For Tommy Milner, the only American driver on the Corvette Racing factory squad, the 2011 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans produced a career-defining, stand-and-deliver moment.

Late in the race, the #73 Corvette was in second place. There were, however, two serious problems; veteran lead driver Beretta was ill, and they were a full lap down to the GT class-leading Ferrari. Garcia and Milner needed to close the gap and pick up extra hours of seat time in Beretta’s absence.

As Milner prepared for his critical triple, Garcia headed into the final laps of his triple-stint by reeling off new fastest laps on each of his three final laps.

Veteran team leader Gary Pratt put a hand on his young driver’s shoulder and said, “You’ll be fine, Tommy. You are going to be just fine.”

Milner steadily gained ground and all seemed on schedule. Then it started to rain. Not just any rain, but spotty rain that makes every corner different on every lap. With the hours winding down and Milner closing on the lead Ferrari, he was going to need to deliver in the wet.

After putting the Corvette in the lead, Milner handed off to Garcia for the final 90 minutes. Milner looked around the team garage area, a bit overwhelmed by the scene.
Milner’s father, Tom, a veteran sports car team owner, manager and campaigner whose career included many wins, but none at Le Mans, was there. So was GM North America President Mark Reuss. The #74 crew and drivers joined the #73 crew as the anticipation grew.

At last, the checkered flag fell. The young driver was swept along to the GT podium as the celebration began. The American flag was raised and the Star Spangled Banner played for Corvette Racing. Tommy Milner stood a bit taller. In the biggest race of his life, he delivered.