The Secret Life of Walter Mitty #7 ORECA Prototype was quick and definitely in the hunt for the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón 2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore race through the streets at the city’s Inner Harbor. Unfortunately, a violent crash during qualifying ended the team’s effort.
Tomy’s co-driver, Rusty Mitchell was attempting to qualify the No. 7 when he made hard impact with the wall separating the track from the pit lane configuration by Camden Yards. The incident did significant damage to the car’s tub… beyond repair in time for Saturday’s race.
Rusty suffered injuries to his leg. He his currently recuperating and preparing for the Circuit of the Americas’ (his home track) ALMS race later this month.
“I’m really glad Rusty’s injuries weren’t worse,” said Tomy. “You hate to see anyone get hurt. It’s heart breaking that we didn’t get to race… but the important thing is Rusty is ok.”
“The car was running great all weekend. The track was brutal… but we were getting around there pretty good. Assuming we could have avoided that first lap pile up, I definitely think we would have been in the thick of it.”
“Baltimore fans were great. We had a fantastic turn out for our autograph session… lots of fans asking about Rusty’s condition and all seemed to be looking forward to the Christmas release of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.”
Next up is the International Sports Car Weekend at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, September 20-21, 2013. Qualifying at the 3.4-mile track will be held Friday, September 20, at 2:40 p.m. (EDT) and will be streamed live on ESPN3. The race will be held on Saturday, September 21, at 3:45 p.m. (EDT). In addition to being streamed live on ESPN3, the event will also be broadcast on ESPN2 Sunday, September 22, at 1 p.m. (EDT).
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: Opening in theaters December 25, 2013. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is an epic drama/fantasy film directed by and starring Ben Stiller. Bored office worker Walter Mitty [Stiller] spends his days creating elaborate fantasy worlds for himself in which he gets to live a life of adventure while romancing his co-worker Cheryl [Kristen Wiig]. However, when both their jobs are threatened in the real world, Walter finally shakes off his lethargy and sets off on a global journey to introduce some genuine excitement into his life.
Tomy Drissi is an American driver and Trans Am Champion. His driver experience includes ALMS, Trans-Am, NASCAR and Speed World Challenge.
Born December 9 in Hollywood, California, Tomy owns an advertising firm that produces upcoming film displays for cinemas. Drissi’s first racing experience in motorsports was street racing on Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills.
His professional racing career highlights include; 1999 Trans-Am Rookie of the Year, 2000 Trans-Am BBS Most Improved Driver, 2000 Trans-Am Crew of the Year and Trans-Am Champion. He also competed in the American Le Mans Series LMP1 class at Mid-Ohio finishing 3rd. 2011 saw Tomy’s return to the American Le Mans Series, LMPC division. He scored a 2nd at Long Beach, 3rd at Lime Rock, 1st at Mid Ohio,1st at Inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix and second at Road Atlanta -Petit Le Mans. In 2012, Drissi teamed with Bruno Junqiera for finishing 2nd at Laguna Seca, a win at Mosport (Canadian Tire Motorsports Park), 2nd at Baltimore and second at the season finale, Petit Lemans.
Tomy is married to Lacy Livingston Drissi.
Find out more about Tomy Drissi at http://www.tomydrissi.com or follow Tomy on Facebook /tomydrissi and Twitter @tomydrissi
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is the world`s leading sports car championship and is recognized as the Global Leader in Green Racing. In the tradition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, multiple classes of cars – purpose-built prototypes and production-based Grand Touring automobiles – race on the track at the same time to create compelling race action and constant passing. All cars in the Series compete using one of five approved alternative fuels or energy sources: clean sulfur-free diesel, cellulosic E85 or E10, Isobutanol and electric hybrid technologies. The Series has more automobile marques involved than any other major race series in the world as manufacturers develop relevant technologies on track that transfer directly to the customer showroom. The ALMS competes at North America`s premier road racing tracks and selected temporary street circuits in major urban markets.