A chat with David Murry
By Thomas Lee
Photos courtesy Thomas Lee and Margot Orenchuk
Sonoma, California (July 17, 2004) -- After today's Grand Prix of Sonoma American Le Mans Series qualifying events RacingLines.com was fortunate to be able to spend some time with David Murry, co-driver of the No. 31 Petersen Motorsports/While Lightning Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.  The 31 car, with Murry's teammate Craig Stanton, won the number 3 slot in today's newly formatted qualifier. 

Murry talked about being glad to be back in Northern California, and of bringing his wife and son to this weekend's event so they could enjoy time in the Wine Country together as a family.  While the racer loves the Atlanta, Georgia area, where he makes his home, he also likes seeing different regions while on the racing circuit, and having his family join him when they can make it a family event.  This is especially true considering the time he is required to be on the road for the racing circuit.  His family will also be him when he returns to the Golden State in Laguna Seca in the middle of October. 

Murry is very glad to be a part of the Petersen Motorsports/White Lightning team, having known and been friends with several in the organization before joining the team.  He expressed his satisfaction with the complementary match of racing techniques with his teammate and friend Craig Stanton.  Murry stated how, as a team, they can work on different areas, and mesh the lessons learned into a mutually beneficial mix.  The dynamics of this team seem well matched and destine for additional accomplishments, which could be a mantra for the 31 Petersen/White Lightning 2004 Porsche, in the highly competitive GT series. 

When asked about the No. 31 car, Murry said they have come a long way, considering the small amount of time available for a testing period.  He stated the team is continuing to unlock the potential of the racing machine. Considering the excellent showing in the qualifier today, after the car's inaugural race just a few weeks before in Mid-Ohio, one can only wonder if they are finding the key.  With Murry's varied background as a driver, he acknowledged racing the Porsche GT is challenging, yet can also be quite rewarding.  He spoke highly of the Michelin tires, and said they are a real plus for the Porsche 911.  He felt the Michelin's performed well on the newly resurfaced Infineon road-course, especially during today's warm, sunny day when track temperatures reached 124 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Like many of us, Murry would like to see more media coverage of ALMS, not just on race day nine times a year, but also during qualifying events, in addition to human interest stories, as seen in many other professional sports.  We also discussed certain changes he thinks might benefit the series, perhaps some restructuring and consolidation of classes, and in spite of the acknowledged complications of modifying the rules involved for an international racing series, there was a lot to consider during our discussion.  Murry has driven in many different classes, and puts ALMS at the top.  While he has enjoyed many aspects of the different series, he is very happy to be a part of the growing and exciting world of ALMS.  He pointed out the fact that when racing in a series with 40 plus cars, or less, there is still only going to be one top ten, and to win you need to beat that top ten either way. 

We talked about the added exposure the ALMS is receiving this weekend, with the presence of Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and the differences between stock car racing and the Grand Prix series.  Murry said he likes the opportunity to be able to gauge himself against different drivers from other series, and while he feels a "good driver is a good driver," he is not one to minimize the major nuances of the various classes of racing vehicles.  [This was before Junior’s fiery crash of the No. 8 Corvette the following morning in practice, and David Murry was visible shaken and concerned about his fellow racer when we talked with him later that morning.] 

Unlike some, Murry is satisfied with the new single-car qualifying format. He liked the opportunity of clear track ahead, with less chance of contact, where a car might sustain damage that could take the team out of the actual race.  He feels a driver must push themselves just as hard to make a good show, though accepted there could be less chance of televised qualifiers without the burst afforded with a full-force qualifying format. 

During Sunday's race the No. 31 car had contact with another car, which resulted in the need for a complete radiator overhaul during race.  In spite of that unfortunate setback, the team still managed a top ten finish for the class. 

We would like to thank David Murry, and the entire Petersen Motorsports/While Lightning Racing organization for the hospitality and access provided to our staff.  A special thanks goes to Tom Moore.  The professionalism, high standards and goals of this entire organization cannot help but spell additional achievements for the Westward Ho Casino/ MMPIE/ PAWS/ Michelin Porsche 911 GT3 RSR team with drivers David Murry and David Stanton.  We cannot help but add what a pleasure it was to be able to spend time with David Murry, a great driver and all around high class gentleman. This is a team we will continue to watch. 

This interview was provided to us by our sister site, RacingLines.com.