American Le Mans Series returns to Utah

TOOELE — When David Brabham participated in his first American Le Mans Series race at Miller Motorsports Park, he felt a lot like a backpacker who realized he forgot to pack a compass after getting lost on a wilderness trail.

"When we first went there, we ran the long course and it was pretty difficult to remember where the hell you were going," Brabham said. "There were so many corners. You've got very little outside reference points. It's quite flat. There's no trees. There's no barriers in effect. It's out in the desert."

But it is the challenging nature of the course and the race itself that keeps drawing competitors like Brabham back for more.

Now entering its fourth year, the Utah Grand Prix has carved out a distinctive niche on the American Le Mans Series circuit. Top drivers in the series love how the track challenges the mettle of even the most prepared teams.

In addition to the plethora of turns, Miller Motorsports Park features the longest and fastest straightaway of any course used by the series. The straightaway extends out for 3,200 feet and cars can approach speeds of nearly 200 mph on it.

"What sets this track apart is that it is so quick and so challenging to the driver and to the race car setup," said Patrick Long, who will compete in the GT2 class at this year's Utah Grand Prix. "The corners are fast and flowing, and the weather is hot. There's elements of wind and the sun that change the racetrack so quickly that you really must be dialed in with your setup."

Park officials have actually toned down the degree of difficulty that the race presented in its inaugural year. Back then, drivers navigated a course that went 4.6 miles and included 24 turns. Now, the course goes 3.048 miles and features just 15 turns.

Shortening the course has made a difference in speeding up the race and injecting a little more excitement into the mix for spectators.

"It's better for the fans," Brabham said. "It took so long to do a lap, they all fell asleep. This way, the cars are coming past more frequently."

From the drivers' perspective, another change that has made a difference is the timing of the race itself on the series circuit.

When the Utah Grand Prix first debuted in 2006, the race was held in mid-June — a time of year where the desert heat placed a bigger factor into both the atmosphere and outcome of the race. Since that time, Miller Motorsports Park has staged the race in mid-May.