6-3-2006

jeffbraun · Rookie

Just a quick note to thank everyone that said kind things about Colin this weekend. To all that said un kind things...thanks for caring about the sport and please keep telling people your opinion, it only helps make this sport better. Below is the release from Colin's web site www.colinbraun.com

Braun Is Grateful That His Car Owner Will Stand Up for His Drivers

OVALO, Texas, June 6 - Although 17-year-old Colin Braun did not compete in Saturday's Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen Rolex Series race at Watkins Glen International, he left the upstate New York road course with the knowledge that he's working with a car owner who will go to the mat for his drivers.

That car owner, Tracy Krohn of Krohn Racing, went as far as to successfully obtain an injunction in a hearing in New York State Supreme Court last Thursday in an effort to ensure that Braun could compete in Saturday's Rolex Series race.

The hearing became necessary after repeated out-of-court efforts by Krohn Racing's lawyers before the race to ensure Braun's participation were not successful. The problem stemmed from contracts in place with another sanctioning body staging a race at Watkins Glen over the weekend, the track, and a tobacco company that sponsors two cars in the other series. The contracts stipulate that no one under the age of 18 can participate in any event on the weekend card.

Braun's parents agreed to the young star's emancipation earlier this year, which legally grants Braun the privileges and responsibilities of an adult. That and other efforts were attempted to solve the problem, but in the end, even though he won the court case, Krohn was forced to put another driver, Boris Said, in the car for the event so that the race could go on as planned and not disappoint the fans, the other competitors, and the live SPEED TV viewing audience.

In a fitting turn of events for Krohn Racing, the car that Braun would have driven won Saturday's race.

"It was an emotional weekend for everyone involved, but I want to thank everyone who tried to help," Braun said. "Tracy certainly went above and beyond what anyone else would have done to try to ensure that I could drive, but in the end he had to do what was best for everyone. I understand that totally.

"It doesn't look like I'll be driving at Infineon in August either, but I'll be back behind the wheel at Mid-Ohio later this month, and hopefully a lot mo re races in the years ahead."

Braun added that a big birthday party is planned for Sept. 22, when he turns 18.

The next Rolex Series race is the EMCO Gears Classic June 23-25 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

Chocmonster · Grand Am Legend

Colin knows (I hope!) that he will always have our support. He has shown just how mature his is this past weekend, many other racers wouldn't have handled the situation half as well. He's a credit to you! Smile

Brolzy · Site Admin

Thanks for posting this Jeff. Colin has proved himself to be a class act this year through this adversity. My wife, who is not a race fan at all, commented on how impressive he sounded for his age on the SPEED telecast. I couldn't agree more. Smile

Sput · DP Champion

Is this considered an invitation to a party?

I wonder what kind of food they'll serve?

Chocmonster · Grand Am Legend

Waco Racer · ST Champion

It's party time in TEXAS!! Margaritas for everybody - except Colin!

billnchristy · Grand Am Legend

Jeff, Good to hear from you!

Even though we would rather see him on track, every time Colin doesn't race is a treat because his time in the Speed booth is awesome. He speaks like someone many years his senior and seems to have the wisdom as well.

To say we enjoy the extra commentary is putting it lightly.

Great job on the win BTW. I was still with you 100, ok well 99% because I wanted to see the Gainsco guys pull it off, but was very happy with the outcome!!

Chocmonster · Grand Am Legend

If he has the party in the UK he can legally have a drink to celebrate! Wink

Rod America · Grand Am Legend

Like I've said before...what a cool young man! He has a great future and
I'm just glad that we're (ALL Rolex fans) able to be a small part.

wggirl · Rookie

While this past weekend must have been a rollercoaster ride from hell, Colin did a "stand-up" job rolling with the punches! He handled himself very well!!

Unfortunetly is today's society rules, regulations, contracts and laws dictate our every move.

We, in WG (and around the racing community) are looking forward to watching Colin to for many years to come.

wggirl

The Happy Track Fan · GS Champion

Hey Jeff:

Your son is one class act!! Many thanks to him for a very nice interview he granted me for www.the-paddock.net and the article is now up for all to read.

He was gracious, joking, kept himself in a good mood, and even joked about being the team "gopher" for the weekend, except for being able to get the drinks because he was too young for that too.

He seems like he is 37 when you talk to him. Very bright, level headed and mature. He handles himself well with the press.

I hope you like the article I did Jeff. I hope Colin likes it to.

All the best, and good luck to Colin at Mid-Ohio.

Thanks.

THTF

AdrianBGB · ST Champion

Colin handled himself better than a lot of the 'Adults' involved (and those watching from the sidelines)

jde · ST Champion

Jeff:

The Busch brothers could learn a lot from Colin. Maybe he can consult during the final IRL weekend wherever NASCAR is running. Wink

-jde

CKC · Grand Am Legend

If only more people twice his age could behave with the same amount of class and humility.

jde · ST Champion

(duped post)

FCYTravis · GS Driver

Hey, Sept. 22? No kidding, that's my birthday too! Laughing

Colin's a great kid with a lot of talent and he's shown a lot of maturity through this affair. That speaks volumes.