For John's dad in particular, it was the stuff of dreams.  The Nurburgring is without question the greatest and most famous racing venue in the world.  The VLN course at 14.65 miles is an incredible test of man and machine, and for this 6 hour endurance race, 180 vehicles were entered.

We employed three drivers - John Edwards, Michael Edwards, and the seasoned Nurburgring specialist and 24 hour of the Nurburgring winner, Michael Auriemma.  We went there to compete and win.  And we did.  Pat Daly, our friend from Skip Barber Racing, drove up from his vacation in Stuttgart and joined in the fun.  John Mayes was there racing a BMW z4 which ultimately, and unfortunately, succumbed to a major crash, leaving his teammate transported to the hospital where no serious injuries were discovered.

We arrived on Thursday and took tourist laps in the rental car to experience the camber and elevation changes in the track.  These pavement contour features are not readily apparent in simulation, many hours of which had been spent in preparation in addition to endless time spent reviewing track notes and in review with the drivers.

On Friday we qualified.  Michael Auriemma put in a great lap only to be eclipsed for the pole by the qualifying effort of Michael Edwards.  This time stood until John put in his first lap and took pole for good by a significant margin, which will not be disclosed (article written by John's dad).

The following day the team kept the lead on the start and dominated.  Michael Auriemma put in consistent fast laps and brought the car into the pits after 1 1/2 hours with the lead.  Michael Edwards likewise put in a solid hour of quick driving and brought the car in with the lead.  John followed with a 3 hour stint and pulled away with fastest lap after fastest lap.  Michael Edwards finished the last thirty minutes for the win. It was a momentous celebration as the car crossed the finish line first in class, an event in a dad and son's life that very few have been fortunate to experience - the stuff of dreams ! (Click here to take a lap around the VLN configuration of the Nurburgring in the Schubert BMW 320D !)