Sebring, Fla. In what is considered the most grueling 12 hours in sports car racing, the #37 Very Berry Judd powered Creation /CA06H LMP1 of Intersport Racing finished 3rd in the American Le Mans Series season opener, the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring.

"What a week," stated Clint Field, Intersport racing owner and driver. "We  took everything they could throw at us. I think we processed every imaginable problem a team could experience in a season all in one weekend. We had part failures, severe weather issues, crash damage, tire punctures... we saw it all. We had it all."

In the end, Intersport Racing didn't back down. Starting the weekend with a new car, the team was well aware of the challenge at hand.

"We knew coming into the week that our hands would be full," said Clint. "While the Creation car has enjoyed success in the American Le Mans Series, the car has never run at Sebring. And, the car has never been on Kumho tires. So, our expectations were realistic. So, we're certainly pleased to come home with a podium finish."

"Rising to the challenge is the character of our team, though," continued Clint. "Our guys thrive on this stuff. And, we had fantastic support from Creation, Judd and Kumho. They really helped us sort things out. We made good headway, but we've got a lot of work to do."

Due to a freak spin in turn 17, the car suffered severe damage in Thursday's qualifying. Jon Field walked away with a sore back... but the car was not as lucky. With the help of overnight shipping and a Herculean job by Brian Alder and the Intersport crew, the car was ready for Saturday's 10am start. Richard Berry took the opening stint starting at the back of the grid.

"Richard did a great job," noted Clint. "We couldn't be happier for Richard. He got to start his first 12 Hours of Sebring and stand on the podium. He's thrilled and we're just as thrilled for him."

"This was just a great weekend," added Richard Berry. "I don't think I ever could have imagined the up-and-down emotional ride we experienced this week. As tough as it was... it was great. I can't wait to do it again, and I want to do it with Intersport Racing. These guys are the best!"

The team experienced three tire punctures over the 12 Hour period.

"We just couldn't buy a break," Jon Field said. "But, that's the nature of Sebring. Everyone says, 12 hours here is like 24 anywhere else. I couldn't agree more. Kumho did a great job for us and we can't wait to see how the tires develop as we progress through the season."

"As Clint noted, I couldn't be happier to see Richard up on the podium with us. It's just great we were able to share the experience with him. Challenges like this make friends for life."

The next round of the American Le Mans Series is the Acura Sports Car Challenge of St. Petersburg. The race will start at 5:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 31. SPEED will provide a same-day broadcast event from 8:30 to 10 p.m. American Le Mans Radio and IMSA's Live Timing & Scoring will be available at americanlemans.com.