Team & Driver Features
Quick Interview With Mike Lewis
By Source: Ken May
Dec 22, 2006, 16:27

With the big news of Dyson Racing heading to the LMP2 class, questions are now coming up fast and furious around the current state of the premier class in the American Le Mans Series-LMP1. Who will take the fight to the remaining LMP1 entrants and how many will there be? There is speculation from one to four Audi R10s, as well as, the possibility of a few European teams coming over; however, there is nothing confirmed to date with any of those....The only certainty for the class is that of Mike Lewis contesting in his "experienced" Lola chassis. The fans of the hardworking Autocon team hope to see a pair of Lolas in the new paint scheme...but as is always the case, before a team can field a car(s), funding must be in place....I decided to give Mike a call and chat about how the second entry is developing, as well as, this weeks Dyson news and more...
Ken May


KM: So what has Mike been up to since Laguna?

ML: Working in the ALMS coal mines!! Actually, trying to put together a better pkg for next year and chasing my 1 yr old around the house.

KM: How much testing have you done since Laguna?

ML: Our first test will be Sebring in January.

KM: Great new paint scheme for 2007, any input from you or is this Chris's baby?

ML: 100% Chris's baby. He works with Jean Richard and a graphics firm to get the concept on paper. Then he throws it over the fence and goes skiing while we try to figure out how to make it happen!!

KM: 2007 is almost on us and soon teams will be going back to Sebring for testing....you and the entire team will be there...correct?

ML: Yes, we're quite excited about getting an early start on the season. In the past things have always been up in the air until fairly close to the season start. This year we feel we can hit the ground running...

KM: Funding is always the common theme on fielding an entry, or in your case, a second entry....how is everything progressing for your second chassis?

ML: The 2nd chassis is back-burnered at the moment. We had the problem of the trying to get people to commit fairly soon after the season ended in order to get the car over here from England and prepare it properly with a test program. Turns out people just don't want to think about the 'next' season until after the new year and consequently we're in a wait and hold position. we're definitely only interested in doing a committed program and not a one where a different driver is in the seat every weekend.

KM: Speaking of chassis, big news this week on Dyson....your thoughts? How does this impact you, the class, the Series?

ML: Well.. Dyson's move certainly alters the playing field. Not only where they're going but also what they're leaving behind, which is two potent race cars who's best days from a development standpoint lay ahead. I'm sure everyone is hoping these cars stay in the series and we'd love be the people to make that happen, but economics being what they are it's low percentage for us. I know a lot of people will pile on now about how P1 is suffering, and to be honest losing Dyson is undoubtedly a big blow. However, I know the Creation guys are close to making it all come together and Zytec is at least still in the game. Either of those guys can make it very interesting for Audi on any given day. AutoCon is certainly not in that league currently but we do sneak onto the podium when things go our way on occasion. We'd love to creep a bit closer next season and I think we will. P2 is going to be a great class next year and our goal is to be watching it in our mirrors instead of out the windscreen. That's a large performance jump for us but achievable if you look at Highcroft. We don't have Highcroft's resources, but we do make the most with the least in the paddock and we might surprise a bit in '07. Let's see how Sebring goes...

KM: Finally, what are you asking for from Santa

ML: I wouldn't mind at all if a new LOLA came down the chimney!! Oh wait... its Chris Dyson on caller ID, excuse me while i take this call... And everyone have a great Holiday Season!!


The American Le Mans Series is known for exotic Le Mans style racing...with big factory efforts from the likes of Audi, Porsche, Corvette, and Panoz....but the Series is also a place for smaller teams such as Autocon, van der Steur Racing, and others to compete with the big boys. Can Mike Lewis, Chris McMurry, and the entire team from Autocon threaten Audi in their bid for yet another Championship? Not likely, but thank goodness they are willing to try. In 2007, make sure you stop by their paddock area and let them know......

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