Continental Tire IMSA Spotlight: John Pew

IMSA Spotlight: John Pew
Driver: No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Ligier JS P2 Honda
Follow: @JohnPew1

How was your Le Mans debut and did it meet your expectations?

“Although we did a lot in regards to preparation, nothing can really prepare you completely for Le Mans. Since most of the race track is on public roads, it’s not a tack you can go practice on, so we spent a lot of time on simulators like iRacing and Jeff Segal’s GPX simulator in Miami.

“Both were a big help getting the flow of the track. Mike Shank and I went to Le Mans last year as spectators to scope things out which was a big help in figuring out logistics for this year. Mike did a fantastic job with that.”

What was the most surprising or challenging aspect of the event for you?

“I think having to deal with a much faster class. The LMP1s on track were different, but it really wasn’t a big issue. They are so much faster than us, it actually makes it easier than if they were just a little faster than us.”

Coming off the win at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, do you feel you have good momentum heading to Watkins Glen?

“Yes, I do. Watkins Glen is one of my favorite tracks and I am looking forward to driving the new track surface. We have not had a chance to test on it, but I think we will be good.”

How do you expect the Ligier JS P2 Honda to react to the new surface?

“We have not tested on the new surface, but generally the Ligier JS P2 Honda does well on smooth surface tracks.

“The challenge with the DPs is the straight from up the hill to chicane. They are very fast in acceleration and top speed.”

Now that you’ve checked off Le Mans, do you have any other races still on your bucket list?

“None in the United States, since I’ve raced at so many tracks here, but a few in Europe would interesting, like Spa and Silverstone.”