Petit Le Mans is where it all started for the American Le Mans Series. In 1998, the first 1,000-mile/10-hour endurance event took place at Road Atlanta, just as it will this weekend, and set the stage for the debut of the American Le Mans Series the next year and Don Panoz's vision for a professional sports car series in North America based on the traditions and rules of the French classic 24 Hours of Le Mans.

This upcoming extravaganza slated to go green on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 11:45 a.m. EDT and end in the darkness amidst fireworks, will provide a familiar setting for each of the three co-drivers for the JeanRichard-sponsored Autocon Lola EX257. Team owner Mike Lewis will will be joined in this effort by Chris McMurry and Bryan Willman.

Mike Lewis - "Petit has always been kind to Autocon and myself as we have finished every year we've run with the lone exception of 2003. That year I had the worst accident of my career after being pushed off at turn 2/3 by a GT2 that was apparently planning to be the first car ever to do a full lap without using brakes." 

"Last year Bryan Willman and I drove as a two driver effort and it was a long day. I'd do it again but I'd do a few extra hours in the gym first. This could be a very good race for Autocon in 2006."

Bryan Willman - "Last year was a highlight for me at Petit as Mike and I ran the 'Righteous Riley (& Scott)' in 3rd for much of the race only to be overhauled by a Champion Audi late in the race. It was great to finish a true endurance event, but I look forward to having Chris with us this year. It is a long race for just two drivers."

"My previous years here were pretty snake bit. In 2001, I was punted out of 4th, (good TV time I wasn't looking for). Mechanical gremlins took me out of next three events. The Lola we have this year is by far the best car ever for me at Petit. The car has a very good history here and we can be more than hopeful."

Chris McMurry -" I love the track and the event. It is huge for spectators, sponsors and participants alike. Last year, when teamed with Jeff Bucknum, we led and should have won but for a worn out gearbox. This year with Autocon, and alongside Mike and Bryan, it should be a blast. I can't wait to experience the Lola on this track. Definitely looking forward to the race. The racing gods have never allowed me to finish a Petit and I hope to break that spell this time around."

Petit Le Mans, Round 9 of the American Le Mans Series, will be broadcast live on SPEED Channel from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT and 3 to 10 p.m. EDT with MotorsTV providing live coverage in Europe. American Le Mans Radio will have live coverage at americanlemans.com, which also will feature IMSA Live Timing & Scoring.