Greg Pickett has got things started with the Muscle Milk Team CytoSport. Photo credit: Rick Dole for Michelin North America

Greg Pickett knows how to get things started. The former Trans Am champion and successful entrepreneur also knows how to get them to the finish line.

Need proof that small, independent teams can be successful in the ALMS? Since making their debut at Mid-Ohio last summer, Pickett, co-driver Klaus Graf and the Benicia, California-based team have finished on the podium in all seven ALMS starts with the # 6 Muscle Milk Porsche RS Spyder.

After winning the LMP2 class at the 2010 season opening Twelve Hours of Sebring, Pickett and Graf claimed a third in the combined LMP class at Long Beach. A second place finish at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca puts Muscle Milk Team CytoSport just four points behind the defending ALMS champion Patrón Highcroft HPD team after the first three rounds of the 2010 ALMS championship.

“The season is still young but I am very proud of what we’ve achieved so far this year with our win at Sebring and our podium finishes at Long Beach and Laguna Seca. The guys have been doing such a great job,” said Pickett.

Muscle Milk Team CytoSport also won the MICHELIN® GREEN X® Challenge Prototype award at Long Beach and currently lead the season long Prototype Points championship.

One of the keys to the team’s success is the Porsche RS Spyder, one of the most successful cars in the ALMS history with 25 class wins. Indeed, Pickett and his extended family, that includes his son Mike, daughters Kim, Kerry and Nikki, son-in-law Scott Sharp (married to Kim) and the Pickett grandchildren, seem to have quickly found a very comfortable home here in the American Le Mans Series.

“We love the family atmosphere in the ALMS and the respect everyone has for one another here. And, to be able to put our Muscle Milk and Cytomax brands on the track with iconic companies like Porsche and Michelin as our technical partners gives us great technology and great credibility,” said Pickett.

The only driver to win Trans Am races in four decades, Greg Pickett knows that it is nice to have a strong start, but you have to stay focused all the way to the finish and he and Muscle Milk Team CytoSport intend to do just that.