This season's American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron continuesapace this weekend (August 5/6) with Robertson Racing Lexington-bound forthe Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge.Round five of the 2011 campaign - the third in just five weeks - brings withit a significant change in the Braselton-based team's camp as co-owner andlong-time driver David Robertson steps back from behind the #40 Ford GT'swheel in favour of Melanie Snow.The former GT3 Challenge Gold Cup champion and 1999 12 Hours of Sebringclass winner will make her first main series GT start for 12 years at the2.4-mile, 15-turn Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course alongside fellow female racerAndrea Robertson.
Snow is no stranger to Mid-Ohio having clinched the GT Challenge classhonours there in 2009. And after spending the majority of her career racingPorsches, she will hope to utilise that previous experience of the circuitwhen testing the Ford for the first time on Tuesday ahead of Friday's freepractice and qualifying sessions.
Meanwhile Robertson Racing's #04 entry, again shared by David Murry andAnthony Lazzaro, will be looking to bounce back from a slightly frustratingresult at Mosport just over a week ago where the pair eventually came homeseventh after leading their class.With no ALMS duties to attend to last weekend, the team made the trip toWaterford Hills in Michigan where home favourites David and Andreacelebrated their recent Le Mans 24 Hours podium. Both Robertson Racing FordGTs were on display and also completed a number of demonstration laps beforespending Monday in transit to Mid-Ohio.
Team Manager Andrew 'H' Smith: "There's a real buzz around the crewfollowing Melanie's arrival and we can't wait to see how she goes on Tuesdayat the test. We've added a smaller seat to the #40 car which should alsohelp Andrea who will be showing Mel the ropes. This latest development isreally exciting as it moves the programme forward by creating a freshinterest in the team. But while two female drivers sharing the car certainlyhelps with promotion, it's important to stress that Mel has earned thischance following her success over a number of years. It's not something thathappens too often in motorsport so to be able to offer such an opportunityis very rewarding."North American viewers can watch the race live on www.ESPN3.com from 3:15pm ET this Saturday while ESPN2 will carrydelayed coverage from 10pm that same evening.ALMS fans in Europe can tune into Motors TV from 9:15pm (CET) for live racecoverage with .RadioLeMans.combroadcasting live commentary from every session.
Mid-Ohio schedule:Friday 5 August:9:30am - 10:30am: Free Practice (All Classes) 1:15pm - 2:15pm: Free Practice(All Classes) 2:40pm - 2:55pm: Qualifying (GT)Saturday 6 August8:45am - 9:10am: Warm-up3:30pm - 6:15pm: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge (2 hours 45 minutes)
