RFM Front Page News

Photos courtesy ACEMCO and Terry Borcheller

SEBRING, Fl. (March 16, 2004) -- Welcome to 2004, and the first ALMS race of the season, the 12 hours of Sebring! To kick things off, RFM is pleased to have an exclusive set of interviews with the ACEMCO Saleen team of racers; Terry Borcheller, Johnny Mowlem and David Brabham. 3 of the best sports car racers around! Terry is a former 2001 champion with Saleen; the obvious choice for the drive, and a fierce driver. But Terry has a side to him that is far more important than racing, and we at RFM salute Terry and his dedication to his faith, to his family and to his love of driving. Terry is a shining example that the whole is much greater than the sum of the parts. Terry comes to Sebring from a win at the 24 hours of Daytona, just as his teammate Johnny Mowlem does. So, as they can compare time on their new Rolex’s with David’s’, you can read about the car development, and Terry’s expectations for the coming year for his lovely new Saleen.

Margot Orenchuk: Terry, first; congratulations on your win at Daytona! You must just be so pleased at such a positive start to your season. Was there ever a point you thought one of those pesky Porsches would try to overtake you?

Terry Borcheller: No, not really. We felt even with our engine issues, we could still run a pace that would keep those beetles behind us. However, if we hadn't had the red flag, we could have been in trouble.

MO: Tell us about your new car, the ACEMCO Saleen. How has it improved since you drove it in 2002?

TB: It's much more efficient, easier to work on, more capable for good, solid endurance racing, lighter and cleaner (literally, with ACEMCO at the helm). I also think it will be a little faster. Saleen has done a great job in the evolution of the S7. '04 should be a lot of fun.

MO: How is the tire development going with Pirelli? Do you think you will be up to speed this year?

TB: Pirelli is taking this opportunity very seriously. Time will tell if they are able to deliver a winning tire, but the initial testing was very promising. For all involved, I hope they do it.

MO: Can you describe what the difference is driving Sebring during the day and driving at night is? How do track conditions change for the driver here?

TB: Sebring is one of the few circuits that offer a lot of distractions, especially at night with the bonfires (that start out as campfires) and usually a lot of smoke. The circuit also has some dark spots at night. Usually, you are into such a rhythm by nightfall, it's a lot of fun.

MO: Which one of you will be qualifying the car this weekend?

TB: I have no idea who will qualify. Johnny and I both ran really well at the initial test and our third guy (David Brabham has been announced as the 3rd driver for Sebring) is no slowpoke. I probably won't know until qualifying day.

MO: Who are you looking most forward to mixing it up with when the checkered drops on Saturday?

TB: Definitely, the Corvettes. It will also be nice if the Ferraris run, it should be a great race.

MO: What do you think is going to be your greatest challenge this weekend?

TB: The challenge will be maintaining the pace that will be set down by GM. They are not sitting still and they are going to come out of the box on fire. I'm hoping we can run with them early and do a better job of taking care of our car for the end. We'll see.

MO: I am sure you are looking forward to showing what the ACEMCO Saleen can do at Sebring; what do you think will surprise everyone the most?

TB: Hopefully, we'll show how competitive we are and how prepared we are. Also, if Pirelli hits it with the tire, I think a lot of heads will turn. It could be a great opportunity for all of us.

MO: What is the greatest joy for you when you get behind the wheel?

TB: My greatest joy is the gratitude toward God that overwhelms me every time I get behind the wheel, remembering that eight to 10 years ago, this all was just a dream and almost 25 years ago, I thought it was impossible. Now, every time I get behind the wheel, I say, 'God, thank you.' I sometimes still can't believe He has allowed me to live my passion and my dream.

MO: What is it about racing that gives you the most satisfaction in your life?

TB: I think just the similarities of life. You are up, down, mountaintops, valleys, ultra-excited, depressed, high, low. It's amazing to me how they parallel. I've always loved the strategy and competition. Also, knowing I'm a part of being the best at something is a good feeling, especially when I have something deeper than the racing to share with those who look up to me. This where sharing my faith and relationship with Jesus Christ is a lot of fun. I know God has given me a gift, and it's not just to drive racecars. He wants people to know Him.

MO: What advice would you give to a young driver today trying to get a start in a series like the ALMS who finds them self stranded without a seat?

TB: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.' That's a scripture from the Bible that I've quoted many times when I've been in that position.

MO: Are you doing any outreach work while you are at Sebring this weekend?

TB: Yes, I'll be working with Richard Anderson at Motorsports Ministries. We usually do a youth rally at a local church and I typically speak to the Sebring High School.

RFM would like to thank the always available and tireless efforts of Sylvia Proudfoot, who never, ever says NO! when we make a request! Thanks, Sylvia!