ALMS: Cytosport, reinforced presence in 2012?

After Porsche RS-Spyder l?an passé, l?équipe américaine Cytosport Muscle Milk de Greg Pickett a aligné cette année une Lola-Aston Martin. Despite four victories, the team once again failed to reach second place in the general classification. This time behind Dyson Racing. Boss Greg Pickett confides.

What was the biggest difficulty encountered when switching from the Porsche RS-Spyder to the Lola-Aston Martin?
The main difficulty was due to the fact that we had very little data concerning the circuits with the Lola-Aston Martin. When we were partners with Porsche, they had great knowledge of all the tracks we went to (the RS Spyder debuted in ALMS in 2006. Editor’s note). With the Aston Martin, we had this additional task which was to collect as much data as possible, since we had no basis from which to work for the majority of the races. With the Porsche having been on the track for a number of years, there was also a lot of development work done on the car, unlike the Lola-Aston Martin which did not have much.

What was the team?s best race in 2011?
This is a difficult question. We had some good races. But at a race like Baltimore, which certainly wasn't our best weekend, we showed what the team was capable of by getting the car back on the track just in time for the race. Looking back, Mosport was probably our best race. We dominated all the sessions in which we participated, and came back after an accident during the morning session on Saturday, to take pole position and then a second victory in a row on this circuit. If you ask me what was the most stressful race, I would say Road America (victory with a tenth lead over the Lola-Mazda Dyson, editor’s note).

When you look back on this 2011 season, what is THE memory that you will keep in mind?
I think it?s the same for all members of the team. This is Greg?s last stint (Pickett the boss. Ed.) in an LMP1 at Petit Le Mans. He was so excited when he got out of the car and so happy with his performance. He finished his stint in sixth place in the general classification, after starting it in 11th position, and was ahead of a Peugeot and an Audi. He couldn't be more proud. It was definitely the highlight of this particular race, but also a moment that will stay in my memory forever. For each of us, seeing Greg so competitive in 2011 after having experienced all the races following Sebring from the outside, means a lot.

What can you tell us about Muscle Milk's plans for 2012? The team has already announced that it is returning to ALMS, but could you give us a clue, with who, with what?
We should be able to reveal what we're doing in 2012 in a few weeks. I don't want to spoil the announcement, so all I can do is confirm again that we will be back and that our presence on the ALMS tracks in 2012 will be a little more substantial.