Colin Braun is a highly talented race car driver that’s been around for years racing in multiple classes including in the SCCA. He signed with Meyer Shank Racing this year to race their IMSA GTP Acura ARX-06 and started off the year with a win in the Rolex 24 hours at Daytona. We caught up with him at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach media luncheon just prior to the race. He talks to us about his background in the sport and his recent visit to the HPD headquarters as a factory team driver to get a behind-the-scenes tour. Additionally, he describes the phenomenal SCCA Runoffs program he was involved with to break the track record at Road America – shocking statistics! Enjoy!

NOTE: Colin Braun will be competing in the season finale Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta October 13-15, 2023. It was announced on October 3, 2023 that this will be the last race for MSR with the IMSA Acura GTP program. 

By Larry Mason

Copyright © 2023 Larry Mason

Colin Braun has raced multiple classes of cars over the years and been fast in all of them.

Braun has made it to the pinnacle of IMSA driving the MSR Acura ARX-06 GTP car this year.

Downforce for the Acura is provided up front by the wing, splitter and dive planes. Also note the large lower opening in the middle that allows for air to enter the Venturi tunnels.

The large rear wing, rear diffuser and Gurney flaps on the rear bodywork won’t help too much when the Acura heads into the tight Turn 11 hairpin. However, in high-speed corners, they certainly help keep the car planted to the pavement.

The menacing and purposeful bodywork on this ARX-06 is only slightly softened by the pink highlights of sponsor AutoNation as it ‘rounds the slowest corner on the track at Long Beach.

There were plenty of fans on hand to see Colin Braun, and his teammate Tom Blomqvist, try to take advantage of their second place starting spot. Unfortunately, they would fall to sixth at the finish.

Interview and photos Copyright © by Larry Mason