Meira Doing What Meira Does

If there is a podium, the Mirror Man will find it in 2006.

Fresh from last week’s IndyCar testing session at Daytona, Vitor Meira joined Highcroft Racing team owner Duncan Dayton and former IndyCar driver Memo Gidley in finishing third at this weekend’s Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta Motor Sports Center. Auto Racing Daily provided coverage of the 10-hour race, which was televised live on SpeedTV for those who wanted to experience their own form of endurance.

Meira's podium was even more remarkable, as he'd never even seen an ALMS race before this weekend, nor had he ever been to Road Atlanta. He only did one stint, albeit a double, but the Indy Racing League IndyCar star from Brasilia, Brazil and Indianapolis went home a podium finisher in the top class in one of endurance sports car racing's premier events.

Is there anything this guy can’t drive well? If he can just up and drive to third place in an endurance race of a series he has never before SEEN, then I’m thinking he’s good for a medal finish driving for a Brazilian bobsled team.

Like John Barnes, the owner of Meira’s Panther Racing #4 said:

"Panther can't see anybody driving the 4 car but Vitor Meira," Barnes stated. "I can tell you, it would cost me my house and home and everything else, my wife would divorce me if he wasn't driving our car. We all love him. We definitely think he'll be in the car for us next year."

Reviewing again: Despite being winless in his career, Meira finished on the podium six times in 14 races in 2006. He also finished sixth or better in nine of the last ten races.