Tom Milner: Looking back on 2006 Series Return - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

gaijin · 11-13-2006

MILNER: LOOKING BACK ON 2006 SERIES RETURN

Braselton, Ga. - While his plans for the 2007 American Le Mans Series are still coming together, Tom Milner had plenty to say about BMW Team PTG's return to the top level of North American sports car racing in 2006. There were plenty of highlights: three podium finishes in a highly competitive GT2 class plus the championship of the Klein Tools Pit Crew Challenge.

"In the overall picture it was clear we didn't have enough power (in the BMW M3)," Milner said of the on-track performance. "Some of the good results had to do with pit strategy and a little bit of luck and gambling. Call it whatever you want!"

The highlight of the year (at least in Milner's eyes) was capturing the second annual Klein Tools Pit Crew Challenge. After advancing through two rounds at Portland and Road America, the PTG crew bested a trio of the Series' finest - Corvette Racing, Aston Martin Racing and Petersen/White Lightning - to take the championship. It was clearly an emotional victory for the drivers, crew and especially Milner.

"It means consistent performance for a considerable stretch, then rising to the challenge when you have to," he said. "For me personally, it was the next best thing to winning a championship. The whole thing was emotional and rewarding.it was very worthwhile."

As was PTG's return to the American Le Mans Series. Milner had been away from Series competition since 2003, and PTG won the Series' first GT2 (then GT) team championship. In 2006, Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand finished third at Lime Rock and Portland along with a thrilling runner-up finish at Road America where Hand led late before a Jorg Bergmeister pass for Petersen/White Lightning.

"We picked our game up and got better and got lucky," he said. "At Lime Rock we led for awhile. At Portland we did well and could have qualified on the pole.

"At Road America, it was all of that plus Bergmeister makes a mistake and goes off into the gravel (he did make it back around the BMW however)," Milner continued. "It was a teaser where we got all excited thinking that we're going to win! That's what racing is all about - taking advantage of all the opportunities you have."

Speaking of opportunities, Milner said there are some in play for the 2007 season. He dearly wants to compete again in the American Le Mans Series next year. Returning with BMW likely is out of the question but the rumor mill has suggested Milner fielding any one of a variety of entries in the Series.

"We have plans to be back in the Series," he said. "We know all about the rumors. We're working on it but are slowly running out of time."

11-13-2006	#1
gaijin Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Road Atlanta Posts: 371	Tom Milner: Looking back on 2006 Series Return MILNER: LOOKING BACK ON 2006 SERIES RETURN Braselton, Ga. - While his plans for the 2007 American Le Mans Series are still coming together, Tom Milner had plenty to say about BMW Team PTG's return to the top level of North American sports car racing in 2006. There were plenty of highlights: three podium finishes in a highly competitive GT2 class plus the championship of the Klein Tools Pit Crew Challenge. "In the overall picture it was clear we didn't have enough power (in the BMW M3)," Milner said of the on-track performance. "Some of the good results had to do with pit strategy and a little bit of luck and gambling. Call it whatever you want!" The highlight of the year (at least in Milner's eyes) was capturing the second annual Klein Tools Pit Crew Challenge. After advancing through two rounds at Portland and Road America, the PTG crew bested a trio of the Series' finest - Corvette Racing, Aston Martin Racing and Petersen/White Lightning - to take the championship. It was clearly an emotional victory for the drivers, crew and especially Milner. "It means consistent performance for a considerable stretch, then rising to the challenge when you have to," he said. "For me personally, it was the next best thing to winning a championship. The whole thing was emotional and rewarding.it was very worthwhile." As was PTG's return to the American Le Mans Series. Milner had been away from Series competition since 2003, and PTG won the Series' first GT2 (then GT) team championship. In 2006, Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand finished third at Lime Rock and Portland along with a thrilling runner-up finish at Road America where Hand led late before a Jorg Bergmeister pass for Petersen/White Lightning. "We picked our game up and got better and got lucky," he said. "At Lime Rock we led for awhile. At Portland we did well and could have qualified on the pole. "At Road America, it was all of that plus Bergmeister makes a mistake and goes off into the gravel (he did make it back around the BMW however)," Milner continued. "It was a teaser where we got all excited thinking that we're going to win! That's what racing is all about - taking advantage of all the opportunities you have." Speaking of opportunities, Milner said there are some in play for the 2007 season. He dearly wants to compete again in the American Le Mans Series next year. Returning with BMW likely is out of the question but the rumor mill has suggested Milner fielding any one of a variety of entries in the Series. "We have plans to be back in the Series," he said. "We know all about the rumors. We're working on it but are slowly running out of time."