Dec 6, 2011
SHELTON, CONN. (December 5, 2011) – Elivan Goulart, SCCA 2011 Spec Miata National Champion and North East Division Driver of the Year, joined Team Atlanta Motorsports Group in their successful bid to win the United States Air Force National Auto Sport Association 25 Hours of Thunderhill race last weekend, December 3-4, at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California. Goulart, along with Team AMG teammates Jim Daniels, Mike Cooper and Jessie Combs, came from the back of the pack and overtook the lead in the 25-hour race called the longest automobile endurance race in the western hemisphere.
“What an incredible, exhausting and exhilarating experience,” Goulart said. “Coming out on top is a true testament of our frivink skills as well as the entire Team AMG (DriveWithAMG.com) on car preparation. I cannot thank Jim Daniels enough for putting together this opportunity.
“I got the call to join the team on Tuesday afternoon, and from that moment on, the true race began. It was very fast paced getting travel plans and arrangements to spend time in the car, and from the beginning it was a challenge,” he said
Although the team was scheduled to practice on the 3-mile track before the event, mechanical issues ended up leaving Goulart with no wheel time in the MX-5 Race car before the grueling race began. Because of the mechanical problems the team was unable to make qualifying, and was forced to start the race from the back of the pack, adding to the driving team’s challenge.
“We started running really consistent, quick laps, and moved up steadily in the pack – until we lost what we had believed to be a transmission (ended up being just a shifter) only 1 hour into the event. We got the car back to the pits, and this amazing crew changed the tranny and got us back onto the track in less than 25 minutes. Those guys were a huge reason we were able to keep on racing and jump to the top of the pack.
“I ended up driving more than ten hours of the race, and it was some of the most fun racing I have ever done. There were almost 90 cars on the track at the start, so there was always someone to be looking out for, and the track was a challenge, especially at 3 o’clock in the morning!
“Of course, a race like that isn’t just about driving, it’s about the vehicle standing up to the challenge, and I have to say this Mazda is a great car. We passed the competition (mainly BMWs) built up a huge lead, and were able to out-last the battle of attrition because of car failures,” Goulart said.
Overall, running in the E0 class, the team ran 615 laps – more than 1,800 miles – and beat the second-place team by 15 laps.
“It was a weekend I will never forget, and I’m sure I’ll really be able to enjoy it – once I get home and catch up on my sleep. I have to add, it was awesome to have my dad, Ademir, by my side the whole event, coaching me and encouraging me the whole way.” he said. Ademir is a key component of his son’s racing, serving as crew chief and engine builder/designer on several of the cars Elivan has piloted.
According to Goulart, his next racing adventure will be announced very soon, and will include a full season in 2012 as he continues to advance in his career.
