Greg Pickett returns for Petit Le Mans
Pickett, who has not raced since Sebring in March, has been preparing his return and following his stint during Wednesday's test session at Road Atlanta decided that it was time to get back in the cockpit in a competitive environment alongside Klaus Graf and Lucas Luhr.
The American was all smiles after putting in the equivalent of a race stint aboard the Muscle Milk Aston Martin LMP1 coupe. Prior to Wednesday's test, his last laps in the prototype car came in early May during a private test session at Road Atlanta.
The team owner had stepped out of the car earlier in the season to focus on business obligations, giving up his seat to Luhr who with Graf was fighting for the LMP1 Championship up until the previous race at Laguna Seca.
Pickett, whose Muscle Milk Aston Martin Racing team led the petrol cars in testing on Wednesday, will be back on track later today with his co-drivers for the start of official practice.
Saturday's 10-hour/1000-mile Petit Le Mans will be streamed live in its entirety on ESPN3.com starting at 11:15 am ET and will be broadcast on tape-delay on ABC, Sunday, October 2 at 4:00 pm ET.
QUOTES
Greg Pickett, Owner/co-driver Muscle Milk Aston Martin Racing
"It felt great to get back in the Muscle Milk Aston Martin today. It was important for me to see how I felt before making my final decision in regards to racing in the Petit Le Mans this weekend. It's one thing to do a few laps but I got through what equaled a whole race stint and I feel great.
"I've been out of the car for a while but I've been preparing to get back in the cockpit and that preparation paid off. I'll be able to do a couple of stints and allow a little breather for Klaus and Lucas who will be doing most of the driving.
"It definitely won't be easy out there with so many cars, even in testing it was interesting getting through the traffic but I'm looking forward to it."