RFM Front Page News

TORONTO, Canada (December 6, 2003) -- The Orbit Racing 43 car is one of the more recognizable teams on the ALMS grid, both for their exploits on the track and their charitable work off it. Leo Hindery, regular co-driver with Peter Baron, is a large influence in both fields. In addition to his undeniable talent in the car, he is co-chair of a UN AIDS and a Russia-US AIDS project, has ownership in Petty Enterprises and is a vital part of the Victory Laps program that helps support Victory Junction, a camp for chronically ill and disabled children that the Petty family are building to honour the memory of their son Adam. And in his spare time, he’s CEO and founder of the Yankee Entertainment and Sports (YES) Network and co-author of a book on the great American game of Deal Making. Recently Leo gave us his take on the 2003 season and his thoughts on 2004.

Kate Shaw: What do you think was the highlight of the 2003 season for Orbit Racing? Were there any lowlights that you care to remember?

Leo Hindery: The highlight obviously was Le Mans, which is a dream and then a dream come true. Lowlights were one only, in that we had more mechanical DNFs than we ever had in any season before or all the seasons combined. So the high was Le Mans and the low was DNFs that put us out of the points race.

KS: Which track do you think suited the car best in 2003? Why do you think so?

LH: It was clear that the Porsche does real well at Le Mans. But I would also say Road Atlanta. Porsche is very, very successful, potentially, at both Le Mans and Road Atlanta.

KS: What are you plans for Le Mans in 2004? Do you have any plans for new and interesting promotions like the t-shirt cannon?

LH: We're thrilled at the prospect of going back to Le Mans, based on our performance this year. Our plans are for even more fan involvement, trying to tie in the Yankees.

KS: What is your opinion of the two young drivers, Marc Lieb and Mike Rockenfeller, who joined you from Porsche this year? Would you like to have them both drive with you at Le Mans or Sebring? What are the chances we will see them again?

LH: It wasn't just a privilege, it was an honor. They are extraordinary young kids outside of racing and they're exceptional racers. We'll know in a month or so how driver line-ups shake out for next year, but it would be a privilege if they included Marc or Mike.

KS: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the fans?

LH: The thing I'd like to share with the fans is that Don Panoz does have it right. It is For the Fans. One of the attitudes that we keep trying to bring to this sport is a partnership among the fans and the race teams. It's more fun to race in front in fans than to race without fans there. I've always believed that.

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If you have not met the men of Orbit Racing yet, I urge you to go by their paddock during a race this year and say hello. You will be glad you did.

Next week: Johnny Mowlem of ACEMCO Racing