ALMS makes another convert

[Liz]

This week I sent a brand new correspondent to Laguna Seca to cover the race -- she's from Vancouver and was able to go, but had never attended a sports car race and knew nothing about sports cars when she started out. She's been covering CART for years and expected ALMS to be the same.

ALMS provided a textbook called "Sports Car 101" which explained clearly with photos and illustrations how the series works, and she studied hard before she went -- and when she arrived with interviews set up by me, she found a welcome she had never anticipated. The guys at Peterson Motorsport/White Lightning, particularly their PR guy Tom, took the time to explain the series to her and give her background on not only their team but the series, and Tom actually gave her a tour of the pitlane and explained the classes of cars and who was who. Same for the guys at Carsport America; not only did they get her an interview with one of their drivers, but they took time to explain to her what they were doing and about the series in general. She was totally blown away by the amount of access she is given, by the lack of hassle by the hierarchy as regards access (particularly to the podium and the best photography areas) and the general hospitality and friendliness of everyone from the campsite to the top of the pyramid.

She's now an enthusiastic convert to sports car racing and plans to go back to Laguna next year and if possible to attend other races == and to follow the series in the media. And she's definitely going to Le Mans.

The ALMS is not only "for the fans" -- it's for the media too! Compared to CART, the ALMS has got it right.

P.S. Visit our website www.rfmsports.com to see what she's been doing! (End of shameless plug)