ALMS: Petit Le Mans GT Preview
Written by: John Dagys
Date: 09/27/2010 - 07:16 PM
Location: Braselton, GA
GT2
The most competitive category in the American Le Mans Series goes from strength to strength for the 13th annual Petit Le Mans powered by MAZDA2. Despite the lack of European entrants, GT2 sees a sharp increase in its car count, thanks to an influx of new and returning U.S.-based teams making their season debut.
PHOTOS: Petit Le Mans Testing Photo Gallery
Seventeen entries representing seven manufacturers - Porsche, Ferrari, Chevrolet, BMW, Ford, Jaguar and Panoz - and four tire partners - Michelin, Dunlop, Yokohama and Falken - makes this year’s 1,000-mile/10-hour enduro the most diverse yet.
While much of the focus is on the closely contested championship, especially in the teams’ and manufacturers’ standings, a class win on Saturday would also guarantee a place on the grid for next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. There’s certainly a lot up for grabs.
Car No.: 3
Team: Corvette Racing
Car: Corvette C6.R
Drivers: Johnny O’Connell - Olivier Beretta - Antonio Garcia
Dagys says:
It’s been an eye-opener of a year for Corvette Racing. Entering its first full-season with its GT2-spec Corvette C6.R, many would have thought the Doug Fehan-led crew would be in the thick of the championship chase. Instead, the Pratt & Miller squad is still searching for its first victory of the year.
For various reasons, Corvette Racing hasn’t been its usual selves in 2010. A switch to a new 5.5-liter V8 power plant developed in-house appeared to be one of the early struggles, especially at Le Mans, where both entries succumbed to engine failures. But even uncharacteristic moments such as the pit collision at Sebring could have put the team on edge.
Down but not out, Fehan and company have been determined to make things right, with a recent reshuffling of the driver lineup likely the first step to help evaluate the program heading into next year. Olivier Beretta moves over to the No. 3 machine, now paired with Johnny O’Connell, with Antonio Garcia climbing aboard this weekend as the third driver.
Endurance races have typically been Corvette’s strong suit, and there’s no better time than now to put the car in victory lane to help erase the most challenging season yet for the boys in yellow and black.
Car No.: 4
Team: Corvette Racing
Car: Corvette C6.R
Drivers: Oliver Gavin - Jan Magnussen - Emmanuel Collard
Dagys says:
With Corvette out of the championship, the team made the decision to evaluate new driver pairings at Mosport. Those same combinations will continue this weekend, with Jan Magnussen teaming with Oliver Gavin in the No. 4. Frenchman Emmanuel Collard rounds out the driving force. It’s tough to say which Corvette could be stronger, but there’s no doubt the collective goal will be to win, no matter which car.
Car No.: 10
Team: ACS Express Racing
Car: Doran Ford GT-R
Drivers: Brandon Davis - Boris Said - Townsend Bell
Dagys says:
One of two new teams making its ALMS debut this weekend, California-based ACS Express has a long and successful history racing Fords. From its triumph in Trans-Am to championships in World Challenge, the Mike Davis-owned effort shouldn’t be taken lightly, even though it will likely be a tough hill to climb in the highly competitive category.
Utilizing the Doran-built Ford GT chassis campaigned by Black Swan Racing in 2008, it will be interesting to see how this Michelin-shod entry will stack up against the newly increased effort of Robertson Racing.
With 2009 World Challenge champion Brandon Davis behind the wheel and paired with road racing standout Boris Said and open-wheel ace Townsend Bell, ACS’ lineup is touted as one of the strongest in the field. The question will be if the car can deliver the goods or will take further development on the team’s part to turn into a podium finisher and race winner.
Car No.: 17
Team: Team Falken Tire
Car: Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
Drivers: Bryan Sellers - Martin Ragginger
Dagys says:
Starting the year off strong with impressive runs, Team Falken Tire seems to have faded a bit mid-season. It particularly came at or around Miller Motorsports Park in July when the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR suffered a massive fire. But as with every development program, it usually takes time to see the fruits of the labor to shine through.
The Rod Everett-led team, however, will be without the driving services of Wolf Henzler, as the German is recovering from a back injury. Porsche Junior driver Martin Ragginger takes his place alongside team leader Bryan Sellers in the team’s Porsche.
Car No.: 33
Team: Jaguar RSR
Car: Jaguar XKRS
Drivers: Andy Wallace - Butch Leitzinger - Tomy Drissi
Dagys says:
Paul Gentilozzi promised two cars for Petit Le Mans and he didn’t fail to deliver. After a troubled first-half of the year, things are starting to look up for Jaguar RSR. The car’s reliability issues appear to be be sorted, with much of the focus now turned to getting additional speed out of the V8-engined beast.
A second car will likely help speed up the development process, too. After sitting on the sidelines following the pull-out of the two Gonzalez-owned Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, Butch Leitzinger has landed a ride for this weekend, teamed together again with Andy Wallace, who makes his return to the famed British marque. Trans-Am veteran Tomy Drissi completes the lineup that could actually surprise a few.
Car No.: 40
Team: Robertson Racing
Car: Doran Ford GT-R
Drivers: David Robertson - Andrea Robertson - Craig Stanton
Dagys says:
Robertson Racing expands to two cars this weekend, resulting in David Murry moving over to the No. 04 entry and Craig Stanton coming aboard the No. 40 to pair with co-owners David and Andrea Robertson. Despite further gains made this season, a repeat of last year’s shock pole for the No. 40 car is unlikely, but a top-10 finish could be in the cards if attrition plays a factor and the husband-and-wife pair stay out of trouble.
Car No.: 44
Team: Flying Lizard Motorsports
Car: Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
Drivers: Darren Law - Seth Neiman - Marco Holzer
Dagys says:
With one round to go, the focus for the Flying Lizards is the championship. Not only the drivers’ title, but also the teams’ championship, as the Sonoma, Calif.-based squad holds a slim one-point lead over BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team.
The Lizard’s No. 44 entry is likely to play a determining role on the teams’ title. Coupled with representing Porsche in the ILMC this weekend, there’s pressure to preform for full-season drivers Seth Neiman and Darren Law. The duo is joined by Porsche Junior Marco Holzer, who makes his ALMS debut.
Car No.: 45
Team: Flying Lizard Motorsports
Car: Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
Drivers: Jorg Bergmeister - Patrick Long - Marc Lieb
Dagys says:
For Jorg Bergmeister and Patrick Long, the objective is quite simple: finish in the top-10. If the Flying Lizard Motorsports duo can accomplish that, they’ll be GT champions. But don’t think Bergmeister, Long and Marc Lieb will be peddling around mid-pack just to score points. The trio will likely need to take a competitive, yet calculated approach.
It’s impressive how competitive the Porsche has been this year, despite the 911 GT3 RSR receiving no major off-season changes. Bergmeister and Long have been regular contenders for wins, with four already on the board. There’s no doubt the team has the potential to add to that tally this weekend. The question will be if they are prepared to take that kind of risk, especially with the championship virtually in sight.
Car No.: 50
Team: Panoz Team
Car: Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans
Drivers: Ian James - Benjamin Leuenberger
Dagys says:
While the Panoz Abruzzi ‘Spirit of Le Mans’ is slated to make its debut this weekend, there’s no real level of expectation of how this GT2 contender will perform. With the final touches being put on the Chevrolet-powered car late last week, the Abruzzi has received zero testing miles ahead of practice on Wednesday. With high hopes for success next year, it may have been a bit early to push out the car for its competition debut.
Car No.: 61
Team: Risi Competizione
Car: Ferrari F430 GT
Drivers: Giancarlo Fisichella - Jamie Melo - Mika Salo
Dagys says:
With Risi Competizione and Ferrari still in with a shot of their respective GT titles, a bit of shuffling has occurred in efforts to help their title bids. The Houston-based squad has moved Jamie Melo to the No. 61 Ferrari, teaming with former co-driver Mika Salo and Giancarlo Fisichella.
The move for Melo, who missed Mosport due to an illness, doesn’t have any serious championship implications, as the Brazilian wasn’t on the same points as full-season co-driver Gimmi Bruni anyways. Instead, it gives Risi a fighting chance with two F430 GTs, instead of potentially just one.
Car No.: 62
Team: Risi Competizione
Car: Ferrari F430 GT
Drivers: Toni Vilander - Gianmaria Bruni
Dagys says:
Replacing Melo in the No. 62 is none other than Toni Vilander, who was the last-minute sub for Melo at Mosport. Vilander and Bruni are no strangers, having teamed together in the FIA GT Championship in 2009.
The potent combo will be tough to beat, but the only question lies with the two-driver approach. With most teams going with three drivers, could that be the No. 62 car’s weak link? Not likely, but you can never discount the uncertainties of endurance racing, especially with what unfolded at Mosport one month ago.
Car No.: 75
Team: Jaguar RSR
Car: Jaguar XKRS
Drivers: Marc Goossens - Ryan Dalziel - Paul Gentilozzi
Dagys says:
Jaguar RSR has also gone with a two-driver approach with its No. 75 machine. Some cynics might say it wouldn’t matter as the car won’t reach half-distance, let alone complete the 1,000-mile marathon. But Paul Gentillozzi and company are ready to prove them wrong.
Continued developments throughout the season is likely to put the Jag another step forward in the highly competitive category. RSR is committed to this program, enough so to take both Jags to China for the end-of-year ILMC round. A solid result this weekend will certainly help their chances in Zhuhai and for next year.
Car No.: 90
Team: BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team
Car: BMW M3 GT
Drivers: Dirk Muller - Joey Hand - Andy Priaulx
Dagys says:
BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team has been the measure of consistency all year. With podium finishes in each of the eight rounds thus far, the Ohio-based organization and Bavarian manufacturer are in the thick of the championship chase, only a single point behind Flying Lizard Motorsports and Porsche, respectively.
However, neither of the driver pairings are in with a shout of the drivers’ title, partly due to a streak of recent bad luck. The No. 90 machine of Dirk Muller and Joey Hand crashed out at Mosport, whereas the sister car of Bill Auberlen and Tommy Milner had a DNF at Road America, which sent the team in a race against the clock to build up a new No. 92 entry for the Canadian round.
Nonetheless, it’s been a good season for BMW, despite only recording a single win thus far. With the addition of World Touring Car ace Andy Priaulx to the No. 90 car this weekend, it certainly strengthens their chances not only for a end-of-year win, but also for the coveted teams’ and manufacturers’ titles.
Car No.: 92
Team: BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team
Car: BMW M3 GT
Drivers: Bill Auberlen - Tommy Milner - Dirk Werner
Dagys says:
It’s hard to imagine Tommy Milner has yet to visit victory lane in ALMS competition. After coming onto the scene in 2006, the 24-year-old scored a win for BMW RLR in Asian Le Mans Series competition last year, but has come up short over here. He and Bill Auberlen have come close all year long, with three runner-up finishes. Could he finally break through?
With Dirk Werner joining the duo, it makes for another strong lineup in the highly competitive category. All focus will be on collecting the team and manufacturer hardware, but the only way to do that will be with two solid finishes, and perhaps a win.
Car No.: 01
Team: Extreme Speed Motorsports
Car: Ferrari F430 GT
Drivers: Scott Sharp - Johannes van Overbeek - Dominik Farnbacher
Dagys says:
2010 has been a learning season for Scott Sharp and his Extreme Speed Motorsports team. It was planned to be all along, as the Florida-based squad was just a dream less than twelve months ago. While neither of the team’s Ferrari F430 GTs have visited victory lane or even reached the podium, Sharp would still likely think of his first year as a success.
ESM has shown flashes of brilliance, notably with Johannes van Overbeek at the wheel. The California native and Florida-based Sharp are joined by Ferrari hot shoe Dominik Farnbacher this weekend. The trio will be hoping to cross the finish line this time after its Patron-sponsored Ferrari went up in flames in the closing hours at Sebring.
Car No.: 02
Team: Extreme Speed Motorsports
Car: Ferrari F430 GT
Drivers: Ed Brown - Guy Cosmo - Joao Barbosa
Dagys says:
Credit also has to be given to ESM’s sister Prancing Horse of Guy Cosmo and Ed Brown, which has been one of the biggest improving pairings this season. While there’s been no question of Cosmo’s ability, Brown has been making continual gains each race, helping put the No. 02 entry in position for solid finishes.
Joined again by Portuguese star Joao Barbosa, the trio could be looking to improve on their sixth place finish at Sebring, especially if attrition plays a role again. Ending the season on a high note will be crucial for this first-year team.
Car No.: 04
Team: Robertson Racing
Car: Doran Ford GT-R
Drivers: David Murry - Rob Bell - Anthony Lazzaro
Dagys says:
Making it three Doran-built Ford GTs in the field, Robertson Racing’s new No. 04 machine for David Murry, Anthony Lazzaro and two-time LMS champ Rob Bell could be one of the dark horses of the race.
Murry, after all, claimed a shock pole here one year ago, while Bell was making his LMP debut at the wheel of Drayson Racing’s Lola-Judd. Lazzaro is no stranger to the Ford GT, having been a part of Black Swan Racing’s effort in 2008.
All of the ingredients are there for this program to shine. While a win or even podium is likely out of the cards, a solid top-five run could help keep this program continue into next year.
GTH/Unclassified
Car No.: 911
Team: Porsche Motorsport North America
Car: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid
Drivers: Timo Bernhard - Romain Dumas - Mike Rockenfeller
Dagys says:
Porsche’s revolutionary 911 GT3 R Hybrid takes to the track for the first time Stateside. While running unclassified, the GT3-spec machine equipped with two 60 Kw electric motors will be one of the highlights of the weekend, especially with its star-studded driver lineup.
Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas and Mike Rockenfeller - this year’s Le Mans winners - reunite, but in a very different car. It’s unclear where the Hybrid will exactly stack up to the overall competition, but it’s likely to be ahead of the GTC cars and marginally slower than the mid-pack GT2 contenders. Either way, Saturday’s race will be a test, and a showcase, for this new technology that could some day could be integrated into full GT competition.
http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/alms-petit-le-mans-gt-preview/
