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Road Atlanta Test

ALMS

18/02/2001

ALMS Spring Training

Sunday 18 February

Russell Wittenberg continues the tales from day two of the Road Atlanta test.

First of all, some extra bits and pieces from Saturday: Ryan Eversley pitches in with the news that the first privateer Corvette C5-R was at the track on the first day, being driven by Jeff Altenburg and run by Trans Atlantic. The C5-R was apparently fairly slow for most of the day, but no times were known (see below – it was certainly within reach of Porsche times on Sunday).

Lucas Luhr seemed to be having a hard time negotiating turn 1 as he completely lost control and spun into the gravel trap.

The Crawford changed noses to the higher downforce type and was apparently setting 1:12s, which was the Panoz benchmark. Also the hump on the back stretch has been changed (lowered) slightly - by about 3 feet in height?

Thanks Ryan.

Russell Wittenberg accorded due thanks to the Road Atlanta staff for their help in getting him connected:

These are the nicest people. Joyce Slaughter and Ken Brogan were very helpful in getting me in and set up on Saturday morning. Beth Wyse (pictured) is the reason you got the news from me; without her help, I would have never got online. She also shuttled me around the track as my personal chauffeur. She went out of her way to help and I truly appreciate it.

Sunday News

Only Panoz, Doran and Trinkler are left, all the others have gone. The Westward Panoz was a curious no show.

I was told that (unconfirmed) that the Job Porsche was down to 1:22.7 before they left yesterday. That's fast!

I talked to driver B. J. Zacharias who is testing with the Trinlkler Corvette; he drove with the Northstar SRll lola #26 at Daytona, finishing third in class. He hopes to do more with that team later in the Grand Am season. There is a possibility of a drive in the Trinkler car. This is a C5-R Pratt & Miller chassis modified to fit the GT class. Theteam spent much of last year getting it homologated with the ACO. It is a brand new car for them and this is it's first real test. They are happy with the engine and power and are working to improve handling. B.J.' s best times were in the 1:26s – this was his first time at this track. The car is running a 5.7 liter Chevy V8. They are currently working out of the Creighton shop and their goal is to offer these as a customer car as an alternative to the Porsche and BMW for the GT class. They are getting ready for the Texas event and hope to do more ALMS as the budget allows as they are trying to secure some sponsorship.

Klaus Graf is back out in the Panoz roadster and seems to be running very strong. I think I will miss that big V8 sound.

Jan Magnussen was out in the new LMP 07 for a short stint but ran into some kind of mechanical trouble, possibly prop shaft, repairs are under way.

Theys is also out and running very strong. The Crawford is using the low downforce front bodywork this afternoon.

A break in the action while I wait for the Westward Panoz team, who are supposed to be on their way here. I talked to Klaus Graf, will shake down the Westward car as soon at it arrives. He is very happy to be with the Panoz organization, as you’d expect; he says it feels like family here, and he is proud to be "promoted" from test driver to fulltime. He’s very excited to run the full schedule, and is getting along well with Gualter, whom he says is picking up quickly and has very good communications skills with regards to how the car is working and what needs attention. Gualter’s best time is down to a 1:13.5 and Klaus turned in a very quick 1:11.8. He is hoping the new car will be ready for them soon, maybe Texas?? Also new team engineer for Klaus will be Rick Myers, formerly with Dick Barbour.

David Brabham has finally gotten his turn in the new LMP 07 and turned a very nice lap 1:12.56. Jan says he broke the prop shaft earlier but "it wasn't my fault". Also said the car is improving nicely.

Hopefully more later if I can find the missing Westward guys.

Westward Racing Group has arrived!!

I talked with Peter Kuhn, managing director, who says drivers are Jay Cochran (pictured), Peter Boss and they are working on a deal with Richard Dean - who says he knows you, Mr Editor!

Peter Kuhn commented that Don Panoz has been extremely helpful and instrumental in putting this deal together. Andy Waldrep, team manager with Panoz, has also been very helpful and has treated Westward like they are part of his own factory team. They plan to officially debut cars at Donington for full ELMS season, but Sebring is a possiblity and also PLM. The chassis pictured is # 004. It is the first time Westward or any of the drivers have had the car out. As mentioned Klaus did initial shakedown and now Jay is in car getting its first laps. The team is very excited, needless to say.

I have confirmed the 1:22.7 for the Job Porsche and Owen Trinkler had the ‘Vette down to 1:24.5. A real Porsche challenger in due course?

That’s the end of Russell’s coverage of Spring Training. Next stop for the teams will be Texas, and the start of the second year of the ALMS. Suggestions that it could be a lower key year than 2000 may prove to be very wrong, certainly in the GT class where a four way fight is in store.