While the weather conditions made this year’s TUDOR finale at Road Atlanta anything but a walk, Tomy Drissi and his BAR1 co-drivers put the No. 16 BAR1 Motorsports “The Walk” prototype challenge car on the podium in the 18th Annual Petit Le Mans powered by Mazda.
The rain shortened year-end event took it’s toll on equipment, drivers, teams and fans alike… it was brutal. So much so, the race was shortened due to limited visibility and with everyone’s safety in mind. It was, however, an event that challenged each and every team to their very core. Drissi and BAR1 met the challenge.
“I almost don’t know what to say,” said Tomy Drissi. “Just wow… obviously it was all about the weather. As a driver, you just had to keep it together… find your comfort level… and try not to over do it. It’s kind of like that song… know when to roll ‘em and know when to hold ‘em. It was crazy. All the credit goes to the team… as a team. Everyone did their part. The guys driving, Johnny Mowlem, Marc Drumwright and Don Yount, all stayed cool. Mowlem was flying out there. And the guys in the pits… what can I say, they were on the money… they hit their marks all day long. It was scary… but it was a thrill. I’m so glad I was part of this.”
“I also want to make sure we thank the corner workers,” added Tomy. “Those folks stood out there all day long… not only in uncomfortable conditions… but scary conditions too. Those guys and girls rock. Thank you!!”
“We were so excited to have The Walk (opening in theaters this October) on the car,” laughed Tomy. “This race was definitely not a walk… but it did feel like being on a tight rope!”
The Walk
In 1974, high-wire artist Philippe Petit recruits a team of people to help him realize his dream: to walk the the immense void between the World Trade Center towers. As a boy, Petit dreams of performing daring feats for dazzled crowds. As an adult (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), his life’s ambition comes true when he becomes a high-wire artist who stares death in the face with every step. Under the guidance of mentor Papa Rudy, the daredevil devises a plan to walk on a tightrope attached to the north and south towers of the World Trade Center. With help from his team and against all odds, Petit attempts the seemingly impossible stunt on Aug. 7, 1974.
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.
Tomy’s 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
• 2000 Trans-Am Long Beach Champion
• 2009 Trans-Am Champion.
• 2010 ALMS (one off race) Prototype LMP1 3rd. at Mid Ohio
• 2011 saw Tomy’s return to the American Le Mans 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.
• 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.
• 2013 NASCAR CUP/Nationwide. Best result at Mid Ohio starting 38th and finishing 19th.
• 2014 IMSA LMPC at Daytona 3rd.
• 2014 NASCAR CUP/Nationwide. Finished 19th at The Glen
• 2015 TUDOR Series. 2nd Place Rolex 24 at Daytona
IMSA
The International Motor Sports Association, LLC (IMSA) is the sanctioning body of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, the road-racing series resulting from the merger of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón and the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series. IMSA also sanctions the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge and the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda, as well as four single-make series: Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama, Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin, Ferrari Challenge North America and Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America. IMSA is the exclusive strategic partner in North America with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), which operates the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a part of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The partnership enables selected TUDOR United SportsCar Championship competitors to earn automatic entries into the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.