Mid-Ohio 2009 ALMS: Corvette C6.R GT2 hits the track!
Corvette C6.R GT2 - Click above for a high-res image gallery
The all-new Corvette C6.R GT2 is on track at Mid-Ohio this morning for the first official practice session ahead of tomorrow's American Le Mans Series Race. So far, the 'Vettes look good and sound great, although they aren't running at the front of the pack. As of this writing, Oliver Gavin and Jan Magnussen are running third and fourth, respectively, in GT2 in the number 4 and 3 Corvettes. Bill Auberlin is leading the pack in the #90 BMW M3.
While the new GT2 contenders don't look quite as aggressive as their GT1 predecessors, the updated yellow and black livery looks great on the ZR1-inspired bodywork and their thunderous exhaust note won't be mistaken for any of the Porsches or Ferraris mixing it up on the circuit. Considering the limited track time the team has had, both 'Vettes seems to be running strong. We'll have a better idea of how strong this afternoon when they head out for qualifying.
UPDATE: In GT qualifying this afternoon, Joerg Bergmeister took the pole in one of the Flying Lizard Porsches with Jan Magnussen grabbing third in the #3 Vette and Oliver Gavin following in sixth in the #4 Vette.
Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
zamafir 1:10PM (8/07/2009)
Hot. here's hoping the winning continues!
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Danimal 1:19PM (8/07/2009)
I hope they continue with their success as well. But I'd say they are the underdogs in this event since this is their first go in these cars, on this track, and against this competition.
As much as my heart wants them to win, I wouldn't bet on it.
why not the LS2LS7? 1:54PM (8/07/2009)
I actually pretty much don't want them to win out of the gate. You saw remember what happened to the (also P&M) Cadillac CTS-Vs after the won out of the gate? The competition adjustments were pretty severe.
zamafir 1:58PM (8/07/2009)
Good call. Either way, it'll be nice to hear 'em screaming by.
Aaron 1:28PM (8/07/2009)
I dont believe they will win, but i do think they will both be in the top 5
(as long as there arent any technical issues, considering they are brand new cars)
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Level 1:48PM (8/07/2009)
so the main difference in the GT1 to GT2 class is a bump in HP figures?
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why not the LS2LS7? 1:52PM (8/07/2009)
There's a lot of differences in theory. GT2 is supposed to be a lot closer to production, although with the sequential gearboxes, tube frame corners and Chevy actually making a street car with a downtuned C6.R engine (the Z06), it's not as big a difference as it once was.
Tom Winch 3:16AM (8/08/2009)
There's many differences. GT-1 = steel tube frame, GT-2 = ZR-1 production based aluminum space frame with integrated steel roll cage and chassis strengthening. GT-1 = more horsepower, less weight. GT-2 car is a little over 200 lbs heavier. GT- 2 body must conform to production car. GT-1 car has wider fenders with vents and larger front splitter. GT-1 wing is 25% wider. And the biggest difference is the GT-1 car is about 20 mph faster.
why not the LS2LS7? 1:49PM (8/07/2009)
Bill Auberlen, not Auberlin
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tenfifteen 6:44PM (8/08/2009)
Last week, they reported (then edited after comments came in) that Corvette would have their work cut out in ALMS's GT2, where "Ferrari rules the roost" (despite the #45 FL *Porsche* winning all five races this year).
Motorsports reporting here is pretty bad, and Bill Auberlen is not exactly an unknown. Certainly notable enough to deserve having his name spelled correctly.
Seriously, Autoblog.
why not the LS2LS7? 2:39AM (8/09/2009)
Jorg Bergmeister is almost too good for GT2. It's tough to ever bet against him, especially when Flying Lizard is doing the prep.
tenfifteen 4:46AM (8/09/2009)
Agreed, whynot. Watched him in person at Lime Rock a few weeks back (and will be watching again next weekend at Road America). Though it's in the books, to me he won Sebring '07; not going to rehash it, but watch the final few laps of that again... the guy has icewater in his veins.
We'll see what happens with Johnny O, Mags and company running though. Ought to be interesting. I'll say this... I don't think I've ever seen a class in the ALMS this stacked with great drivers. Hard for me to root for anyone in particular...
Carlos 2:28PM (8/07/2009)
I wish the GT2 class would be show room cars that are race prepped and GT1 be full space frame/monoque chassis cars it would give a better distinction between the two classes imo.
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pedantic 4:25PM (8/07/2009)
You are looking at FIA GT4 based racing.
Xa 2:42PM (8/07/2009)
good luck to the vette boys. the new paint scheme is MUCH better. if history is any indicator, this car will be gunning for wins very soon.
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