6 replies to this topic

[Jim Drago]

Congratulations AMG and Elivan!

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[Chris70]

Elivan Goulart
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Goulart Joins Team AMG and Races to Victory at Thunderhill

SHELTON, CONN. (December 6, 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 Jesse 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 driving skills as well as the entire Team AMG (DriveWithAMG.com) on car preparation. I can't 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 Mazda 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 only one hour into the event. It ended up only being a shifter problem, but 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 a.m.!

"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, competing 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.

[Todd Lamb]

Cooper, Combs, and Goulart did great - congrats to our AMG sister car!

Ummmm.....Jim Daniels was not in the E0 car. Pretty sure he was back home by Sunday morning.

[Ron Alan]

And I thought I was a proud dad...if Ademir's phone hadn't kept ringing(awesome F1 ring tone!) he'd still be talking about his kids with me
One of the nicest guys I've met at the track. Elivan couldn't have been more of a gentleman in the paddock with never a sign of frustration or anger when things didn't go as planned with the car. Always had a smile on his face and a story to tell(like dad!) as he watched his teammates run. In the end their patience and long hours in the car paid off with the win! Was a pleasure meeting both of you...hope to see you back next year! Ron

[Steve D]

Ummmm.....Jim Daniels was not in the E0 car. Pretty sure he was back home by Sunday morning.

That may be true but he started Spec Miata. So in a way, he is co-driving with all of us.

[Caveman-kwebb99]

That may be true but he started Spec Miata. So in a way, he is co-driving with all of us.

If that was really true Steve...wouldnt most of the dirvers be driving the car a whole lot faster?

[Chris70]

Thanks for the kind words Ron.
Nice meeting you.
Good luck in 2012
Ademir