Ten Questions with Tommy Milner
ALMS: 10 Questions With Tommy Milner
Corvette Racing’s latest recruit discusses new opportunity and the challenge ahead... John Dagys | Posted January 22, 2011 Chicago, IL One of the worst-kept secrets in the sportscar racing world was confirmed Friday when Corvette Racing officially welcomed Tommy Milner as a new full-season driver for its No. 3 Corvette C6.R. The 24-year-old Virginia-native, who spent the last two seasons as a factory BMW driver with Rahal Letterman Racing, moves to the Pratt & Miller organization for 2011. Fresh off an overall win at the 24 Hours of Dubai and a three-day test with Corvette at Sebring International Raceway, we caught up with Milner to get his take on his new opportunity with the iconic American manufacturer. It’s all a part of the latest installment of ’10 Questions.’ Milner joined the rest of Corvette Racing for a test at Sebring International Raceway this week. (Photo: Richard Prince/rprincephoto.com) DAGYS: How did the opportunity with Corvette Racing come about? MILNER: I basically got a phone call and asked if I was available for next year. With the way BMW works, we were always under one-year contracts. At that point, I didn’t know what the status was for next year with BMW, so I went ahead and went for a test with Corvette in early November. The test went very well. And once the discussions started going with Corvette and BMW, I was getting the impression that there may have been one less seat available in the U.S. [for BMW]. Luckily, I basically had two good programs that were interested in me. The Corvette deal ended up being a better option. The last few years have been great and I’d like to continue building on the progress and success that I’ve personally had. DAGYS: What have been your first impressions with the team, having completed a test at Sebring earlier this week? MILNER: We were there for three days but didn’t get a lot of running in because of the weather. It rained quite a bit, so it gave limited time on the race track. It was a good first test, though. Now that I’m fully part of the team, it was really good to be there with the other drivers and crew guys and start working on the chemistry and start that process. DAGYS: Is it bittersweet in a way to leave BMW, having literally grown up around the brand with your father’s PTG organization? MILNER: My earliest memories were of my dad’s team with BMW and the success that they had, especially in the mid to late ‘90s. It was great to be a part of BMW’s program there and I enjoyed my time with them. I was in a great car with a great team and great co-drivers and was able to show my talents there that helped lead to these new opportunities, which I’m obviously very thankful for. But for sure, once all of the Rahal guys started learning that I had tested the Corvette, they were disappointed that I might have not been part of their program for this year. But for me, I was given a great opportunity with Corvette Racing and I look forward to making more history with them now. After growing up around BMWs with his father's PTG race program, a move away from the Bavarian manufacturer may have come as a tough decision. (Photo: John Dagys) DAGYS: Do you feel it will be a big change for you, now being at the wheel of a Corvette? MILNER: These last two years with BMW were pretty much the first time I had run with the same team for back-to-back seasons. It was nice to have that continuity, but I’m looking forward to being with Corvette. While there’s some changes for me, personally, it doesn’t change my approach to the year. It doesn’t change how I approach the weekends. I’m still here to do the best possible job I can. DAGYS: Having raced in the GT class for a number of years now, do you anticipate the same type of close battles throughout the year? MILNER: The competition in GT is very, very strong. I’m sure this year will be even tougher of a challenge than it was last year. Last year, Corvette was quick, but they sort of had an unlucky year. They’ve definitely improved the car and are working hard to cover all aspects to eliminate any little bits of bad luck that can bite you hard. Certainly Corvette Racing is known for being consistent, quick and a team that does everything right. They did almost everything right last year, it just didn’t fall their way. So they’re anxious and eager to prove themselves to continue their history in sportscar racing with winning races and championships. I’m looking forward to being a part of that and helping them achieve their goals. DAGYS: How does it feel to be an American, driving for Corvette? MILNER: It’s really cool for me to be a part of Corvette Racing, being an American. I’ve got some German blood in me, but I speak English, we’re in America and as far as I’m concerned, I’m an American. That, coupled with the fact of Corvette Racing’s history in the U.S. and at Le Mans. To be a young American kid, driving an American car with an American team is really cool for me to be a part of. DAGYS: You’ve had two previous starts at Le Mans, but obviously head into the 24-hour with your best shot of victory. Are you looking forward to that prospect as well? While Corvette Racing didn't get as much running time in as they'd like due to persistent rain, the team will return to Sebring to take part in the ALMS Winter Test on Feb. 9-10. (Photo: Richard Prince/rprincephoto.com) MILNER: Both times I’ve been to Le Mans, the results have been less than stellar. The first year in 2006, I didn’t even get in the car to race and I drove two stints in 2007 before the car had some issues. When I first went there in ’06, I was blown away by the atmosphere and just how big the whole race is. Those were the years where I was just happy to be a part of it, but I’ve had the desire to return in a competitive car for that race. Obviously Corvette were the favorites there last year, once the race got going when they were in control. They definitely have something to prove and some bad luck to avenge from last year. So it’s obviously going to be my highlight of the year for me. DAGYS: Do you feel that you can have a long-term future with Corvette? MILNER: Just the short time I’ve been with them already, everyone has been great to work with. All of my co-drivers are great and welcomed me with open arms. I definitely feel comfortable within the team. As long as I perform, then who knows what will happen. It would certainly be great to build a relationship with a car manufacturer, especially Corvette Racing. That’s what us drivers all hope for. That would definitely be a great thing for me. We’ll see what happens. DAGYS: You’ve had a great start to the 2011 season with your overall win in the 24 Hours of Dubai with Need For Speed by Schubert Motorsport. Did the race meet your expectations? MILNER: I really enjoyed that race with Schubert. They’re a great team. It was especially great to be a part of that after them trying for many, many years to try and get a big win like that. Stefan, the engineer for the team, said that they were leading with an hour to go and had an accident one year. The whole team was really excited to get that big win. Some of the guys were even in tears after the race. It was a great start of the year for me. Whether or not I could do more races for them, who knows. I would sure love to do the Nurburgring 24 Hours with any team, so hopefully there might be an opportunity there in the future. But I’m really excited for my main focus this year with Corvette Racing. DAGYS: What’s next for yourself and the team as you prepare for the season-opener at Sebring? MILNER: We’ll be back at Sebring for the official test next month, so that will be another good test for us. Some dry weather would be great! After that, I’m just looking forward to getting the season started. http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...ommy-milner/P1 |
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:14 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.