VIDEO: First look at Acura's ALMS LMP2 racer
We just received word of this video clip showing the new Acura LMP2 ALMS racer. It was filmed at the racecar's unveiling during the 2006 Petit Le Mans. Besides showing off the car, Acura announced the drivers of the Lowe's car, Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz. The video shows the press conference cut in with images of the car. As we've previously reported, this car represents Acura's first foray into motorsports in the company's 20 year history and testing has already begun at Firebird International Raceway in Arizona. The Lowe's Fernandez team has fitted the brand new LM V8 engine into a Lola B05/40 chassis for the test by owner/driver Adrian Fernandez.
The racing debut of the three Acura ALMS teams will come at Sebring in March, with Andretti Green Racing and Highcroft Racing joining Lowe's/Fernandez. Highcroft will run an Acura-Courage LC75, as Honda develops its own chassis for the 2008 season. Andretti Green is also running a Courage, with XM Satellite Radio sponsorship carrying over from their IRL effort. Highcroft Racing is the only one of the three teams currently running in the ALMS, competing in LMP1 with its Lola EX257-AER.
The car looks pretty impressive, but with Porsche being so strong this year in LMP2, it will take a lot of work for Acura to establish itself as a contender. ALMS seems to be getting more attention, as it deserves and it will hopefully continue to grow, attract sponsors and fans. The rumors of a possible Mario/Michael/Marco Andretti driver lineup can only help towards that goal.
[Source: Streetfire]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ruggels 9:29PM (10/10/2006)
booo, i want to see them go up against audi (and loose :P)
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Fabulo 10:13PM (10/10/2006)
"this car represents Acura's first foray into motorsports in the company's 20 year"
Because Honda never has been involved in any motorsport at all. Ever. and Acura is so not the same thing as Honda. No, no, no.
Great news.
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Scott Wylie 10:27PM (10/10/2006)
Acura used to run in IMSA GT Lights in the early 90's with the Comptech team, Parker Johnstone won quite a number of races.
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Stacey 10:31PM (10/10/2006)
It will be very interesting to see how this car competes with the Porsche...which has been very fast.
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Shinkaze 10:44PM (10/10/2006)
Frank,
You did a much better job with the write up than I did shooting the video. I promise next time I'll get a decent Tri-Pod.
I just wanted to add that Acura has chosen two really great guys. I enjoyed meeting Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz, and am very happy seeing a pair of drivers representing Mexico at such a high level of racing.
Again, thanks for the great write up.
-Adam from StreetFire.
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Opposite Lock 10:57PM (10/10/2006)
Acura also has the Realtime racing team in the Speed World Challenge TC class, and had NSX's in the GT in the past. I believe these cars have/had some factory support.
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ruggels 12:24AM (10/11/2006)
"Acura also has the Realtime racing team in the Speed World Challenge TC class, and had NSX's in the GT in the past. I believe these cars have/had some factory support."
hmmm with all this racing history acura should totally compete in LMP1, it's like the big kids sport...
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chewy 1:54AM (10/11/2006)
Acura will compete in P1, probably in 2008. I don't think that this is a good aproach at all. As the P1 car will share absolutely no parts with the P2 car.
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Cars 3:11AM (10/11/2006)
I congratulate Acura on launching it's first sports car "ALMS LMP2 racer". I hope it will be an inspiration for honda and others. Thus there will be a race between car manufacturers for racer cars. Which will bring new dimentions in racer car manufacturing.
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acura racer 3:34AM (10/11/2006)
Congratulations and good luck !
The car looks nice, but keep working to the engine.
You need to compete with Audi
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A.J. 1:06PM (10/11/2006)
Good to see Adam's video here - if it was a little shaky, it's probably because that video was shot after we were given rides in the Petersen/White Lightning Porsche the day before, and, well, at least *I* was still pretty worked-up from that...
I still haven't gotten any of the video I shot mastered into digital yet (yeah, yeah, I know...) but that'll be coming soon.
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Johnny 6:44PM (11/27/2006)
Is it just me or is this car out to kick Porsche ass? Someoe better beat the RS Spyder back in line and I hope to god it is this car.
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