After a long offseason, we’re finally getting close to our first race at the Circuit of the Americas. I know that fans of Pirelli World Challenge racing are as eager as I am to get back at it.

There will be lots of new faces, new cars, and many challenges ahead of us when we take that first green flag in less than three weeks.

Last season was certainly a breakout year. The level of competition at the top of the GT Class was fierce. It required both teams and drivers to be picture-perfect every event.

I trust this year will be the same. When you look at the number of McLarens that will be out there, the all-new Porsche in the hands of Patrick Long, the Acuras, the Bentleys and Audis, well you know it’s going to be amazing racing.

One of the changes for 2016 is the elimination of standing starts. Personally, I was very sad to see that aspect of our racing go away. As a driver it’s maybe one of the coolest and most exciting moments in our sport. It will mean, most likely, a little less chaos, but I’ll miss them.

Finally, this past Monday we revealed the new Velocity Red paint scheme on the Cadillac Racing No. 3 ATS-V.R. The color is also being made available as an option on new production Cadillac models as well. I have to say it looks great on the track.

My new teammate Michael Cooper, who I’m sure is going to impress a lot of people, will be driving the No. 8 black Cadillac ATS-V.R. Michael is great young talent and is getting on great with the team.

Everyone at Cadillac Racing has been working very hard in the off-season and I know, like myself, they are eager to get back to the track. As always thank you so much to all the fans of Cadillac Racing, and fingers crossed we have another good year.