Couch Braunsdorf: Pressroom: Patrón Highcroft Racing Celebrates Successful 2007 Racing Season, Kicks Off 2008 American Le Mans Series Campaign With Bash At Team Facility, Sponsored by Couch Braunsdorf & AIG Private Client Group

Danbury, CT — On Saturday, March 1, 2008, I was privileged to join approximately 100 distinguished guests to celebrate Patrón Highcroft Racing’s success in 2007 and kick off the team’s upcoming 2008 American Le Mans season. With guest arriving in all fashions — from private jets delivering passengers within 50 feet of Patrón Highcroft’s front door, to the grand arrival of guests in a classy new Bentley — it was an event you would not have wanted to miss!

Guests were met with an array of culinary temptations such as shrimp cocktails, bacon wrapped dates, tuna tartare and other succulent delights, accompanied by select Patrón cocktails.

However, hors d’oeuvres were not the only treats served up at Patrón Highcroft Racing’s facility. The historic collection of iconic race and classic cars were a feast for guests’ eyes. Team owner Duncan Dayton’s race car collection, including a ’72 Dino-Ferrari, a Lotus 79-John Player Special Formula One racer and the team’s 2006 competition Lola-MG, proved to be a stunning sight in their state-of-art complex. Also sharing the floor were Bentley, Jaguar and Acura Prototypes. Some street classics were also highlighted, including Dayton's 1972 Mercedes Convertible and Nick Soprano’s recently restored ’67 Ferrari. This was a big favorite of mine — particularly because I knew it was a car I could actually drive!

To add to the evening’s high-end atmosphere, gifts of elegant men’s watches, leather racing coats and Patrón premium liquor brands were bestowed on attendees and winners of a drawing.

Freezing temperatures outside, and short-lived snow flurries pelting the magnificent glass front of the building, were no match for the party heat rising from the lobby crowd and behind the scenes from the fabrication/prep shop at Patrón Highcroft Racing’s world-class facility.

There is a high-tech specialist responsible for every piece of machinery that makes up the sleek Acura ARX-01b racing prototype — from body fabrication, electronics, fuel tank, suspension, steering, chassis, brakes, wheels, engine, transmission, (to name a few), to the detailed decals of the new sponsor graphics design. It was astonishing to see all those technicians working intricately together as a team to achieve one goal and never missing a beat!

Many thanks go out to Couch Braunsdorf, AIG Private Client Group, Duncan Dayton and his staff and team, for a wonderful and memorable weekend. My very best to all for a safe and successful racing season!