"I think Petersen/White Lightning will have many surprises for the fans!"
Jörg Bergmeister of Petersen Motorsports/White Lightning Racing
By Margot Orenchuk
Photos courtesy David Babcock and Margot Orenchuk

LA SARTHE, France (May 29, 2004) --  Most arguably the quietest of the Porsche Factory drivers, Jörg Bergmeister has been promoted up to the lead AJR car this year in the ALMS series with the departure of Maassen/Luhr in any regular appearances. He’s been around awhile; a solid, reliable driver that has always been one of the best around. Coming in 2^nd in class at Le Mans, he’s hunting for the top step.  Thanks to Mike and Dale and stepping behind the wheel of the “ho” car of Petersen Motorsport/White Lightning! (Does a Proper German who doesn’t laugh drive a “ho” car?) Teaming up with Herr Maassen and Mr. Long, Jörg may just be getting that chance to take that leap! We thank Jörg for sitting down and giving us his time, and sharing a few thoughts with us about his upcoming drive in the greatest Road Race on the planet.  

Margot Orenchuk: Jörg, how many times have you driven at Le Mans now?  

Jörg Bergmeister:  It’s the third time that will be I going to Le Mans now. 

MO: Has any decision been made as to who is going to be qualifying the car yet? 

JB: I don’t know! 

MO: As a driver, does this race really mean anything special to you as is does to the fans? Do you have to approach it in a different mindset? Can you? 

JB: The first time I came to Le Mans I thought it’s a “normal” 24h race, but at the Driver parade I recognized that Le Mans is different; there were so many enthusiastic fans. That was really impressive. 

MO: Do you enjoy driving this track? Is there a part of this track that you find particularly challenging?  

JB: For me the Porsche Corners are the most challenging part of the track, because it is a very fast and technical combination of 5 corners with no straights in between. 

Le Mans is one of my favorite tracks. I like fast corners and there are many of them in Le Mans. 

MO: You know that RFM will be living with Petersen Motorsport/White Lightning Racing during the race this year. What do you think will be the biggest surprise the fans will discover?    

JB: I think Petersen/ White Lightning will have many surprises for the fans. 

MO: Tell us how you mentally and physically prepare yourself to go into a 24-hour race. Do you stock up on sleep? Do you diet? Eat special? Exercise differently? 

JB: There is nothing special I do. In the night before the race I just try to get enough sleep. 

Right now I exercise pretty much - but not because of Le Mans; it’s just due to the six-week break I had after Sebring (because of the Flu) 

RFM would like to thank Tom Moore, Petersen's stalwart PR man, who we would like to advise right now to get a huge supply of tranquilizers, and we would like to remind you all that it all starts to happen in just over 1 week, when RFM hits the ground running in Le Sarthe, France with in depth, unparalleled coverage of this team! If it moves, and it’s Petersen’s… RFM will be there!!!