Emanuele Pirro is one of the characters of the American Le Mans Series. He substitutes for Paul Drayson at Drayson Racing in Utah this weekend. Photo credit: Rick Dole for Michelin North America

Former Le Mans and Salt Lake winner Emanuele Pirro gave the paddock a grin by leading the field in the Drayson Lola in Friday practice here at Miller Motorsports Park.

A late sub for team owner and co-driver Paul Drayson, who is sidelined by a foot injury, Pirro co-drives the Drayson Racing Lola prototype with young Jonny Cocker.

Pirro claimed the victory for Audi in the inaugural event here at MMP in 2006. The media attending that race will remember his vintage comments in a laughter-filled post-race press conference.

The extreme heat of the day combined with a bit a victory champagne to eliminate the usual corporate-speak and gave the media a rare moment with a smart, sophisticated and very funny race winner.

A victory for the Drayson team would mark its first in ALMS competition and be the next step on the growth path set by Drayson and team manager Dale White. White’s résumé includes considerable success at Le Mans and in the ALMS in GT competition.