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Audi Presents Petit Le Mans

06/10/2001

Friday

Update

© Janos Wimpffen

Team Bucknum Racing Pilbeam MP84 / Nissan:

Contrary to earlier notes, the Pilbeam did not have a flat rear tire, but actually had a pin pull out of the lower rear a-arm. When this happened, there was more damage than just the missing pin. Unfortunately, the team, which took delivery of the car in mid-August, does not have spares. There is a Pilbeam in the local area though, and the team is trying to get some spares from this car.

Team Spencer Mazda Lola:

Negotiations are still on-going with the ACO concerning the homologation of this car. There is still a chance that this car can be in the race, but it is looking less and less likely. If it does run, it will be more of a test session than actual racing.

The reason for the problem is that while Team Spencer did work with Lola on installing the 2-rotor turbo, the communication with the ACO was not what it might ideally have been. While this is a prototype, the reason for the homologation is the fall out from the infamous flying Mercedes. The ACO is making sure that all cars, when changed, are changed properly, and have the factory papers supporting this.

The plan is to run all the enduros. next season.

Petersen Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 RS:

They are still running about half a step behind the Alex Job Team in evolutions. The reason for the increased speed at Laguna was a new evolution motor. They are currently handicapped, in comparison to Job, with a customer tub, as Job is running a special 'Factory Tub'. They are also still running 2-piece rims, in comparison to the 1 piece rims that are becoming more popular.

The new uprights are not being used after the Jeannette car crashed due to a failure of said upright.

There are numerous support races here, with the crowded schedule being the reason behind the very early start today. This is the final appearance anywhere of the Indy Lights series. It is an unusual support event to have with the ALMS but is a precursor to a possible CART event here. Formula Mazda is a regular runner with ALMS as are the always exciting Speedvision Touring and Speedvision GT races. Then there is the Panoz GT series.
Finally there are the historic GTP cars. About 16 of the old closed-top sports-racers are present, ranging from an early GTX / Group 5 Porsche 935 and a 1982 Rondeau to a 1990 Nissan R90C, a couple of Spices, Spices, and one Porsche 962. Gunnar Jeannette is doing double duty, pedalling an Intrepid as well as his GT class Porsche in the main race.

The Bob Akin Nissan is quickest of the bunch, about three seconds down from the current Audis.