Will Road Atlanta dry out for Petit LeMans?

Don’t know if this is true or not, but there is a rumor going around that there has been a run in the bookstores around Braselton, Ga., early this week. Reports were that gentlemen in driving suits were picking up Garth Stein’s “The Art of Racing in the Rain" in droves … or should that be in driving rain storms.

Stein’s novel about sports car racing talks about how great drivers learn that racing isn’t as much about going fast as it is learning special techniques – such as driving in the rain – and those that learn it well become the great ones. While the book’s theme is about how to successfully navigate life’s trials, those driving at Road Atlanta’s 12th annual Petit Le Mans powered by MAZDA6 this week may need to take note of the art of racing in the rain.

Rain has not let up in the Atlanta area since last Wednesday. More than 10 inches have fallen and up to another six are expected by end of day Tuesday. So what does this mean for Saturday’s Petit Le Mans?

“While it certainly presents some challenges for Geoff Lee and his staff at Road Atlanta," said Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series, “I can tell you that watching world-class sports cars race at 160 miles per hour in the rain around an iconic course like Road Atlanta is just spectacular. And while the weather may be an issue, the great part is that our guys race rain or shine, night or day. Road Atlanta is working extremely hard on contingencies that will minimize the effects of the rain. And we will be prepared to put on an outstanding show for another great crowd."

The forecast for the end of the week and weekend class for the rain to dissipate and the entire region to dry out. But regardless, one should still expect to see some spectacular racing as the top sports car teams in the world descend on Road Atlanta for Saturday’s 1,000-mile/10-hour sports car classic.