Fernández on the 2007 ALMS Circuits

Fernández has turned many a lap at Sebring in testing, but never in a race.

ROUND 1 – Sebring
"I have logged so many miles around Sebring over the years in testing, but have never raced there. I like this track. It is really bumpy, which is tough on equipment, but that is part of its history and tradition. The 12 Hours of Sebring is a race that everyone wants to win and have on their driving resume."

ROUND 2 – St. Petersburg
"I have only raced on the St. Petersburg circuit once, and that was in the inaugural race there back in 2003 in Champ Cars. I qualified third, but was hit from behind in the race and wasn’t able to finish. St. Petersburg provides the perfect backdrop for a race with beautiful scenery and a great atmosphere for the fans. The circuit itself is nice and challenging. Its tight and traffic will definitely make things interesting for qualifying and the race."

Fernández has made 12 major career starts on the streets of Long Beach including his first sports car appearance last year where he qualified fifth.

ROUND 3 – Long Beach
"I have been racing at Long Beach for many, many years going back to Indy Lights [1992]. I have so many memories from this circuit, and it definitely feels like a home track to me. The city of Long Beach has really transformed over the years, and the atmosphere around the race just seems to get better and better. This is a race that everyone – the fans, teams and drivers – look forward to. My best finish at Long Beach was second in 2003 and it would be great to go one better this year. I have always wanted to win this race."

ROUND 4 – Salt Lake City
"This is an incredible place, first-class. At 4.5 miles, this track is really long. The first time I drove it last year, I felt like I needed to stop and ask for directions! Seriously, I left there with a lot of frustrations this past September. We were running third in the race at the five-hour mark when a mechanical problem put us out. I am definitely ready for another go."

ROUND 5 – Lime Rock
"This is such an historic track, and I can’t believe that I have never had the opportunity to race there. I am looking forward to it."

Fernández and Mario Haberfeld claimed the first sports car victory for Lowe’s Fernández Racing at Mid-Ohio last year.

ROUND 6 – Mid-Ohio
"Our win at Mid-Ohio last year was very special, and coming from last on the grid [after a penalty] made it all the more sweeter. I have always enjoyed racing at Mid-Ohio. I also won there in ’98 in Champ Car. This is a very technical track and difficult to set up for which makes success here all the more special."

Fernández completes a successful pre-season test at Road America aboard the #15 Lowe’s Acura Lola.

ROUND 7 – Road America
"This is my favorite track. I love driving here. The last time I competed at Elkhart was in 2003 in Champ Cars and I had a pretty good record going with three podiums and five top-five finishes in 11 starts. The closest that I have come to winning was second, and this is definitely on my list of goals. We had a great test here before the start of this season, and I have a lot of confidence for a strong finish in the race."

ROUND 8 – Mosport
"Lowe’s is planning to open six to 10 stores around Toronto this year and eventually expand to as many as 100 stores across Canada so this is an important market for us. I have never been to Mosport but have heard a lot about the track and it sounds very challenging. My first major win in racing was in Toronto back in 1996, and I have thoroughly enjoyed racing in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal over the years. The Canadian fans are very enthusiastic and very knowledgeable about their racing."

ROUND 9 – Detroit
"I used to live in Detroit, in West Bloomfield, for a few years so this is like coming home in a way. I have raced at Belle Isle in the past and have enjoyed some success there including a second-place finish in 1998. I have also had some bad luck at Detroit. I was eliminated one year when a visor strip went into the turbo of my engine, and missed four races after breaking my wrist in an accident during practice there in 1999. The last time I raced here was in 2001, so it will be nice to be back."

Fernández and Diaz unveil the #15 Lowe’s Acura Lola during the 2006 Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.

ROUND 10 – Road Atlanta
"Wow! What a track. I have never raced here, but attended the Petit Le Mans last year where we announced Luis [Diaz] and unveiled the car. Robert Niblock [Lowe’s CEO] and I took a golf cart around to different parts of the circuit during the race. All I can say is that I can’t wait to drive here."

ROUND 11 – Laguna Seca
"This is another one of my favorite tracks. Although I have been racing here since the early 90s, I just can’t seem to get to that next rung on the ladder in terms of results here. My best finish has been fifth, and this is hopefully the year that changes. This track can definitely bite you and requires your full attention all the way around. There are no opportunities to rest. It is challenging and unique with all the elevation changes, and can be a real handful in setting the car up. It helps to come here with some experience. Monterey is one of the nicest places to stay and go out during the race weekend."