Day 3 - First laps at speed at Le Mans
(June 10, 2010) -- It was a spectacular feeling to drive Le Mans today. I have never driven a race car and upshifted into fifth and sixth gear so many times in one lap. I enjoyed it so much that when my co-drivers, Rob Bell and Tim Sudgen, poked their heads in during the stop to ask how it was going, I just went speechless and then resorted to childish 
fist pumps.
We were held back in the garage by a couple of issues today, but I met my 10-lap day and three-lap night requirement, and the setup was improved again before Rob's qualifying.
Unfortunately, a P2 car checked Rob up in the Ford chicane on his fast lap, but none of us are overly concerned with the grid position anyway because it is a 24-hour race.
The closing speeds by the P1 cars are significant - you must constantly check your mirrors and the circuit is very dark at night like Spa, but you must know where all the spotlights are so you don't confuse them with prototypes.
Tomorrow is a prep day for the car. We will run again tomorrow night. Amen for Le Mans.
fist pumps. We were held back in the garage by a couple of issues today, but I met my 10-lap day and three-lap night requirement, and the setup was improved again before Rob's qualifying.
Unfortunately, a P2 car checked Rob up in the Ford chicane on his fast lap, but none of us are overly concerned with the grid position anyway because it is a 24-hour race.
The closing speeds by the P1 cars are significant - you must constantly check your mirrors and the circuit is very dark at night like Spa, but you must know where all the spotlights are so you don't confuse them with prototypes.
Tomorrow is a prep day for the car. We will run again tomorrow night. Amen for Le Mans.
Day 2 - FIRST TIME ON TRACK - SORT OF!
(June 8, 2010) -- It’s Day 2 of Le Mans 24 Hours week. We had a drivers meeting this morning, then I rode the circuit on a scooter with my co-driver Rob Bell, who has been here four times. Many of the turns are sweeping and fast, so car placement will be critical as well as braking with many of the braking zones being coupled by multiple downshifts. Riding down the Mulsanne Straight, it is quite alarming to see just how long the original straightaway was. My father raced here three times before when the Mulsanne was wide open without chicanes. Anyone who's done that in the cars from previous eras I have a great respect for!
We wrapped up this evening with autograph signings - the fans are super-enthusiastic and it's great to meet all of them. They really know racing! I'm looking forward to driving the car here tomorrow. It will surely be an upgrade from my scooter.
We wrapped up this evening with autograph signings - the fans are super-enthusiastic and it's great to meet all of them. They really know racing! I'm looking forward to driving the car here tomorrow. It will surely be an upgrade from my scooter.
Day 1 - (June 6, 2010) -- I arrived here at Le Mans late last night for my first time with the intent to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Riding through the town on parts of the track, I became very excited.
At scrutineering this morning in the town square, the presence of press and media along with the great swarms of fans and their spirit left me feeling almost as if I was dreaming. I am doing all I can to try and soak it all in - advice many have given me and I plan to make a discipline of.
This afternoon has been normal preparation by the team to the car and preliminarily going through seating variance issues with my co-drivers Rob Bell and Tim Sugden. I’m working to get my helmet functioning with the car radio system as well.
I have to say it feels just incredible to be here, to know I am on hallowed ground and such historic territory relevant to sports car racing teams and drivers around the world. I can't wait to start driving!
At scrutineering this morning in the town square, the presence of press and media along with the great swarms of fans and their spirit left me feeling almost as if I was dreaming. I am doing all I can to try and soak it all in - advice many have given me and I plan to make a discipline of.
This afternoon has been normal preparation by the team to the car and preliminarily going through seating variance issues with my co-drivers Rob Bell and Tim Sugden. I’m working to get my helmet functioning with the car radio system as well.
I have to say it feels just incredible to be here, to know I am on hallowed ground and such historic territory relevant to sports car racing teams and drivers around the world. I can't wait to start driving!
Bryce Miller was born July 26, 1982 in Honolulu, Hawaii and he currently resides in Summit, N.J.. He's married to Jill and holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in History. He's sponsored by Marquis Jet, IPC Systems and TOTAL Lubirciants. Among his many racing accomplishments include the 2007 Rolex Sports Car Series GT team championship. His team website is www.brycemiller.net and you can follow Bryce on Facebook and Twitter.
