Looking back at this time last year, we were coming off of a strong year. 2010 started as just a three-race deal for us, but it ended up being much more with a win. Entering 2011, we were excited to bring DHL and Sun Drop on board at St. Pete.
Things were looking up at the beginning of the season. We had a lot of speed everywhere we went, except for Indy unfortunately, and qualified on the front row twice before May. Unfortunately, the results didn’t show our speed. We just couldn’t put it together. Whether it was a mechanical issue, a penalty or going into the wall in Brazil, it was one thing or another.
Quick stats
Victories: 1
Top 5s: 4
Top 10s: 9
Laps led: 74
Average start: 10.5
Average finish: 13.1
I’d have to say 2011 was one of the most trying seasons I’ve had in my career, especially the problems at the beginning and with the bottom point being Indy. With how that entire situation unfolded, it was hard on everybody. But we really bounced back after that. We really turned it around, with a win and quite a few podiums and top fives. That was our goal after Indy. I felt like I had to almost make up for Indy; I just tried so hard to make it happen. But it’s really a testament to the all of the guys and everyone involved that we were able to dig ourselves out of that hole, do a good job and be fast on all types of circuits by the end of the year.
Though it was a tough year, there were definitely a lot of high points, too. I think I could have won Edmonton if it had not been for the penalty and the contact with Takuma Sato, which was my fault, but certainly very frustrating to know that the potential was there. It made me grow — and the team as a whole. We knew what we needed to do to get better results, and we did.
Loudon was maybe the most fun I’ve had in a race car. It was just a great car, and wow, what a challenging track. To get that place right is difficult, so winning there and putting the DHL/Circle K/Sun Drop car in Victory Circle was very satisfying.
I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to work with Chevy, Dallara and Firestone in developing everything about the 2012 car. To be picked as one of the test drivers is such a privilege, so I’m looking to take full advantage of that and take it all in. Hopefully, I can make it something that the whole team will benefit from. It’s a unique opportunity and I’m honored to take part.
Next year, we know what we need to do to be a title contender, and I really believe the team can be a regular contender for race wins, wherever we go. We’re going to work hard this off-season to make that happen.