racing has
been really exciting to see. We look forward to seven DPs at Watkins Glen,
hope for 10+ at the Finale, and 15+ for the 24."
What are your plans for the remainder of the season and 2004?
"We plan to race for the Team and Driver's Championships (for Terry
Borcheller) for this year and to race the full season in DP in 2004. I do
not plan on racing in the GA Cup series in 2004, as I want to focus solely
on the DP."
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