A Message of thanks
from the Race Directors of IMSA, IndyCar & the Mazda Road to Indy
To all our Volunteers, Corner Marshals and Course Observers:
We pause at this time of the year to reflect on the past
season, how thankful we are to be racers, and how very much we appreciate your
continued support.
With our seasons concluded, it is clear that both of our
sanctioning bodies underwent some significant changes in 2012:
IndyCar bolstered its on-track product with a new chassis, multiple
engine manufacturers, a return to previous venues - and of course, a new race
director. Eight winners emerged from five teams, an American series champion was
crowned in the waning moments of the season and Lights champ Tristan Vautier
ascended another rung from his ’11 Star Mazda Championship.
The American Le Mans Series experienced another great season
of multi-class Prototype and GT racing and now looks forward to a 2014 merger
with GRAND-AM Road Racing to create the long sought after series that will
blend the best assets of each organization.
The IMSA development program expanded its Canadian GT Series and crowned
two young stars of the future (please remember the names Tristan Nunez and Sean
Johnston!)
And of course, at every turn, 2012 yielded the usual excitement,
intrigue, drama and uncertainty. Not different from life itself, and perhaps
why we are all here. If outcomes were assured, it wouldn’t be racing.
What is very certain to us is the commitment, dedication and
bravery you demonstrate every step of the way, no matter the task, time or
place. We appreciate the sacrifices you
have all made in your personal lives to make room for our events. We applaud
your steadfastness as you endure the challenges created by the elements, the
weekend schedules and the competition itself. We value your ideas and
suggestions on ways to make Marshaling and service to our competitors safer and
more efficient.
Please also consider this a standing invitation to join us again
in 2013, from Sebring to Atlanta and from St. Pete to Fontana, continuing your
roles as an integral part of the success of each one of our series. We thank
you for spreading the word about what we do and how much we love it - pass it
along and bring a friend!
From everyone in IMSA and IndyCar Race Control, our paddocks
and our entire organizations, we wish you and your loved ones the safest and
happiest of holiday seasons.
With regards,
Beaux Barfield, IZOD IndyCar Series | Terry Dale, IMSA Prototype
Lights & GT3 Canada | Randy Hembrey, IMSA GT3 Cup | Vince Kremer, Indy
Lights Series | Bill Van de Sandt, Star Mazda Championship | Paul Walter,
American Le Mans Series & USF2000
