Saturday, December 18, 2010

McLaren Confirms GT3 Racing Program for MP4-12C


By Team Update December 17, 2010


© McLaren Group

McLaren today confirms its plans to bring back the McLaren name to GT sports cars racing. From 2012, McLaren and CRS Racing will supply and support a limited number of GT3 racing cars based on the McLaren MP4-12C high-performance sports car for European-based privateers.

15 years since the McLaren F1 GTR famously won the world-famous 24 Heures du Mans (Le Mans) on its debut, and 12 years since six ‘Longtails’ last raced at Le Mans, McLaren and CRS Racing, a successful and experienced UK-based racing team, have begun development work aimed at turning the 12C road car into a race-winning GT3 sports car. As part of the development programme, McLaren and CRS Racing will compete at a limited number of European GT races in 2011.

With the 12C’s revolutionary lightweight one-piece moulded carbon chassis (the ‘MonoCell’), its high levels of downforce and aerodynamic performance, and its focus on form and function, the 12C should prove to be a great platform on which to develop a racing car, as well as visually setting pulses racing at European race tracks.

Martin Whitmarsh, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal said: “Racing is in our blood – it was natural to develop a GT3 car alongside the 12C road car. We have a legendary history in global motorsport, including GT racing, and we aim to maintain that reputation with this GT3 programme, and any future sports car projects that may evolve.

“The 12C’s architecture and design was always aimed at high-performance and ease of maintenance – two key criteria for potential customers. Combine that with the vast amount of racing experience in our automotive team, and CRS Racing’s specialist development experience, and the 12C GT3 should be an exciting proposition for the top teams planning to race in GT3 from 2012.”

Andrew Kirkaldy, Team Principal, CRS Racing said: “It is a rare opportunity to work with a company like McLaren and we are proud to be involved. Together, we aim to produce the highest quality GT car on the grid. The level of engineering experience at McLaren is unparalleled and this will be reflected in the 12C GT3. One of the most important aspects of this programme will be customer service and for that reason we will be building a limited number of cars at a competitive price. The result will be an incredible GT car with manageable running costs and good residual value that will provide its owner with an unrivalled experience.”

Further details about the McLaren 12C GT3 racing car programme will be announced in 2011 and interest from prospective customers can be registered on www.mclarengt.com.

Initial plans are for a limited run of 12Cs developed for the 2012 European FIA GT3 Series, but, as with McLaren Automotive’s road car business, conservative growth and expansion will be considered.

CRS Racing will build, sell and support the 12C GT3 cars in close collaboration with McLaren. The Leicestershire-based racing team has a strong pedigree in GT racing in the Le Mans Series, the FIA GT Championship, the International GT Open and the British GT Championship. CRS also runs two successful single-seater teams: in the Formula Renault UK Championship and as Atech CRS in the GP3 Series.

DB Motorsport to join GT3 European Championship





Dutch squad DB Motorsport is set to join the FIA GT3 European Championship in 2011. The team from Waddinxveen, The Netherlands will enter a pair of brand new BMW Z4 GT3s in the championship and is also considering entering the cars in other SRO promoted series.

A few weeks ago DB Motorsport received the first of its two BMW Z4 GT3 cars and the team already tested the car on the Zandvoort circuit, venue for the final round of the 2011 FIA GT3 European Championship. Despite the weather conditions the reactions were positive. “The first impression is very good. From the first meters the BMW Z4 GT3 gave a lot of confidence. Handling and engine are great and I look forward to continue working with this racer,” said Jeroen den Boer, team owner/driver of DB Motorsport.

Den Boer will drive one of the DB Motorsport cars in 2011 and he will be joined by Hoevert Vos and Harrie Kolen. The two Dutch drivers raced in the Eurocup Mégane Trophy in recent years, but also competed in the Total 24 Hours of Spa this season. The team is still in talks with interested drivers for the fourth seat in the FIA GT3 European Championship.

As soon as the second BMW Z4 GT3 is delivered to the team – the car is currently under construction at BMW Motorsport – an intensive test program is scheduled to take place in Southern Europe.

Next to the plans to race in the FIA GT3 European Championship and the Total 24 Hours of Spa the team is also looking at options to enter its cars in the ADAC GT Masters and/or the Belcar Endurance Championship.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Porsche's 2011 GT3 RSR



Porsche launches 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR


The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR takes off into the new motorsport season with extensive modifications. The 2011 version of the world’s most successful GT race car celebrated its international premiere at the “Night of Champions” party held at the R&D Centre in Weissach to mark the end of the motorsport season. Priority in the further development of the GT3 RSR was given to the newly designed aerodynamics at the front and rear, changes to the suspension kinematics and to the engine.

The 4.0-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine now delivers 455 hp (355 kW) at 7,800 revs, five horsepower more than its predecessor. The power increase results from an engine management system which adapts even better to different fuel grades, as well as a redesigned exhaust system and a modified air intake housing. Moreover, the driveability of the famously efficient engine has undergone further improvements. Maximum revs remain unchanged at 9,400 rpm.

Clearly visible are the modifications to the front. A new front lip provides higher downforce at the front axle. The front wheels are now wider with the rims growing from 11 to 12 inches giving additional grip and less of an understeering tendency. The position of the rear wing and the shape of the wing mounting also underwent optimisation and were adapted to the new rear fairing with additional air outlet louvers. The rear lid was also redesigned for optimised air ducting. Like the 911 GT3 Cup and the GT3 R, the RSR has now been equipped with the LED rear lights taken from the latest 911 road-legal cars.

The 911 GT3 RSR joins the 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup as the top model of Porsche Motorsport’s product range. The successful long distance racer from Weissach can be ordered now at a price of 410,000 Euro plus country-specific value added tax. All 2011 modifications are available as a kit for GT3 RSR cars from the 2010 season.

Technical description Porsche GT3 RSR (2011 model year)
Engine
Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine; 3,996 cc; stroke 80.4 mm; bore 102.7 mm; 455 hp (335 kW) at 7,800 rpm; max. torque 450 Nm; air restrictors 2 x 28.6 mm; max. revs 9,400 rpm; four valve technology; dry sump lubrication; individual throttle butterflies; fuel injection.

Transmission
Porsche six-speed gearbox with sequential jaw-type shift; oil/water heat exchanger, single-mass flywheel; hydraulic disengagement lever; three-plate carbon-fibre clutch; rear wheel drive; limited slip differential 45/65 percent.

Body
Monocoque body (basis GT3 RS) of hot-galvanised steel; aerodynamically optimised front end with front spoiler; aerodynamically optimised front underfloor; adjustable rear wing; 90-litre FT3 safety fuel tank with fast filling function; air jack; welded-in safety cage; race seat (driver’s side only) with flame retardant upholstery; six-point seat belt adapted for use of the HANS Head and Neck Support; electric fire extinguishing system.

Suspension
Front axle: McPherson spring strut axle; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary); front axle arms adjustable for camber; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar; power steering.
Rear: Multi-arm axle with rigidly mounted axle sub-frame; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary); rear axle tie-bar reinforced and infinitely adjustable; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar. Complete suspension infinitely adjustable (height, camber, track).

Brake system
Brake system with balance bar control.
Front: Single-piece six-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner vented, 380 mm diameter; racing brake pads.
Rear: Single-piece four-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner vented, 355 mm diameter; racing brake pads.

Wheels
Front: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (12J x 18 ET 34); central bolt.
Rear: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (13J x 18 ET 12.5); central bolt.

Electrical system
Motec display with integrated data recording; multi-function display with integrated gearshift indicator; adjustable traction control; battery: 12 volt, 80 Ah, 140 Ah alternator.

Weight
1,220 kg

Saturday, December 11, 2010

The New Audi R18 - Ulrich and McNish Comments


Allan McNish & Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich on the New Audi R18



Dec 10, 2010

source: Audi UK



Audi has unveiled its latest sportscar which Britain’s Allan McNish hopes will enable him to score his third and the German manufacturer’s 10th Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race victory next June.

McNish and his Audi Sport team-mates attended an unveiling of the Audi R18 at the Audi Sportpark in Ingolstadt, Germany, last night (Friday 10 December).

Audi’s latest sports-prototype features a brand new 3.7-litre V6 TDI turbocharged diesel engine and marks the first time a “closed” cockpit sportscar has been raced by the “factory” Audi Sport Team Joest outfit. Buckinghamshire-based Audi Sport UK entered an Audi R8C Coupé design at Le Mans in 1999.


“I tested the R18 for the first time at the end of last month which was essentially the Coupé’s initial roll-out combined with its maiden test,” confirmed Dumfries-born McNish.

“The car ran very well without any technical problems. We encountered wet and dry running enabling us to collect a lot of information in all types of track conditions.

“After racing an ‘open’ Audi sportscar since 2000, it was a renewed experience for me to again drive a sportscar with a roof. Audi has done a great job with the design – the front certainly looks very aggressive – I’m sure we have a contender for race honours.”

Audi took part at Le Mans for the first time in 1999. Few other car manufacturers have succeeded in racking up the same amount of success in this event; nine overall victories (2000-2, 2004-8, 2010) in 12 attempts is an impressive record while Audi drivers have stepped onto the winners’ rostrum on every occasion. Indeed, this year Audi achieved its third 1-2-3 finish in the world’s toughest twice-around-the-clock motor race.


“In the future, aerodynamic efficiency will be even more important at Le Mans than it was in the past,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “A closed car has clear advantages in this respect. Our computer simulations have been confirmed in the wind tunnel and during initial track tests.”

Significantly smaller engines than those used before will be prescribed at Le Mans in 2011 as the rule makers aim to achieve a substantial reduction of engine power. By opting for a 3.7-litre V6 TDI unit, Audi retains the diesel concept that saw its first victorious fielding in 2006.

“From our point of view, the TDI continues to be the most efficient technology,” says Ulrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Development at Audi Sport. “There are good reasons why the share of TDI units among Audi’s production models is as high as it is.”
Through the innovative V6 TDI engine for the Le Mans 24 Hours, motorsport is yet again performing pioneering work for the production arm at Audi where there is a growing trend towards smaller, more economical but yet powerful engines.

Another new development is the six-speed transmission in the R18 which has been specifically modified for use with the smaller engine. The chassis and aerodynamics package contains a lot of know-how from the R8, the R10 TDI and the R15 TDI whereas the fitting of identically sized front and rear wheels is new to an Audi Le Mans sports car. This configuration allows a more balanced weight distribution.

The Audi R18 has been designed for progressive electrification, which Audi Sport is planning to drive forward step by step. “But efficiency is always the crucial factor for us,” says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “No matter which form of energy recovery we may choose the key aspect for Audi – in motorsport as well as on the production side of the house – is that it provides a true advantage.”

FIA GT1 & 3 Calendar and Rules Update

27.03 Abu Dhabi UAE
10.04 Zolder BEL
08.05 Algarve PRT
15.05 Sachsenring GER
05.06 Silverstone GBR
03.07 Navarra ESP
17.07 Paul Ricard FRA
04.09 Ordos CHN
23.10 Curitiba BRA
06.11 San Luis ARG*
* Subject to confirmation by the ASN

The Sachsenring race is to be confirmed by 21 December.

2011 FIA GT3 European Championship

08.05 Algarve PRT
05.06 Silverstone GBR
03.07 Navarra ESP
17.07 Paul Ricard FRA
21.08 Smolensk Ring**
16.10 Zandvoort NLD

From January 2011, success ballast in the FIA GT1 World Championship will be allocated to cars and drivers for each qualifying race, as well as the Championship race. In addition to the new scale for the qualifying race, the scale applied to the Championship race has also been amended.

Amended tyre regulations come into effect for GT1 from January 2011, which include an increase in the number of dry-weather tyres to six sets (of which only four are permitted for qualifying and the races). The intention is to allow the teams to use tyres to their maximum capacity during practice, reducing the necessity for additional costs with private testing.

For safety reasons, and to balance the performance of cars, success ballast allocated to a driver finishing in the top three places in a race counting towards the FIA GT3 European Championship will be converted into compensation times. These will be imposed during a pit stop and will be applied from one race to another, and do not accumulate from event to event.

The scale of compensation time, added to the minimum pit stop duration, allocated to each car and to the drivers for each race is as follows:

1st +15 seconds
2nd +10 seconds
3rd +5 seconds
From http://www.Planetlemans.com, 10 Dec 10

Monday, December 6, 2010

Disappointment for Marc VDS Ford GT Team

06/12/2010
From http://www.gt1world.com/


Marc VDS Racing concluded its inaugural GT1 season in Argentina with disappointment, having finished the first of two races in promising fashion.

Bas Leinders and Maxime Martin suffered from a blown engine earlier in the weekend and had hoped the worst was behind them by the time race day dawned.

The Belgian pair could have been excused for thinking exactly that after they secured an impressive third place in Sunday morning’s Qualifying Race. They battled through the field in their No.40 Ford GT from 12th on the grid to take the final podium spot and four championship points.

However, any hope of the strong form continuing had dried up in the Argentinian sun come Sunday afternoon.

Martin lost multiple places at the start of the Championship Race, dropping to a lowly 19th place. He brilliantly fought back to ninth before the mandatory pit stop. Soon after Leinders took over the Ford GT’s engine blew for the second time in the weekend.

“I lost some more places at the start when I was pushed wide by some less scrupulous drivers", said Martin. “I regained the track in 19th but made up a lot of places before the stop."

Marc VDS Team Manager Jean-Michel Delporte added: "The engine issue has happened to us before at the start of the season. We thought we had solved the problem, but apparently not. The engines will now be sent back to the US to examine the cause of these incidents."

Trouble continued in the other side of the garage with Markus Palttala and Matteo Bobbi in the No.41 car.

Palttala started the main race in 15th and had clawed his way up the running order. However, his pit-to-car radio transmission had failed and the Finn missed the pit window.

"By the time I saw the pit board on the wall it already was too late,” explained Palttala. “When I eventually came back to the pit lane the team had decided to call it a day.”

The teams’ only real success over the weekend came on Saturday afternoon when the Belgian outfit won the GT1 pedalo race on the San Luis Lake.

No points were awarded in that race, but the team finished the season in eighth place with 62 points in the teams’ standings. Meanwhile, Bas Leinders and Maxime Martin scored a total of 54 points to place them 14th in the driver’s championship. Their teammates Matteo Bobbi and Markus Palttala concluded their seasons in 30th and 41st respectively.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

The GT1 World Championship

The first year for this new championship was a real good racing series, with 1 hour qualifying races followed by Championship races of 1 hour, also.
The finale in San Luis, Argentina was no exception.
Although the Vitaphone Maserati MC 12 or Bartels and Bertolini finished the qualifying race with a enough points to clinch the Championship, the second race was very competitive and featured some real close driving and, maybe, a few paces that where, shall we say, questionable moves?
Pos Car Drivers Car Laps Gap
1. 9 Makowiecki, Clairay Aston Martin DB9 26 0.000
2. 5 Westbrook, Mutsch Ford GT Matech 26 13.616
3. 10 Piccione, Hirschi Aston Martin DB9 26 23.159
4. 25 Kechele, Jimenez Lamborghini Murcielago 670 R-S 26 23.623
5. 8 Lopez, Mucke Aston Martin DB9 26 26.883
6. 37 Risatti, Basseng Lamborghini Murcielago 670 R-S 26 27.827
7. 1 Bertolini, Bartels Maserati MC12 26 32.440
8. 6 Jani, Armindo Ford GT Matech 26 38.646
9. 33 Muller, Heger Maserati MC12 26 51.610
10. 24 Kox, Haase Lamborghini Murcielago 670 R-S 26 58.398
11. 38 Pastorelli, Schwager Lamborghini Murcielago 670 R-S 26 0.001
12. 13 Hennerici, Margaritis Corvette Z06 26 0.001
13. 4 Ara, Nilsson Nissan GT-R 26 0.001
14. 2 Bernoldi, Ramos Maserati MC12 26 0.001
15. 7 Turner, Enge Aston Martin DB9 26 0.001
16. 22 Campbell-Walter, Hughes Nissan GT-R 22 0.006
17. 23 Dumbreck, Krumm Nissan GT-R 18 0.012
18. 41 Palttala, Bobbi Ford GT 16 0.016
19. 40 Martin, Leinders Ford GT 16 0.015
20. 34 Pier Guidi, Verdonck Maserati MC12 13 0.021
21. 3 Wendlinger, Moser Nissan GT-R 13 0.019

IF you missed the weekend, got to http://www.gt1world.com/gt1tv and enjoy replaying both races!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Lamborghini Completes a Double at Navarro

Press Release from GT1 World Championship:
Lamborghini completed a double at Navarra with victory in the Championship Race to add to the Qualifying Race success earlier in the day.

Ricardo Zonta and Frank Kechele in the Reiter Engineering Lamborghini No.25 recorded a lights to flag win to collect 33 points for their weekend's work. Their victory margin at the end of a pulsating hour's racing was over 11 seconds.

Second was the Hexis Aston Martin No.9 of Fred Makowiecki and Yann Clairay with the Sumo Power Nissan GT-R No.22 of Jamie Campbell-Walter and Warren Hughes third.

The Young Driver Aston Martin No.7 of Darren Turner and Tomas Enge finished fourth after a stunning drive from 19th place on the grid.

The All-Inkl.com Munnich Motorsport Maserati No.38 of Nicky Pastorelli and Dominik Schwager scored an impressive fifth place from a lowly starting position of 18th. The Marc VDS Ford GT No.40 of Bas Leinders and Maxime Martin was sixth.

Thomas Mutsch in the Matech Competition Ford GT No.5, severely damaged the car in a collision with the Phoenix Corvette No.13 of Alex Margaritas soon after taking over from Richard Westbrook 40 minutes into the race.

The car was eventually retired causing considerable harm to Mutsch's drivers' title hopes.

Seventh place and six points for the championship leaders Michael Bartels and Andrea Bertolini in the Vitaphone Maserati No.1 enabled them to stretch their advantage to 33 points. Meanwhile, Kechele moved from seventh to third in the drivers' table.

The victory in both the Qualfying Race and Championship Race for Reiter consolidated their second position in the teams' standings.

It was the third time this year that the FIA GT1 World Championship has featured a double win for one of the six brands. The Vitaphone Maserati achieved the feat at Brno and the Young Driver Aston Martin No.7 doubled up in Nurburgring.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

GT1 at Navarro This Weekend

The final GT1 World Championship race this weekend could be very good. Nothing is really decided in the Driver or Team championships at this point.
What is really exciting is the speculation about next year. could the Lexus LF-A be entered? Is Ferrari really going to have A gt1 BASED ON the 599 GTO? Is Keonigsegg doing something for a GT1 with the CCR?
Make sure and watch live on http://gt1world.com/gt1tv.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

GT1 and GT3 Championship Results from Algrave

GT1
The Vitaphone Maserati No.1 of Andrea Bertolini and Michael Bartels won the Championship Race after a nail-biting finish in Portimao.
The Maserati held off the challenge of Richard Westbrook and Thomas Mutsch in the Matech Competition Ford GT No.5.
Westbrook produced a stunning drive to close a gap of over nine seconds to the Maserati with Bartels at the wheel after the driver change.
At the finish Bartels was able to hold Westbrook at bay by just 1.4 seconds in a gripping climax to the one-hour race.
Third place went to the Phoenix Crovette No.13 of Marc Hennerici and Alex Margaritas.
The pole-sitters, Michael Krumm and Peter Dumbreck in the Sumo Power Nissan GT-R No.23 finished fourth.

GT3
Daniel Keilwitz stormed through after the pitstops to secure his and Christian Hohenadel's fourth win of the season and secure the 2010 FIA GT3 European Championship driver's title. The Callaway Competition Corvette finished 6.6 seconds ahead of Paul Van Splunteren's Prospeed Competition Porsche, the round 9 winner narrowly missing out on the win after a collision with race leader Gael Lesoudier in the Marc VDS Ford GT on lap 24. Lesoudier recovered and briefly held third before being passed by Zak Brown in the United Autosports Audi R8 LMS from the USA on lap 31, the first podium finish for the team in the FIA GT3 European Championship.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

What a Weekend Coming!

American LeMans at Mosport, Grand-Am at Montreal, NASCAR Nationwide at the same venue, GT 1 World Championship round at Nurburgring (live web cast at http://www.gt1world.com/gt1tv ) and IndyCar at Chicagoland plus ADAC GT's at the 'Ring and many more.
Of course, we have the Belgium F1 race and the MotoGP at Indy, to top things off!
And that's just some of the major races.
Can you catch them all??????????

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Bernhard and Dumas join Muscle Milk Team CytoSport

When team owner Greg Pickett was injured in testing at Mid Ohio, the team, of course, required a new driver. Based on the high performance of late of this team, Porsche stepped up with not one, but two "Factory" drivers! Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas now join the CytoSport team for the season.
The next race is Road America 20-22 August, my favorite track, and Klaus Graf will have expert help at this long and tough venue!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

The Schumacher/Barrichello Incident

A quote from Rubens on the near disaster caused when Schumacher moved him over, almost into the pit wall.
"You know Michael, you talk to him and he will always feel that he is right. He has been out of the sport for three years and he is still the same guy. If he wants to go to heaven -- in the event he is going to heaven -- I don't want to go before him."
This move by the former 7 time World Champion has been discussed at length in the F1 press and by former F1 drivers. To say Schumi has been verbally attacked is an understatement.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

24 Hours of Spa and Other News!

As the 1st place #79 BMW GT2 went off track, Porsche got a 1-2 finish with the BMW 3d.
In GT3 It was Porsche Ford GT and Audi R8 LMS. The GT2 Ferrari, with Michael Waltrip as a co-driver, finished 5th!
GT3 was Porsche Ford and Audi 1,2, and 3 and GT4 was Aston Martin 1 and 2.
In other news from Spa, the GT1 World Championship race was great, with a Reiter Lambo Murc 670 R-S finally taking a victory. 2d was the Blancpain Maserati MC12 and 3d was the Matech Ford GT.
At Spa, Stephane Ratel announced plans for a GT2 Championship in 2011, with FIA approval pending, running GT2, GT3, GT4 and GTN cars running together in an endurance format, rather than 1 hour races that GT1 is running.
GT2 cars would be allowed larger restrictors in order to insure they are faster than the other classes.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Jack Roush Injured in Jet Crash

While piloting his Hawker Beechcraft Premier jet, an accident occured upon landing, Tuesday. He is hospitalized in stable condition with facial lacerations. He and a passenger walked from the plane.
As information and updates are available, they will be posted to http://www.RoushFenway.com and http://www.ROUSHperformance.com.

Monday, July 26, 2010

IndyCar Edmonton & F1 German Grand Prix

Dixon wins and Helio crosses the line first.
Helio C was called for blocking his teammate by Brian Barnhart, Chief Steward of IndyCar. Said block allowed Dixon into an apparent 2d place. Watch the replays (they are EVERYWHERE!)and decide for yourself.
Interestingly, in polls on SPEED.com and in the various forums, including IndyCar.com, Mr. Barnhart may need Secret Service protection in order to continue as head honcho of the IndyCar rules. In one poll over 90% disagree with the call.
At Hockenheim, the German Grand Prix was a Ferrari 1-2 with Vettel third in the Red Bull after blowing the start. However, the Ferrari 1-2 came at the expense of F. Massa who was told "You are slower than Alonso", code for move over and let him pass you. Now of course, their are no team orders in F1 anymore, however, Massa made it clear, as he came out of the hairpin that, he was letting Alonso pass him. What happened to "if you are faster, then pass me" in F1? If it was Vettel behind Massa, this would not have been a issue.
Mr. Whitmarsh, Chief Steward of F1, ruled it was team orders and fined Ferrari $100K. Maybe IndyCar needs to steal him from F1!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

ALMS at Lime Rock

What a great race. Good to see the Cytosport Team take the Porsche RS Spyder to a victory. A lot of carnage in the LMP class today.
GT was closely fought with the Flying Lizard Bergmeister/Long victory over the 2 Rahal BMW's. 5 in a row at this venue for Joerg! Sorry about Corvette's bad day.
Andy Lally takes another class win this year in GTC for Porsche and the LMPC class was a big victory for Jeanette, even after running out of fuel on the last lap. :0
Lottsa people at Lime Rock, and the ALMS is beginning to look better and better.

Matech to produce Ford LMGT for Endurance Racing

Following the announcement by the ACO on the 10th June, 2010 that there will be no LMGT1 category at Le Mans in 2011, Matech Concepts confirms a new programme to continue the evolution of the Matech Ford GT.

A limited series of up to 10 Matech Ford LMGT race cars will be built to the new ACO LMGT Endurance Category regulations and eligible to compete in Le Mans Series, American Le Mans Series and Asia Le Mans Series in addition to the 24 hours of Le Mans from 2011.

Delivery to customers will be available by end of 2010.

Matech Concepts’ President, Martin Bartek said, “When I heard the news at Le Mans that this would be the last year of GT1 cars racing in the 24 hours, my heart sank for a moment as this was the first year when the Ford GTs returned to Le Mans. But straight away, my mind was made up…we would build the Matech Ford LMGT car, purpose built for endurance racing, and incorporating everything we have learnt through our successes in GT3 and GT1. After meetings with the ACO and our technical partners, the highly successful FIA GT1 specification Matech Ford GT1 will be adapted to the new regulations. Every component has been designed and tested for 24 hour racing and will be highly competitive against the established GT cars. I’m very excited that the Ford GT will continue to race at Le Mans where it truly belongs.”

On hearing the news about that Matech will produce an endurance version of the Ford GT, Vincent Beaumesnil, Sporting Director for the ACO said, “It is fantastic news that Matech will be producing the Matech Ford Le Mans GT car. With the GT1 category no longer in the Le Mans Series, it’s important that the GT Endurance category grows in both the number of entries, but more importantly the diversity of entries, so it’s great that Matech have decided to build a GT Endurance specification Ford GT. Many people I spoke with at Le Mans last month said how wonderful it was to see the Ford GTs running again on the most famous track, and I have to agree. It’s great news for the Le Mans Series and great news for the fans that the Ford GT will continue to race as an endurance car. Well done Matech!”

Details and specifications

Delivery: Starting December 2010
Aerodynamics: Single profile rear wing, closed flat bottom with front splitter and rear diffuser
Engine: Roush Yates 5.3L V8 normally aspirated, power output restricted to approx. 500bhp
Gear change: Paddle shift / Manual gear lever
Gear ratios: Free choice
ECU: Bosch with traction control
Fuel tank: 2011 ACO regulations
Brakes: Steel disc brakes
Wheels: 12 x 18 front, 13 x 18 rear
Tyres: Front: 30/65/R18, Rear 31/71/R18
Weight: 1200kg minimum weight
Cockpit: Air conditioning fitted

Estimated price: €500,000


Aline Valinho, Press Officer
valinho@matech-concepts.ch

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Porsche 911 Hybrid GT3 R to Race at Petit LeMans


The Porsche Hybrid will run the 1000Km or 10 Hour Petit LeMans at Road Atlanta in October.
It will also be running in the Asian LMS Series, upcoming.
Bravo, Porsche!

Monday, July 19, 2010

A Return!!!!!!!!

After a bit of a summer break, we are back.
The last two weekends have seen some remarkable racing in LMS, ADAC GT and DTM and the GrandAm, ALMS not so much, . At Toronto we had, for the IndyCar series, a decent battle, all be it with a lot of yellows, taking place on the streets.
I think we are seeing a resurgence in road racing in the US with good crowds at many races, other than Utah, which is to be expected when you build a track no one can get to easily.
The Texas GP which is proposed needs to take that into consideration. Especially since PitPass.com uncovered a very interesting financing system. See this link!
http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=41308

Sunday, June 27, 2010

International GT Open Won BY CRS Racing Ferrari Today

From the GT Open Website:


Spectacular accident between Aguas and Barba

The CRS Racing took its second win in the International GT Open, this time with Chris Niarchos and Tim Mullen, in another dramatic finale, ahead of the Porsches of Raymond Narac-Patrick Pilet (IMSA) and Richard Lietz-Gianluca Roda (Autorlando).

The race was marked by a spectacular accident in lap 5 involving the two AF Corse Ferraris of Rui Aguas and Alvaro Barba. The Portuguese and the Spaniard, whose cars were destroyed, where brought to the Verviers hospital for checks but both are OK, although a little bit shaken by the shunt.

Porsche made a one-two in GTS with De Lorenzi Racing taking its maiden victory with Gianluca De Lorenzi and Stefano Borghi, ahead of the Autorlando car of Gruber-Deverikos and the Villois Aston of Lancieri-Lancelotti.

The bad day had by the championship leaders has partly re-open the situation in the standings of both the overall and GTS championships: Barba-Kaffer now have a 12-points over Roda-Lietz, while in GTS, Dayraut is only 2 points ahead of Frezza-Couceiro.

It was interesting grid, with Lietz and Lieb (usually team-mates in the LMS) in first row, but both were beaten at the start by Toccacelo and Kirkaldy. At the end of the first lap, the two Ferraris lead ahead of Lietz, Aguas, Barba, Lieb, Narac, Broniszewski, Deverikos and Mortimer, while Livio has remained trapped in the gravel.

The fight is fierce at the top and in lap 4 Lietz passes Kirkaldy for second and Barba passes Aguas. In lap 5, the incident that marks the race: at the exit of Blanchimont, Kirkaldy loses his car, spins and hits the armco; Barba who followed the Scot very closely, lifts up for a second, and Aguas attempts to pass his team-mate from off the track. The two collide at the entrance of the bus-stop, hitting hardly the wall.

After the inevitable period of safety-car and the driver changes (the window has been extended 10 minutes), it is Roda leading, ahead of Mullen, Pilet, Peter, Giammaria and Borghi, who leads in GTS ahead of Bullitt and Gruber.

With very short gaps, the battle is intense. Mullen passes Roda and so does Pilet and the French attacks the Scot, but the CRS Ferrari keeps the advantage and wins, while Peter takes fourth having resisted the attacks of Giammaria. The De Lorenzi Porsche wins in GTS, ahead of the sister car of Gruber-Deverikos and the Aston of Lancelotti.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Edil Cris F430 Wins GT Open Race 1 @ Spa



Day of glory for Giammaria-Toccacelo (EdilCris) Edil Cris Racing Team’s long quest for victory has come to an end: Raffaele Giammaria and Enrico Toccacelo won the Saturday race in Spa, giving the black Ferrari of the Italian team its first win since 2006.

In GTS, Marco Frezza and Pedro Couceiro (Kessel Ferrari) took a well-deserved first win this year, after three second places, ahead of GTS championship leader Jean-Philippe Dayraut (this time assisted by Frédéric Mackowiecki in the Luxury Ferrari), with the other Kessel F430 of Livio-Bontempelli third.

Poleman Kaffer keeps the lead at the start, but without being able to get rid of Mullen, Pilet, Giammaria, Peter and Griffin, while at the back of the grid Hummel and Moro get in contact after La Source.

The group of six quickly flew away, with the GTS cars leading the rest of the group, with Dayraut, Frezza and Bruck in the top three. In lap 7, the safety car is out to allow taking out of the gravel the car of Moro, who has spun. At the restart, Pilet has to pit with a damaged tire while there is a contact at La Source between the CRS Ferrari of Hummel and the Manthay Porsche of Bullitt. Both cars are out, while a lot of debris and oil are left on the track.

Kaffer is the first of top guns to stop for the driver change, leaving Griffin and Mullen fight for first. After driver changes and handicaps, it is Toccacelo leading ahead of Niarchos, Gerber, Couceiro (leading in GTS), Barba and Lietz. The fight in the final laps will be superb: Toccacelo, with a broken splitter, is obliged to slow the pace, while Barba and Lietz catch up on Niarchos; the AF Ferrari takes second in the penultimate lap and attacks Toccacelo in the very last chicane, passing him but cutting the bus stop. Lietz, on his part, takes fourth from Niarchos in the last corner as well, while there is a final spin of Broniszewski.

In GTS, Couceiro wins with no problem ahead of Makowiecki, while Livio is third few tenths ahead of the Ford of Alex Mortimer, whose final charge finishes with an excellent 4th position, a nice reward for a team that lost his owner and boss a few days ago.

International GT Open Qualifying at Spa



Ferraris dominated the qualifying for race 1 in Spa, under warm weather, as five F430 took the first five spots, with the series leader, Pierre Kaffer (AF Corse) taking pole ahead of Mullen (CRS), Griffin (AF), Giammaria (Edil Cris) and Peter (Kessel).

The first Porsche, the IMSA of Pilet, is sixth, ahead of the surprising Viper GT3 of Vulkan Racing, clearly the fastest car in GTS. The Villois Aston GT2 broke the drive-shaft but is expecting to be repaired, while the second Veka Ferrari has been withdrawn.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

NO RACE FOR MARC VDS MUSTANG IN JARAMA

Published: 21 Jun 2010 MarcVDS Racing Press Release

The wonderful Mustang of the Marc VDS Racing Team has not participated in the third round of the FIA GT3 Championship, this weekend in Jarama. Even though Maxime Martin and Eric De Doncker had set the third time in qualifying, the car had to stay in the box due to a problem with the homologation papers.

The Spanish weekend had taken a great start: during free practice and qualifying Maxime Martin had set the third time overall, only 89 thousands of a second down on the quickest time. That could have resulted in a great race… if there had not been a slight problem with the homologation of the car.

“After qualifying the technical scrutineers of the FIA dissected our car”, Eric De Doncker explains. “And they found that the anti-roll bars were not the same as those mentioned on the homologation sheet. We were flabbergasted, because we have been using the same anti-roll bars since the beginning of the season. Together with the scrutineers we studied the problem and we discovered that the measurements mentioned on the homologation sheet are completely wrong. The proof that we had no wrong intentions was given by the fact that the anti-roll bars on the homologation sheet could not even be put on the car, since they are too large!”

There is only one way to solve this bizarre problem, and that is correcting the homologation sheet. Unfortunately this is not possible during a race meeting, there is a whole administrative procedure to be followed…

“So we were caught between a rock and a hard place”, Eric De Doncker continues. “Or we drove with the bars that were on the car, because there were no others available and the ones from the homologation could not be put on the car. But that would have given us a FIA report by the scrutineers. So we left the car in the garage, even though that broke our heart…”

Especially since the weekend had started so well. “Indeed”, De Doncker confirms. “Since Brno the team has been working very hard, also thanks to the engineers from Bosch, who helped solve our ABS problems. Al those efforts should have been rewarded by a great result. But we can try again in Paul Ricard in two weeks’ time, after we cut through all the red tape…”

DARN!!!!!!! And they qualified 3rd!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Iowa Corn Indy 250

Kanaan won and I have egg on my face.. I missed it and it appears on replays to have been a really close race.
Oh, well! If IndyCar is going to get good on an oval, glad it was in my home State!
I really do hope this series makes it. So far it's all we have with big names in open wheel cars. Other than WOO, on dirt.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

GT3 From Jarama Race 6!

First Win for BMW Z4 at Jarama (GT3 Website)

Round 6 proved to be a race of firsts as Csaba Walter took the chequered flag in the Need for Speed by Schubert Motorsport BMW Z4 over 20 seconds ahead of the Prospeed Competition Porsche 911 GT3R. It was the first FIA GT3 win for BMW, Dunlop and the Schubert Motorsport team. Walter is also the first Hungarian winner in the championship and Claudia Huertgen the first female driver to win a race in the FIA GT3 European Championship. Marco Holzer led the race until the pitstops, holding off a very determined Huertgen, the gap between the two cars was less than one second for the first 33 minutes. Paul van Splunteren took over the Prospeed Porsche but was soon passed by the BMW. Van Splunteren consolidated his second place with the Saintloc-Phoenix Racing Audi of Stephane Lemeret moving into the final podium position by overtaking Daniel Keilwitz in the Callaway Corvette at the last corner.

Marc VDS Mustang GT3

18/06/2010 Maxime Martin to Drive Marc VDS Mustang in Spain (FIA GT3 Website)

The magnificent Mustang of the Marc VDS Racing Team will participate in the third round of the FIA GT3 Championship,to be held this weekend in Jarama, Spain. For the first time this season Eric De Doncker will share driving duties with Maxime Martin.

He is only just recovered from the emotions of Le Mans, but Eric De Doncker travelled towards Madrid this Thursday, to prepare for the third round of the FIA GT3 Championship. "It's a track I know quite well, for I have raced there with bikes and cars. However, my last race on the Spanish track, a touring car event, dates back to 1995... Time flies...", De Doncker recollects.

After the race in Brno, the team stayed in the Czech Republic to perform some interesting tests, tests which were confirmed a few days later in Spa. "Maxime Martin helped us quite a lot and we made a lot of progress. We even set times that would have put us on the front five rows of the grid", De Doncker continues. "But he also confirmed that there was something wrong with the brakes. Back in Spa two engineers of Bosch tackled the problem and recalibrated the ABS. The difference is huge!"

So there is progress at last... "Don't forget that this is a brand new car, at the start of its development, so it is logical that there are some teething problems", Marc van der Straten adds. "But listening to Eric and Maxime, I am not worried. This car has an enormous potential."
One of the important targets of the season is edging closer at well. Just over a month before the Spa 24 Hours the Marc VDS Racing Team confirmed its entry of two Mustangs in the Belgian endurance race. "In Jarama I share the car with Maxime, but once the second car is ready Scott Maxwell will rejoin the team", Eric De Doncker confirms. "I hope that will be at the races in Paul Ricard in two weeks' time. If not, we will certainly be there at the Test Day for the Spa 24 Hours, on July 7th. I now hope that the recent developments will be translated into results, beginning in Jarama this weekend."

LeMans (Finally) and Other News!

What can I say about LeMans? I have had to think it over for awhile.
I am an Audi fan, but you have to feel for Peugeot.
GT1 was a joke after the Ford's dropped out and GT2 was similar to LMP1 , a battle of attrition. LMP2 was............. LMP2.
I hope the 2011 ACO rules improve this great race. While this year it was still terrific viewing, I fear it could fall into the trap ALMS is and begin losing interest for the spectators and then the manufacturers will follow suit.
The NNWS at Elkhart Lake yesterday was fun! J. Villeneuve blowing up on the last lap was a disappointment but it was Carl Edward's race! Patrick Long learned a lot about NASCAR, yesterday.
The GrandAm was actually somewhat interesting in both DP and GT. They need an overhaul.
Today we have the Sprint Cup at Sonoma (Infineon) and I think this could be an upset. Jan Magnussen is running real well after qualifying and this is a driver that can really adapt well to all forms of racing in a hurry.
Oh, yeah. IndyCar in my home State, Iowa. Might watch. Love 'em on road courses, but you can wait for the last 10 laps on ovals.
GT3 was an upset today from Jarama! Rosberg Audi R8 LMS from 18th to 1st as the Callaway Corvette lost fuel pressure to finish 2d.

Remember to keep the blackside down!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Interesting........

We had another great race weekend and now we have LeMans. Looks like Peugeot is the best of the best in practice by 4+ seconds!

Other interesting news is that Aurora Racing Designs is working on an BMW M6 GT1 car for next year. Now that will put the pressure on M-B to get that SLS going.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

What a Weekend!!!!!!!

I don't know what you did, but we had 2 TV's and 3 'puters going to keep up with all the races worldwide.
I can't even begin to pick a favorite, although, once again I think the Charlotte 600 was a little slower than the others.
Penske and Gannasi teams sure had a good weekend, the GrandAm was interesting right to the end, DTM was good, as was the ADAC GT Masters. Indy was very good, IMO, and F1 was controversial again, with some real dices! Seb Vettel definitely messed up, though.

We took a lot of time to honor our troops and those who gave the largest gift for our freedom. I hope you did, too.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

F1 Returns to USA - F1 Press Release

Austin, Texas, from the east. The Austin skyline by night, Texas. Austin hill country, Texas. The Austin skyline by day, Texas.

Formula One World Championship Limited and Formula One Administration Limited (together, the F1 Commercial Rights Holder) and Full Throttle Productions, LP, promoter of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™, announce that a historic agreement has been reached for Austin, Texas to serve as the host city of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ for years 2012 through 2021.

“We are extremely honoured and proud to reach an agreement with the F1 Commercial Rights Holder. We have been diligently working together for several years to bring this great event to Austin, the State of Texas and back to the United States. All parties involved have a great amount of trust and confidence in each other and are committed to establishing the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ in Austin, Texas as a prestigious global event,” stated Tavo Hellmund, Managing Partner of Full Throttle Productions, LP.

Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of the Formula One Group stated: “For the first time in the history of Formula One in the United States, a world-class facility will be purpose-built to host the event. It was thirty years ago that the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ was last held on a purpose-built permanent road course circuit in Watkins Glen, NY (1961-1980), which enjoyed great success. Since then, Formula One has been hosted by Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix all on temporary street circuits. Indianapolis joined the ranks of host cities in 2000 when they added a road course inside the famed oval. Lewis Hamilton won the last Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ in 2007, signalling the end to eight years at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This however, will be the first time a facility is constructed from the ground up specifically for Formula One in the US.”

Mr. Hellmund added: “This is a case of the right timing in the right place. As many Americans know, Austin has earned a reputation as one of the ‘it’ cities in the United States. Austin features that rare combination of ideal geographic location and beauty. Its fine dining, world-renowned hospitality and excellent transportation infrastructure make Austin ideally suited to host and manage an event of this magnitude. Few cities if any in America could rival the connectivity of all the key elements needed for hosting a Formula 1 event as well as Austin. Now, many people around the world will have the opportunity to experience a world-class event, facility and city.”

“We are pleased Texas has the opportunity to be involved with Formula 1 and that an event of this magnitude is coming to Austin,” said Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. “It has been a pleasure working with Full Throttle Productions, LP and Mr. Hellmund on this project. Their tradition of producing successful major events coupled with a thirty year relationship with Mr. Ecclestone has us looking forward to this worldwide event and the benefits it will bring, including local job creation, increased tourism and a significant economic impact added to our state economy. The visibility and prestige of this event will spotlight our state on an international stage.”

Texas Governor Rick Perry conveyed his enthusiasm for the project, explaining “Texas’ relatively strong economy continues to draw both national and international attention and I commend Comptroller Combs for her work in bringing this exciting event to the Lone Star State.”

City of Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell continued the positive sentiments, adding "The City of Austin will be proud to host this magnificent event and I look forward to welcoming the participants and fans of Formula One to our City."

Full Throttle Productions, LP acknowledges with great appreciation the efforts of all parties involved including Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of the Formula One Group, and the local and state officials of Texas.

“It has been a shared vision and monumental task to reach this agreement. We realize that over the last 30 years there have been one or two missing pieces from the previous editions of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™. We have a tremendous opportunity at hand to do it right - to feature Austin as the backdrop and produce the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ as one of the great sporting events in the world,” stated Hellmund.

In addition to the State of Texas being the 11th strongest economy in the world, it has more Fortune 500 company headquarters than any other state. Key features of Austin include:
- State capital nicknamed ‘Silicon Hills’ for being one of the most important regions in the US for the Technology Industry;
- USA’s 15th largest city and is located 145 miles from Houston (4th largest US city), 70 miles from San Antonio (7th largest US city), and 180 miles from Dallas (8th largest US city), population in this triangle is over 22 million;
- perfectly located geographically for North, South and Central American visitors;
- over 130 daily departing international flights within 180 miles;
- over 250,000 hotel rooms within 180 miles;
- desirable year-round climate, with an average annual temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius);
- geographically located in the Texas Hill Country, easily the most beautiful city in the State, and considered one of the most in the US;
- hotels/downtown/Formula 1 circuit/airport located within close proximity of each other, which is nearly impossible for any other large city in the US;
- world class night life entertainment along renowned ‘Sixth Street’; and
- large film industry presence - many movies filmed in the area.

Austin’s National Recognition
- Known as “The Live Music Capital of the World”
- Voted “Greenest City in America” (MSN)
- Voted “Least Stressful Large Metro” in the United States (Forbes)
- Voted Top Two “Best Cities” in the United States (Money Magazine)
- Voted Top Three “Hippest Cities” in the United States (Forbes)
- Voted Top Five “Safest Cities” in the United States (Forbes)
- Voted Top Ten “Sports & Fitness Cities” in the USA (Sports Business Journal)

Full Throttle Productions, LP is an Austin, Texas, special event and sports production company that provides event conception, event project management, day of event oversight, staffing and volunteer services, venue planning and logistics support.

More information on the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ will be forthcoming shortly. In the meantime, all queries should be directed to info@fullthrottleproductionslp.com.

Monday, May 24, 2010

DTM Race a Barn Burner

Audi did a 1 and 3 Podium Sunday, after the Audi of Martin Tomczyk was DQ'd from 2d when a tire infraction was found in post race inspection. An illegal tire was accidentally fitted on the last pit stop.
There could be an opening on the Abt Sportsline Audi team if you are interested.

Pos Driver Nat Team Laps Time Gap
1. Mattias Ekstrom S Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline 45 1:09:56.290 1:09:56.2
2. Bruno Spengler CDN Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG 45 1:09:59.837 03.547
3. Alexandre Premat F Audi Sport Team Phoenix 45 1:10:00.904 04.614
4. Timo Scheider D Audi Sport Team Abt 45 1:10:01.564 05.274
5. Paul di Resta SCO AMG Mercedes 45 1:10:04.929 08.639
6. Mike Rockenfeller D Audi Sport Team Phoenix 45 1:10:09.102 12.812
7. Gary Paffett GB Salzgitter AMG Mercedes 45 1:10:12.735 16.445
8. Miguel Molina E Audi Sport Rookie Team Abt 45 1:10:13.406 17.116
9. Jamie Green GB Junge Sterne AMG Mercedes 45 1:10:14.672 18.382
10. Susie Stoddart SCO TV-Spielfilm AMG Mercedes 45 1:10:27.331 31.041
11. Maro Engel D GQ AMG Mercedes 45 1:10:44.327 48.037
12. Congfu Cheng CHN stern AMG Mercedes 45 1:10:44.821 48.531
13. David Coulthard GB Deutsche Post AMG Mercedes 38 59:55.144 7 laps
14. Oliver Jarvis GB Audi Sport Team Abt 37 57:37.810 8 laps
15. Markus Winkelhock D Audi Sport Team Rosberg 34 53:17.719 11 laps

DSQ Martin Tomczyk D Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline

Sunday, May 23, 2010

FIA GT1 and 3 from Brno, CH

Now this was racing all weekend. And the Live Streaming from the Czech Republic was terrific. SRO and the FIA have done another fine job.
Czech out the results on PlanetLeMans.com or the GT1 and GT3 websites.

Laguan Seca ALMS Round

You can read the results everywhere. What I want to say is 2 fold. LMP was a bore. 7 Lap win? Please. Especially when the field was so thin LMPC cars were 3 and 4.
The GT race was good!
This series needs an infusion of competition or it will soon die. The ALMS people are in denial worse than the Obama administration.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

In Regard to Monaco GP and Schumi................

A quote from the Mercedes Team:
'On the final lap of the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix, Mercedes instructed our drivers, Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg, to race from safety car line one until the finish line as permitted under Articles 40.7 and 40.11,' read the statement.

'Mercedes were fully aware of Article 40.13, which states that no overtaking is permitted if the race finishes under safety car conditions. However, we believed that the combination of the race control messages 'Safety car in this lap' and 'Track Clear' and the green flags and lights shown by the marshals after safety car line one, indicated that the race was not finishing under the safety car and all drivers were free to race.

'This opinion appears to have been shared by the majority of the teams with cars in the top ten positions, who also gave their drivers instructions to race to the finish line. It was clear from our discussions with the stewards after the race that they understood the reasons for our interpretation, and acknowledged that this was a new and previously untested situation but ultimately disagreed with our interpretation.

'Mercedes would like to emphasise that we fully support the inclusion of past drivers on the stewards' panel and are completely satisfied that the Monaco Grand Prix stewards acted professionally, impartially and properly in this matter.

'The FIA has agreed to include Article 40.13 on the agenda of the next Sporting Working Group for discussion and to consider the scale of post-race penalties. We believe that the 20-second penalty imposed on Michael to be disproportionate in the circumstances. Whilst we cannot be happy with the outcome, we are pleased that the FIA has recognised the reasons for our interpretation. Therefore, in the best interests of the sport, Mercedes will not be submitting an appeal.'
Probably written with egg on face, IMHO.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Final-24 Hours of the 'Ring

In the final hours the race changed immensely as the #9 Porsche GT3R Hybrid dropped down the rankings along with the Audi R8 LMS's. The Ferrari F 430 made a relentless climb from the start and was rewarded with a podium finish. Great race.


Live Ranking (1 -15)
Pos. Nr. Marke Runde Zeit
1 25 BMW M3 GT2 154 12:17.344
2 43 Ferrari F 430 GTC 154 9:33.019
3 97 Audi R8 LMS 153 9:32.691
4 76 BMW Z4 GT3 152 10:37.803
5 102 Audi R8 LMS 152 10:51.149
6 20 Porsche GT3 Cup S 151 9:27.493
7 26 BMW M3 GT2 150 10:52.452
8 18 Porsche GT3 Cup S 150 10:41.858
9 69 BMW Z4 GT3 149 10:04.650
10 35 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup 148 10:05.529
11 14 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup 147 9:51.098
12 44 Nissan Z 33 145 10:15.261
13 11 Porsche GT3 RS 145 9:56.683
14 33 Porsche GT3 Cup 145 10:01.348
15 133 Audi TTS 144 10:13.279

Live Ranking (16 - 30)
Pos. Nr. Marke Runde Zeit
16 117 Volkswagen Scirocco GT24-CNG 143 11:21.086
17 9 Porsche GT3 R Hybrid 142 8:45.243
18 28 Porsche 997 Cup 142 11:53.099
19 50 Lexus LF-A 142 13:47.310
20 142 Opel Astra OPC 141 11:04.473
21 88 Porsche GT3 Cup S 141 9:46.524
22 169 BMW Z4 Coupe 140 14:34.092
23 141 Opel Astra OPC 140 11:04.216
24 70 Audi RS 4 140 10:57.487
25 137 Subaru GRB 139 10:06.699
26 96 BMW M3 GT4 139 11:44.227
27 106 BMW E 46 GTR 137 13:56.987
28 61 Aston Martin Vantage V8 137 11:14.500
29 48 Porsche 997 137 11:08.376
30 42 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup 137 9:50.002
31 158 Honda S 2000 136 10:42.297

Imprint

Monday, May 10, 2010

Results of the Spa 1000Km

A very eventful race including a electrical power outage to the track, which red flagged the race for a time
Great fun to listen to on RadioLemans.

Pos Num Class Drivers Team Car Laps Gap
1. 3 LM P1 P.Lamy, S.Bourdais S.Pagenaud Team Peugeot Total Peugeot 908 HDi-FAP 139 -
2. 2 LM P1 F.Montagny, S.Sarrazin, N.Minassian Team Peugeot Total Peugeot 908 HDi-FAP 139 1:08.308
3. 7 LM P1 D.Capello, T.Kristensen, A.McNish Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R15 TDI 139 1:26.215
4. 1 LM P1 M.Gene, A.Wurz, A.Davidson Team Peugeot Total Peugeot 908 HDi-FAP 138 -
5. 9 LM P1 T.Bernhard, R.Dumas, M.Rockenfeller Audi Sport North America Audi R15 TDI 137 -
6. 40 LM P2 M.Amaral, O.Pla Quifel-ASM Team Ginetta-Zytek 09S 130 -
7. 25 LM P2 T.Erdos, M.Newton, A.Wallace RML Lola HPD Coupe 130 1:03.735
8. 35 LM P2 R.Hein, G.Moreau Oak Racing Pescarolo Judd 129 -
9. 24 LM P2 M.Lahaye, J.Nicolet Oak Racing Pescarolo Judd 128 -
10. 30 LM P2 F.Geri, A.Piccini, G.Piccini Racing Box Lola B09 Coupe Judd 128 0:08.738
11. 13 LM P1 A.Belicchi, J-C.Boullion Rebellion Racing Lola B10/60 Coupe Rebelli 127 -
12. 8 LM P1 M.Fassler, A.Lotterer, B.Treluyer Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R15 TDI 126 -
13. 008 LM P1 P.Ragues, F.Mailleux, V.Ickx Signature Plus Lola Aston Martin 125 -
14. 47 LM P2 S.Zacchia, L.Moro, W.Kaufmann Hope Polevision Racing Formula Le Mans 124 -
15. 77 LM GT2 M.Lieb, R.Lietz Team Felbermayr Proton Porsche 997 GT3 RSR 124 0:39.225
16. 36 LM P2 J.Schell, J-C. Metz, F.Da Rocha Pegasus Racing Courage-Oreca LC75 AER 123 -
17. 70 LM GT1 B.Leinders, M.Palttala, E.De Donker Marc VDS Racing Team Ford GT 123 0:09.214
18. 45 LM P2 D.Kraihamer, N.De Crem, B.Delhez Boutsen Energy Racing Formula le Mans Oreca 09 123 0:54.455
19. 96 LM GT2 G.Bruni, J.Melo AF Corse Ferrari F430 GT 123 1:34.186
20. 95 LM GT2 G.Fisichella, T.Vilander, J.Alesi AF Corse Ferrari F430 GT 123 1:34.951
21. 79 LM GT2 A.Priaulx, D.Muller, A.Farfus BMW Team Schnitzer BMW M3 123 1:35.668
22. 76 LM GT2 R.Narac, P.Pilet IMSA Performance Matmut Porsche 997 GT3 RSR 123 1:44.813
23. 60 LM GT1 T.Mutsch, J.Hirschi, M.Beche Matech Competition Ford GT 123 1:56.846
24. 91 LM GT2 A.Kirkaldy, T.Mullen CRS Racing Ferrari F430 GT 122 -
25. 85 LM GT2 P.Dumberck, T.Coronel Spyker Squadron Spyker C8 Laviolette GT2- 121 -
26. 88 LM GT2 M.Ragginger, C.Ried, P.Long Team Felbermayr Proton Porsche 997 GT3 RSR 121 0:06.946
27. 75 LM GT2 M.Holzer, R.Westbrook Prospeed Competition Porsche 997 GT3 RSR 121 0:07.821
28. 61 LM GT1 C.Allemann, R.Frey, Y.Zimmer Matech Competition Ford GT 121 0:33.136
29. 89 LM GT2 D.Farnbacher, A.Simonsen Hankook Team Farnbacher Ferrari F430 GT 121 1:19.221
30. 94 LM GT2 L.Perez Companc, M.Russo AF Corse Ferrari F430 GT 120 -
31. 50 LM GT1 G.Gardel, P.Goueslard, F.Rees Larbre Competition Saleen S7-R 120 0:09.040
32. 72 LM GT1 J.Jousse, S.Gregoire, D.Hart Luc Alphand Aventures Corvette C6.R 120 0:16.299
33. 66 LM GT1 J.Schroyen, C.Van Dam, A.Lacko Atlas FX-Team FS Saleen S7-R 120 1:12.243
34. 78 LM GT2 J.Muller, D.Werner, U.Alzen BMW Team Schnitzer BMW M3 120 1:57.568
35. 98 LM GT2 P.Von Splunteren, N.Hommerson, L.Machiels Prospeed Competition Porsche 997 GT3 RSR 119 -
36. 46 LM P2 P.Kutemann, M.Basso, J.Hartshorne JMB Racing Formula Le Mans Oreca 09 117 -
37. 93 LM GT2 P.Daniels, O.Slingerland, N.Lanik JWA Racing Porsche 997 GT3 RSR 116 -
38. 90 LM GT2 P.Ehret, P.Quaife, P.Kaffer CRS Racing Ferrari F430 GT 105 -
39. 27 LM P2 M.Frey, R.Meichtry, P.Bruneau Race Performance Radical SR9 Judd 103 -
40. 92 LM GT2 R.Bell, D.Turner JMW Motorsport Aston Martin V8 Vantage 86 -
41. 52 LM GT1 T.Enge, C.Nygaard, P.Kox Young Driver AMR Aston Martin DBR9 82 -
42. 39 LM P2 J.De Pourtales, H.Noda, J.Kennard KSM Lola B08/47 Judd 77 -
43. 42 LM P2 N.Leventis, D.Watts, J.Kane Strakka Racing HPD ARX 01 69 -
44. 49 LM P2 D.Toulemonde, D.Zollinger, R.Zampatti Applewood Seven Formula Le Mans Oreca 09 67 -
45. 12 LM P1 N.Prost, N.Jani Rebellion Racing Lola B10/60 Coupe Rebelli 65 -
46. 48 LM P2 C.Pillon, V.Capillaire Hope Polevision Racing Formula Le Mans 30 -
47. 43 LM P2 A.Barlesi, A.Cicognani, G.Chalandon Dams Formula Le Mans Oreca 09 23 -
48. 41 LM P2 K.Ojjeh, T.Greaves, T-C.Ebbesvik Team Bruichladdich Ginetta-Zytek 09S 15 -
49. 4 LM P1 O.Panis, N.Lapierre, L.Duval Team Oreca Matmut Peugeot 908 HDi FAP 4 -

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Qualifying-1000 Km of Spa- LeMans Series

POS # CAR & DRIVERS TIME GAP

1. 3 LM P1 P.Lamy, S.Bourdais S.Pagenaud Team Peugeot Total Peugeot 908 HDi-FAP 1:57.884

2. 9 LM P1 T.Bernhard, R.Dumas, M.Rockenfeller Audi Sport North America Audi R15 TDI 1:58.519 0.635 0.635

3. 2 LM P1 F.Montagny, S.Sarrazin Team Peugeot Total Peugeot 908 HDi-FAP 1:59.421 0.902 1.537

4. 4 LM P1 O.Panis, N.Lapierre, L.Duval Team Oreca Matmut Peugeot 908 HDi FAP 1:59.623 0.202 1.739

5. 8 LM P1 M.Fassler, A.Lotterer, B.Treluyer Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R15 TDI 1:59.707 0.084 1.823

6. 7 LM P1 D.Capello, T.Kristensen, A.McNish Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R15 TDI 1:59.795 0.088 1.911

7. 1 LM P1 M.Gene, A.Wurz, A.Davidson Team Peugeot Total Peugeot 908 HDi-FAP 1:59.989 0.194 2.105

8. 008 LM P1 P.Ragues, F.Mailleux, V.Ickx Signature Plus Lola Aston Martin 2:02.413 2.424 4.529

9. 12 LM P1 N.Prost, N.Jani Rebellion Racing Lola B10/60 Coupe Rebellion 2:02.845 0.432 4.961

10. 42 LM P2 N.Leventis, D.Watts, J.Kane Strakka Racing HPD ARX 01 2:03.135 0.290 5.251

11. 13 LM P1 A.Belicchi, J-C.Boullion Rebellion Racing Lola B10/60 Coupe Rebellion 2:03.143 0.008 5.259

12. 25 LM P2 T.Erdos, M.Newton, A.Wallace RML Lola HPD Coupe 2:05.681 2.538 7.797

13. 24 LM P2 M.Lahaye, J.Nicolet Oak Racing Pescarolo Judd 2:07.159 1.478 9.275

14. 40 LM P2 M.Amaral, O.Pla Quifel-ASM Team Ginetta-Zytek 09S 2:07.342 0.183 9.458

15. 29 LM P2 F.Francioni, L.Pirri Racing Box Lola B09 Coupe Judd 2:08.309 0.967 10.425

16. 30 LM P2 F.Geri, A.Piccini, G.Piccini Racing Box Lola B09 Coupe Judd 2:08.398 0.089 10.514

17. 35 LM P2 R.Hein, G.Moreau Oak Racing Pescarolo Judd 2:09.104 0.706 11.220

18. 39 LM P2 J.De Pourtales, H.Noda, J.Kennard KSM Lola B08/47 Judd 2:09.795 0.691 11.911

19. 48 LM P2 C.Pillon, V.Capillaire Hope Polevision Racing Formula Le Mans 2:13.743 3.948 15.859

20. 27 LM P2 M.Frey, R.Meichtry, P.Bruneau Race Performance Radical SR9 Judd 2:13.912 0.169 16.028

21. 45 LM P2 D.Kraihamer, N.De Crem, B.Delhez Boutsen Energy Racing Formula le Mans Oreca 09 2:14.278 0.366 16.394

22. 49 LM P2 D.Toulemonde, D.Zollinger, R.Zampatti Applewood Seven Formula Le Mans Oreca 09 2:14.284 0.006 16.400

23. 47 LM P2 S.Zacchia, L.Moro, W.Kaufmann Hope Polevision Racing Formula Le Mans 2:15.611 1.327 17.727

24. 36 LM P2 J.Schell, J-C. Metz, F.Da Rocha Pegasus Racing Courage-Oreca LC75 AER 2:16.832 1.221 18.948

25. 70 LM GT1 B.Leinders, M.Palttala, E.De Donker Marc VDS Racing Team Ford GT 2:17.316 0.484 19.432

26. 43 LM P2 A.Barlesi, A.Cicognani, G.Chalandon Dams Formula Le Mans Oreca 09 2:17.345 0.029 19.461

27. 60 LM GT1 T.Mutsch, J.Hirschi, M.Beche Matech Competition Ford GT 2:18.730 1.385 20.846

28. 72 LM GT1 J.Jousse, S.Gregoire, D.Hart Luc Alphand Aventures Corvette C6.R 2:19.377 0.647 21.493

29. 52 LM GT1 T.Enge, C.Nygaard, P.Kox Young Driver AMR Aston Martin DBR9 2:19.595 0.218 21.711

30. 96 LM GT2 G.Bruni, J.Melo AF Corse Ferrari F430 GT 2:20.336 0.741 22.452 31. 77 LM GT2 M.Lieb, R.Lietz Team Felbermayr Proton Porsche 997 GT3 RSR 2:20.416 0.080 22.532

32. 91 LM GT2 A.Kirkaldy, T.Mullen CRS Racing Ferrari F430 GT 2:20.811 0.395 22.927

33. 94 LM GT2 L.Perez Companc, M.Russo AF Corse Ferrari F430 GT 2:20.941 0.130 23.057

34. 90 LM GT2 P.Ehret, P.Quaife, P.Kaffer CRS Racing Ferrari F430 GT 2:21.095 0.154 23.211

35. 66 LM GT1 J.Schroyen, C.Van Dam, A.Lacko Atlas FX-Team FS Saleen S7-R 2:21.110 0.015 23.226

36. 88 LM GT2 M.Ragginger, C.Ried, P.Long Team Felbermayr Proton Porsche 997 GT3 RSR 2:21.173 0.063 23.289

37. 78 LM GT2 J.Muller, D.Werner, U.Alzen BMW Team Schnitzer BMW M3 2:21.257 0.084 23.373

38. 76 LM GT2 R.Narac, P.Pilet IMSA Performance Matmut Porsche 997 GT3 RSR 2:21.328 0.071 23.444

39. 75 LM GT2 M.Holzer, R.Westbrook Prospeed Competition Porsche 997 GT3 RSR 2:21.403 0.075 23.519

40. 92 LM GT2 R.Bell, D.Turner JMW Motorsport Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2:21.420 0.017 23.536

41. 61 LM GT1 C.Allemann, R.Frey, Y.Zimmer Matech Competition Ford GT 2:21.422 0.002 23.538

42. 79 LM GT2 A.Priaulx, D.Muller, A.Farfus BMW Team Schnitzer BMW M3 2:21.509 0.087 23.625

43. 85 LM GT2 P.Dumberck, T.Coronel Spyker Squadron Spyker C8 Laviolette GT2-R 2:21.564 0.055 23.680

44. 95 LM GT2 G.Fisichella, T.Vilander, J.Alesi AF Corse Ferrari F430 GT 2:21.750 0.186 23.866

45. 89 LM GT2 D.Farnbacher, A.Simonsen Hankook Team Farnbacher Ferrari F430 GT 2:21.752 0.002 23.868

46. 50 LM GT1 G.Gardel, P.Goueslard, F.Rees Larbre Competition Saleen S7-R 2:21.918 0.166 24.034

47. 46 LM P2 P.Kutemann, M.Basso, J.Hartshorne JMB Racing Formula Le Mans Oreca 09 2:24.505 2.587 26.621

48. 98 LM GT2 P.Von Splunteren, N.Hommerson, L.Machi Prospeed Competition Porsche 997 GT3 RSR 2:25.468 0.963 27.584

49. 93 LM GT2 P.Daniels, O.Slingerland, N.Lanik JWA Racing Porsche 997 GT3 RSR 2:25.607 0.139 27.723

50. 41 LM P2 K.Ojjeh, T.Greaves, T-C.Ebbesvik Team Bruichladdich Ginetta-Zytek 09S 59:59.999 57:34.39 58:02.11

Monday, May 3, 2010

Final Results for the FIA GT1 Round at Silverstone

After the #7 Young Driver Aston Martin DBR9 was disqualified at scrutineering (an underside plank violation) and a 15 second penalty for a pit violation by the Hexis AM DBR9, here are the final results.
5 manufacturers in the top 10! The Matech Ford GT team still holds the lead in points for the drivers after 2 races. The Phoenix/Carsport Corvette Team hold the team standings by 7 points.

1 22 GT1 Hughes / Campbell-Walter Nissan GT – R
2 9 GT1 Makowiecki / Accary Aston Martin DB9
3 25 GT1 Menten / Kechele Lamborghini Murcielago 670 R-S
4 34 GT1 Bobbi / Longin Maserati MC12
5 8 GT1 Mücke / Nygaard Aston Martin DB9
6 33 GT1 Margaritis / Heger Maserati MC12
7 1 GT1 Bertolini / Bartels Maserati MC12
8 40 GT1 Leinders / Martin Ford GT Matech
9 4 GT1 Ara / Nilsson Nissan GT – R
10 41 GT1 Palttala / Kuppens Ford GT Matech
11 11 GT1 Maassen / Armindo Corvette Z06
12 38 GT1 Schwager / Pastorelli Lamborghini Murcielago 670 R-S
13 10 GT1 Hirschi / Piccione Aston Martin DB9
14 12 GT1 Gavin / Kuismanen Corvette Z06
15 2 GT1 Bernoldi / Ramos Maserati MC12
16 24 GT1 Kox / Haase Lamborghini Murcielago 670 R-S
17 3 GT1 Wendlinger / Moser Nissan GT – R
18 13 GT1 Zuber / Hennerici Corvette Z06
19 23 GT1 Krumm / Dumbreck Nissan GT – R
20 14 GT1 Hezemans / Kumpen Corvette Z06
21 37 GT1 Bouchut / Basseng Lamborghini Murcielago 670 R-S

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Rhys Millen Attacks Pikes Peak with a Hyundai!

Rhys Millen will attempt to break the 10 minute barrier up Pikes Peak with this Hyundai powered vehicle. The car is placed in the LeMans Class, which has the most open rules.
Looks like a LMP car to me!

BMW to DTM in 2012!

Mario Theissen, Director of BMW Motorsports has confirmed the rumors that BMW will have a DTM car based on the M3 for 2012, with the possibility of a "test" team in 2011.
Great news for the DTM series which has been a 2 car series since Opel bailed out.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

VLN Race Red Flagged at Nurburgring

Today's scheduled race at the 'Ring was red flagged and disbanded after Leo Lowensteins's Aston Martin was involved in an accident and caught fire. The fire was quickly extinguished but unfortunately Lowenstein expired from smoke inhalation.
Our condolences go out to his family and the VLN.

VIR GrandAm

The DP race was good up front, but the GT race was exceptional until the very end when the Bimmer spun. It was "just racing contact" IMHO.
GrandAm, despite the Daytona Prototype cookie cutter cars, consistently provides usually close racing. But GT is quickly becoming the interesting class. This seems to be the case with the ALMS, also.
I won't be surprised to see more and more interest in the US by spectators watching GT racing in SCCA WC, ALMS, and the GrandAm series, leading to more manufacturer interest.
Cool, I say.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

As We Watch The ALMS from Long Beach.......

A rumor that I heard today, and this is a highly regarded source, is that Ferrari will be in the FIA GT1 World Championship with the new 599 GTO next year. Now that would be fun!!!!

1st Round of the New FIA GT1 World Championship

WOW! Great racing carried live from Abu Dubahi by the GT1World.com. Live streaming was very good with few "stops" and great resolution.
USA! USA! USA!. Corvette earns the most points, and the Matech Ford GT wins easily in the 2d of the 2 one hour races.
Check videos and results at http://gt1world.com. A terrific website on it own.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Formula 1

An exciting Australia an interesting Sepang. The Red Bulls didn't break and finished 1-2.
I think just because of outside circumstances (luck?), not rule changes or Bernie or anyone, we have parity, at least for now.
US F1 closed it's doors for good, finally, and Ken and Peter W, are looking for work, which I'm sure they would find, and work out nicely, on the line at a fast food joint.
At least they would learn how a product is turned out from start to finish.
Lotus is proving to be a nightmare realized rather than a dream, and HRT finished.
F. Massa leads the points but is only 15 ahead of 8th place Webber, who finished 2d to Vettel Sunday.
It could turn out to be almost as interesting as last year.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The New F1 Rules

I have purposely held off writing this to see what the reaction worldwide was. However, the "race" in Bahrain was a parade. If Vettel hadn't had a problem, there would have barely been any position swaps.
Whitmarsh and others are now coming out and saying the rules led to another processional game being played. After last year, this is indeed a disappointment.
What next?

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

SRO Wants to Add FIA GT2 World Championship in 2011

SRO has approached the FIA to postpone the proposed GT2 World Championship until 2011. This will allow the FIA GT1 and GT3 Championship to come to fruition and the specifications of GT2 & GT3 can be reviewed so as to make the 2 classes distinct.
It is felt that under the present rules the 2 classes will be very similar in performance.
Has SRO over reached in starting 3 Championships this year, or truly looking at a more competitive series for each class without overlap, one from the other?
I believe the latter.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Graham Rahal to NASCAR?

It is rumored that Graham Rahal is seeking a NASCAR seat as his faith in IndyCar flags.
That is another article in Motorsport-Total.com, the German online magazine. Loosely translated below is the text:
Above all, Graham Rahal, the name is missing from the list of candidates to be on Wednesday and Thursday, the first official IndyCar Test at Barber Motorsports Park begin. Newman / Haas lost his McDonald's main sponsor, the last very vague Rahal opportunities exist in a commitment as a third Ganassi driver or at Dale Coyne.
"Every minute that passes, is questionable," said Rahal to the 'IndyStar' from his home in Ohio. "I was supposed to be in Alabama." His chances in the IndyCar season opener on 14 March in Brazil to be there, described the 21-year-old as "zero." His reaction is understandable: Rahal now seeking contact with NASCAR officials to snag there a cockpit!

USF1 - German Magazine Version of "Done"

Motorsport-Total.com published an article by "Pit Lane" claiming Mr. Hurley of YouTube fame has attempted to recoup his investment by going to Campos and when unable to strike a deal has bailed totally on F1.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Rebellion Racing Signs Marco Andretti for LeMans



Marco Andretti joins REBELLION Racing for LM24
It was a busy week for Le Mans Series team REBELLION Racing this week. On Monday it announced that Guy Smith would join the team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June and the team went to the Iberian peninsula to test at the Portimao circuit on Wednesday and Thursday as well as the Monteblanco circuit on Saturday and Sunday. And then on Sunday the sixth driver for Le Mans was confirmed as Marco Andretti.

FIA GT1 World Championship



The new FIA GT World Championship is shaping up to be a potentially terrific series, with 12 entries representing 6 marques.

Ford GT, Corvette, Aston Martin DBR9, Nissan GT-R, Maserati MC 12 & Lamborghini Murcielago will have 2 teams each. The 10 races with 2 cars from each team, will mean 24 cars on the grid and with double races at each venue, that should be good, close racing.

This sounds like fun! SRO does a good job of running the FIA GT /GT3, ADAC GT Masters, the British GT Series, the French FFSA GT Series and the Belgian and Brazilian GT Series. This series should be the pinnacle.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

USF1??????????

It appears from the many versions of the story on the web, that the truth is you can stick a fork in USGPE as they are done. At least for this year.
Too bad for Anderson and Windsor, two people who I would think would have had their ducks in line before they even went for an entry this year.
Their lack of getting the Charlotte area behind them, not helped by a lack of returning calls or emails and cancelling tours indicates a politicians disregard for really knowing their constituents.
I expected better.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

The DeltaWing IndyCar Proposal




Speed Racer was involved in this one from DeltaWing. IndyCar may be on to something!
This was designed by ex-Lola designer Ben Bowlby.


Tuesday, February 9, 2010

2012 IndyCar Proposals




Perhaps it is just me, but the proposals from Swift and Dallara, based on IndyCar's guidance appear above.
Did Speed Racer have a lot of input in the guidance IndyCar gave the manufacturers?

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Aston Martin Back with Gulf LMP1's

Aston Martin Racing has announced it will return to the 24 Hours of LeMans in 2010 with the famous Blue and Orange Gulf sponsored livery.
This year they will also run the 12 Hours of Sebring, 20 March, the Long Beach Grand Prix on 17 April and the opening round of the European Le Mans Series at Paul Ricard in France on 11 April.
The beautiful sounds of the AM V12 resounding off the walls at Long Beach may mean a west coast flight for this fan!