David Brabham takes a turn during the 2009 race at Road America. Photo credit: Rick Dole for Michelin North America

This is the first part of a two-page centerfold on Racing in America in the the Road America issue of The Alley, Michelin’s trackside publication, which can be picked up around the paddock at the track. Stay tuned for additional sidebar posts from the story on michelinracingusa.com.

They come from England and Australia, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Mexico and Canada, plus France, Denmark, Monaco, Finland and Belgium to race in America and specifically in the American Le Mans Series.

Through the first six races of the 2010 season, drivers from 14 different countries have competed in the ALMS.

Still, it caught our attention when Risi Competizione Ferrari’s Gianmaria (Gimmi) Bruni of Italy took time out of his GT winner’s press conference at Salt Lake City to speak about racing in America.

“When Ferrari told me that I could race the full season in America in ALMS this year, I was very excited,” said Bruni.

“I have raced here once or twice a year before and now I can do the full season. I am very happy. I love racing in America.”

Jaime Melo, Gianmaria Bruni, and Bib celebrate the Risi Ferrari team's win in GT at Utah. Photo credit: Rick Dole for Michelin North America

Bruni added, “To win a race here means that you have beaten a lot of very good teams and drivers. Sometimes in Europe you win a race, but the competition is not as good so you do not feel that excited, but to win a race here with all the big factory teams from Porsche, Corvette, BMW, Jaguar and Ferrari, means something special.”

So before heading to America’s “national park for speed,” Road America, The Alley staff asked a number of drivers about what it means to race in America and specifically in the ALMS. After the survey, it appears that Bruni is not alone in his feelings about racing in America.

The full issue of The Alley for Road America can be downloaded as a PDF from the “The Alley: In Print” section of michelinracingusa.com.