Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Formula Le Mans joins the big boys in the Le Mans Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/formula-le-mans-join-the-big-boys-in-the-le-mans-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/formula-le-mans-join-the-big-boys-in-the-le-mans-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/formula-le-mans-join-the-big-boys-in-the-le-mans-series/#comments
Formula Le Mans Oreca FLM09 - Click above for image gallery
Most major racing disciplines around the world have a clear and comprehensive framework to allow aspiring drivers to learn the ropes. Pretty much everyone starts in karting, but from there F1 hopefuls go on to Formula Renault and other open-wheeled series; NASCAR aspirants to ARCA and the Nationwide Series; rally prodigees to local championships; and so on and so forth. But teams fielding Le Mans prototypes had to recruit from other disciplines. That is, until now.

Earlier this year, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest - the organization behind Le Mans and its associated series - launched Formula Le Mans, known in America as the Le Mans Prototype Challenge. The idea was simple: everybody driving the same cars, designed on the same model as LMP1 and LMP2 racers, in support races to existing LMS events. French racing team (and, since acquiring Courage Competition, chassis constructor) Oreca was contracted to design and build the cars and help organize the series.

The purpose-built chassis known as the FLM09 packs a Chevy LS3 tuned to 430 horsepower with Magneti Marelli engine management, driving an Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox to Michelin slicks housing Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. Eight teams participated in the inaugural season this year, fielding some 50 drivers at races at Spa-Francorchamps, La Sarthe, Algarve, the Nurburgring, Silverstone and Magny-Cours.

The opening season was a success, prompting ACO and Oreca to launch a winter series, currently under way. But for next year's series, Formula Le Mans will be fully integrated into the Le Mans Series as another category, much as they've been run in the American Le Mans Series since their inception. In order to separate the FLM cars from the higher-level LMP2 and keep them running for the full race distance, however, the Oreca FLM09s be equipped with restrictor plates. The integration of FLM into the full series ought to make for some interesting racing and a more hands-on training ground for aspiring drivers when they join the grid next year, but for now you can read the full press release after the jump and browse the mega gallery by hitting the thumbnails below.


Gallery: Formula Le Mans Oreca FLM09


[Source: Formula Le Mans]

Continue reading Formula Le Mans joins the big boys in the Le Mans Series

Formula Le Mans joins the big boys in the Le Mans Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acoautomobile club de louestAutomobileClubDeLouestflmflm09formula le mansFormulaLeMansle mansle mans seriesLeMansLeMansSerieslmplmp1lmp2lmsorecaoreca flm09OrecaFlm09Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[American Le Mans Series consolidates racing classes for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/american-le-mans-series-changes-up-racing-classes-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/american-le-mans-series-changes-up-racing-classes-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/american-le-mans-series-changes-up-racing-classes-for-2010/#commentsFiled under:

2009 ALMS at Long Beach - Click above for high-res image gallery

The American Le Mans Series is responding to economic conditions and the decline in the diversity of racing machinery on the grid by changing up the racing classes in its ranks for next season. Rather than imposing spending caps that would be tough to enforce, the series is adding new classes that are closer to production machinery.

Starting in 2010, the two-tier LMP1 and LMP2 categories will be merged into one LMP class, while a new LMP Challenge class will be added starting with the inclusion of Oreca's lower powered Formula Le Mans cars. However, the old system will remain in place for the Sebring 12 Hours and Petit Le Mans races so as to allow European teams to compete in the series' premier American races.

In the GT categories, GT2 class will be remade as GT in the wake of GT1's decline, with a new GT Challenge mirroring the LMP Challenge class for Porsche 911 GT3s. ALMS CEO Scott Atherton has left the door open to other GT3 competitors if they are interested, so hopefully we'll soon see the Audi R8 GT4 get the necessary mods to run in the GTC class.

The revised classifications should amount to more direct competition between challengers - provided the standings don't get too convoluted by the premier event exceptions.


Gallery: American Le Mans Series Mid-Ohio 2009


[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Continue reading American Le Mans Series consolidates racing classes for 2010

American Le Mans Series consolidates racing classes for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The latest in a string of reports on Le Mans Series rule changes could stand to really shake things up in the prototype classes in a few years. ACO, the French racing organizers which coordinate the European Le Mans Series and its headline event, are reportedly planning on banning V10s and V12s from the top-tier LMP1 class by 2011.

In their place, LMP1 would adopt the rules currently in place for LMP2, which means 3.4-liter V8s and 2.0-liter turbos. LMP2, meanwhile, would switch exclusively to production-based engines. Both Audi and Peugeot, who have dominated the series with their 12-cylinder turbodiesels, are reportedly in favor of the change in formula despite the need to send their engine development programs back to the drawing board.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Le Mans organizers to ban V10s and V12s from LMP1 in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acoalmsautomobile club de louestAutomobileClubDeLouestle mansle mans dieselle mans regulationsle mans seriesle mans tdile mans turbo dieselLeMansLeMansDieselLeMansRegulationsLeMansSeriesLeMansTdiLeMansTurboDiesellmp1lmp2lmsFri, 26 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Road to Race: Porsche RS Spyder gets direct injection]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/road-to-race-porsche-rs-spyder-gets-direct-injection/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/road-to-race-porsche-rs-spyder-gets-direct-injection/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/road-to-race-porsche-rs-spyder-gets-direct-injection/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery.

Porsche has already introduced direct injection on the Cayenne and 911 Carrera, and the Turbo, GT2 and GT3 all stand to benefit from the technology next year. While it's normal for most automakers to take the lessons learned from motorsports and apply them to their road cars, Porsche is doing it the other way around.

The 3.4-liter V8 in the Porsche RS Spyder campaigning in the ALMS LMP2 class will be fitted with direct injection, bringing power levels up while reducing fuel consumption. While the old mill put out 476 hp at 10,000 RPM and 273 lb.-ft. of torque beginning at 7,500 RPM, the new engine gets a 27 hp bump, to bring levels up to 503 hp at 10k RPM and 284 lb.-ft. of twist at 8,500 rpm. That, combined with the decreased in fuel consumption should make the Spyder even more competitive in a class it's continuing to dominate.

Full details are posted in the press release below the fold.

Gallery: Porsche RS Spyder with DI

Continue reading Road to Race: Porsche RS Spyder gets direct injection

Road to Race: Porsche RS Spyder gets direct injection originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsdirect injectionDirectInjectionlmp2porsche rs spyderporsche rs spyder direct injectionPorscheRsSpyderPorscheRsSpyderDirectInjectionThu, 31 Jul 2008 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Gil de Ferran coming to ALMS with his own Acura-backed team]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/30/gil-de-ferran-coming-to-alms-with-his-own-acura-backed-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/30/gil-de-ferran-coming-to-alms-with-his-own-acura-backed-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/30/gil-de-ferran-coming-to-alms-with-his-own-acura-backed-team/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gil de Ferran hasn't had quite enough of winning just yet. The accomplished former racing driver and team manager announced today that he's coming out of retirement to contest the American Le Mans Series. With Team Penske, de Ferran won back-to-back CART titles in 2000 and 2001, the Indy 500 in 2003 and set the record for the fastest qualifying lap on a closed circuit with a 241.43mph average speed at the California Speedway in 2001. Having retired at the end of 2003, Gil served as sporting director for Honda's F1 team from 2005 until this past season.

To contest the ALMS this season, de Ferran will be driving for his own team in a fourth factory-backed LMP2-class Acura ARX-01b. Although he hasn't yet announced his second driver, he has signed on John Anderson, a veteran crew chief, as general manager.

[Source: gildeferran.com and Autosport, Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty]

Continue reading Gil de Ferran coming to ALMS with his own Acura-backed team

Gil de Ferran coming to ALMS with his own Acura-backed team originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraalmsamerican le mans seriesAmericanLeMansSeriesgil de ferranGilDeFerranle mansLeManslmp2Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R10s lose a heartbreaker in Mosport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/audi-r10s-lose-a-heartbreaker-in-mosport/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/audi-r10s-lose-a-heartbreaker-in-mosport/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/audi-r10s-lose-a-heartbreaker-in-mosport/#commentsFiled under: ,



First the good news for Audi Sports North America. The No. 7 R10 won the LMP1 class during last weekend's 9th Round of the American LeMans Series race at Mosport. With the win, Audi has clinched the LMP1 championship with three races left to run. Unfortunately, Audi has yet again failed to claim an outright win despite dominating the entire race ahead of those pesky LMP2 cars.

The Audi driven by Alan McNish had inherited the lead late in the race when Timo Bernhard pitted his LMPS Penske Motorsports Porsche RS Spyder. Things were going well, with the McNish building a comfortable 22-second lead. Unfortunately, the R10 then experienced some kind of gearbox malfunction with ten minutes to go that left McNish with only the higher gears. Every tight corner of the track gave Bernhard another opportunity to close the gap. Bernhard caught McNish with about five minutes left to go, and went on to build a 19.575-second lead.

Check out the rest of our recap and VIDEO of the last five minutes of last weekend's race at Mosport after the jump, courtesy of SPEED.

[Source: ALMS]

Continue reading Audi R10s lose a heartbreaker in Mosport

Audi R10s lose a heartbreaker in Mosport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mcnishAlanMcnishalmsamerican lemans seriesAmericanLemansSeriesaudiaudi r10AudiR10lmp1lmp2mosportpenskeporscheMon, 27 Aug 2007 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Gauntlet thrown: Audi wants to end LMP2 win streak at Road America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/gauntlet-thrown-audi-wants-to-end-lmp2-win-streak-at-road-ameri/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/gauntlet-thrown-audi-wants-to-end-lmp2-win-streak-at-road-ameri/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/gauntlet-thrown-audi-wants-to-end-lmp2-win-streak-at-road-ameri/#commentsFiled under: ,


click image for high-res version suitable as desktop wallpaper

The "1" in "LMP1" is supposed to signify that this is the top class in the ALMS. But for a good stretch of this season, the top of the podium has featured LMP2 cars, instead. For Audi, long the top P1 team, it is particularly troublesome that German rival Porsche is the team ahead of them during this P1 slump. And as they head to Road America for the next round of the series, they are saying "enough is enough." Audi is telling anyone who will listen that the Porsches are going down. If that sounds cocky, it shouldn't. Audi should be confident here as they've never lost a race at this familiar course in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The fast track should allow that big diesel to run free and show off all of its torque once again.

Since an LMP2 car has outright won the last five races in a row, the governing body of the ALMS has decided to slow the class down for the 2008 season by adding mandatory weight to each car. Now, if that sounds like the ALMS is helping Audi win, it is. But the rules should favor the LMP1 class to win, and five losses in a row for the class means something is amiss, so a little tweaking is understandable.

Full press release with weekend schedule after the jump.

[Source: Audi Motorsport]

Continue reading Gauntlet thrown: Audi wants to end LMP2 win streak at Road America

Gauntlet thrown: Audi wants to end LMP2 win streak at Road America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ALMSAudi R10AudiR10LMP1LMP2Porsche RS SpyderPorscheRsSpyderRoad AmericaRoadAmericaFri, 03 Aug 2007 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[First customer Porsche RS Spyder moves to Poughkeepsie]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/19/first-customer-porsche-rs-spyder-moves-to-poughkeepsie/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/19/first-customer-porsche-rs-spyder-moves-to-poughkeepsie/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/19/first-customer-porsche-rs-spyder-moves-to-poughkeepsie/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click for a gallery of 5 additional high-res photos

The 2007 ALMS season is rapidly approaching (the kickoff at Sebring takes place March 17), and new cars are starting to arrive at their homes. In the case of the first customer-ordered '07 Porsche RS Spyder, home is Poughkeepsie, NY, where Dyson Racing is headquartered.

The car depicted above and in the attached gallery will be joined by its stablemate sometime in February, and the pair will take on the competition in the reinvigorated LMP2 class. P2 will also see three teams running Acura's new prototype racer, as well as Roger Penske's factory-backed Spyders in their DHL livery (one of which is visible in the transporter shown above as well -- check the gallery to see it).

For more info on the delivery of Dyson's new ride, check out Porsche's press release after the jump.

Related Posts:
 [Source: Porsche]

Gallery: Porsche RS Spyder - 1st customer car

Continue reading First customer Porsche RS Spyder moves to Poughkeepsie

First customer Porsche RS Spyder moves to Poughkeepsie originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20072007 porsche rs spyder2007PorscheRsSpyderalmsdyson racingDysonRacinglmp2rs spyderRsSpyderFri, 19 Jan 2007 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda announces ALMS entry, rotorheads weep]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/11/mazda-announces-alms-entry-rotorheads-weep/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/11/mazda-announces-alms-entry-rotorheads-weep/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/11/mazda-announces-alms-entry-rotorheads-weep/#commentsFiled under: ,



That thing got a rotary in it? Nope, not this year. Dashing the hopes of Rotorheads everywhere, Mazda announced that it will be using an AER built conventional engine in its 2007 ALMS cars. Looks like pride and heritage will take a back seat to winning. As MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Manager Steve Sanders explained, the rules just make it too difficult for a rotary to be competitive right now. But this new AER-developed 2.0-liter 4 promises to offer a lot in the way of Zoom-Zoom.

More info and full press release after the jump.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda announces ALMS entry, rotorheads weep

Mazda announces ALMS entry, rotorheads weep originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ALMSAmerican LeMans SeriesAmericanLemansSeriesLMP2LolaMazdaspeedSteve SandersSteveSandersThu, 11 Jan 2007 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyson Racing jumps to LMP2, will race Porsche RS Spyders]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/20/dyson-racing-jumps-to-lmp2-will-race-porsche-rs-spyders/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/20/dyson-racing-jumps-to-lmp2-will-race-porsche-rs-spyders/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/20/dyson-racing-jumps-to-lmp2-will-race-porsche-rs-spyders/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dyson Racing Thetford/Norcold Porsche RS Spyder

Dyson Racing is moving to the LMP2 class for 2007's American Le Mans Series season, and they'll do so in style as they become the first customer team to run Porsche's RS Spyder racing prototype. You'll recall that Porsche's official development partner, Penske Racing, ran a pair of the DHL-liveried Spyders for the 2006 season.

The cars Rob Dyson's team will run are the new 2007 models, which are more aerodynamic (and dare we say better looking) than last year's 1st gen cars. They will be identical to the cars Penske runs, and they are sure to add even more juice to a very energized LMP2 class that's also welcoming Acura into the fold next year. In fact, LMP2 appears to be the class to watch, as Dyson's departure from the LMP1 class leaves reigning champion Audi Sport and Autocon Motorsport alone to duke it out for the P1 crown. (Danbury, CT-based Highcroft racing left P1 as well and is one of the teams that will field the new Acura racer.)

When you consider that the R10 TDIs went undefeated in P1 last season, it doesn't look like that division will be a source of much drama. Most people will wait for the utter steel cage match that will be Audi vs. Peugeot in a diesel-fueled France vs. Germany duel at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

It should be great fun to watch Chris Dyson and Guy Smith in the #20 car and Butch Leitzinger and Andy Wallace in the #16 car as they do battle in in what has become a substantial LMP2 team roster. The 12 Hours of Sebring can't arrive soon enough.

(Press releases, #20 car livery after the jump)

[Sources: Dyson Racing, American Le Mans Series, Porsche]

Continue reading Dyson Racing jumps to LMP2, will race Porsche RS Spyders

Dyson Racing jumps to LMP2, will race Porsche RS Spyders originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ALMSamerican le mansAmericanLeMansandy wallaceAndyWallacebutch leitzingerButchLeitzingerchris dysonChrisDysondyson racingDysonRacinglmp2p2porsche rs spyderPorscheRsSpyderrob dysonRobDysonrs spyderRsSpyderWed, 20 Dec 2006 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[SevenStock9 event unites RotorHeads from all over North America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/29/sevenstock9-event-unites-rotorheads-from-all-over-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/29/sevenstock9-event-unites-rotorheads-from-all-over-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/29/sevenstock9-event-unites-rotorheads-from-all-over-north-america/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Southern California RX Club held its annual celebration of all things rotary today at Mazda's HQ in Irvine, California. Every conceivable RX vehicle and rotary powered conversion showed up at the 9th annual SevenStock event. According to the organizers, SevenStock is the largest single day Rotary enthusiast gathering in the world. And it would be very hard to argue with them on that. Some 500 RXes had already turned up this morning by the time we had to leave. Last year's crowd was estimated at 5,000, and it wouldn't be too much of a leap to say that this year looked to be at least that big.

Resembling a typical meet with lots of vendors and special displays, the SevenStock event adds a unique twist for Mazda lovers. Showing how dedicated it is to its zoom-zooming enthusiast owners, Mazda not only invited the group onto its campus, but they also brought out examples of their most historical production models and some of their most significant rotary-powered racecars as well.

More info and photos after the jump.

Continue reading SevenStock9 event unites RotorHeads from all over North America

SevenStock9 event unites RotorHeads from all over North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ALMSB-K MotorsportsB-kMotorsportsCosmoCourage C65-MazdaCourageC65-mazdaIMSA GTOIMSA GTUImsaGtoImsaGtuJeff AltenburgJeffAltenburgJim BusbyJimBusbyLMP2Lola T616LolaT616Mazda 13BMazda Raceway at Laguna SecaMazda13bMazdaRacewayAtLagunaSecaMX-6R100Racing BeatRacingBeatRotorHeadsRX-2RX-3RX-4RX-5RX-7RX-792PRX-8SCCA SPEED World ChallengeSccaSpeedWorldChallengeSevenStockSouthern California RX ClubSouthernCaliforniaRxClubWankelZoom-ZoomSun, 29 Oct 2006 20:17:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: First look at Acura's ALMS LMP2 racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/10/video-first-look-at-acuras-alms-lmp2-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/10/video-first-look-at-acuras-alms-lmp2-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/10/video-first-look-at-acuras-alms-lmp2-racer/#commentsFiled under: , ,





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]

Related Posts:

VIDEO: First look at Acura's ALMS LMP2 racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 21:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcuraALMSLMP2Tue, 10 Oct 2006 21:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura Le Mans program hits the track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/acura-le-mans-program-hits-the-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/acura-le-mans-program-hits-the-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/acura-le-mans-program-hits-the-track/#commentsFiled under: ,

Testing began for Acura's 2007 American Le Mans Series program this week with a two-day test at Firebird International Raceway in Arizona. Acura's brand new LM V8 engine was fitted to a Lola B05/40 chassis for the test by Lowe's Fernandez Racing, led by owner/driver Adrian Fernandez, and Honda Performance Development.

According to HPD president Robert Clarke, the new engine, the first designed and developed from the ground up by HPD, has been running on the dyno for three months. Track testing went smoothly, with over 200 trouble-free laps completed in temperatures up to 108 degrees.

Testing will continue in October, in preparation for the debut of three Acura ALMS teams at Sebring in March, with Andretti Green Racing and Highcroft Racing joining Adrian Fernandez' crew.

[Source: ALMS]

Acura Le Mans program hits the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans serieshonda performance developmenthpdle manslmp2robert clarkeThu, 31 Aug 2006 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura announces 2007 American Le Mans Series lineup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/acura-announces-2007-american-le-mans-series-lineup/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/acura-announces-2007-american-le-mans-series-lineup/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/acura-announces-2007-american-le-mans-series-lineup/#commentsFiled under: ,



Honda Performance Development is leveraging its involvement with the Indy Racing League to launch a three-team effort for the 2007 ALMS season. IndyCar veterans Fernandez Racing and Andretti Green Racing will join the Acura LMP2-class effort, along with Highcroft Racing.

Fernandez Racing will mount their HPD/Acura engines in Lola B05/40 chassis and focus on engine development with HPD, while Highcroft will run an Acura-Courage LC75 (shown above in generic Acura livery), working with HPD on chassis development, as Honda prepares to develop its own chassis for the 2008 season. Andretti Green, also running a Courage, brings sponsor XM Satellite Radio from their IRL effort, while Fernandez Racing will be sponsored by the Lowe's home improvement chain. All three teams will run Michelins. Highcroft Racing is the only one of the three teams currently running in the ALMS, competing in LMP1 with its Lola EX257-AER.

This will be another boost for the fast-growing ALMS, not least because of the inevitable rumors of a Mario/Michael/Marco three-generation Andretti driver matchup. However that storyline plays out, it's clear that Honda isn't fooling around with its ALMS effort.

[Source: Honda]

Acura announces 2007 American Le Mans Series lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jul 2006 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraalmsamerican le mansamerican le mans seriesAmericanLeMansSeriesandrettiandretti green racingcourage lc75fernandez racinghighcroft racinghonda performance developmenthpdle manslmp-2lmp2Fri, 21 Jul 2006 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R8 goes out with a win]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/02/audi-r8-goes-out-with-a-win/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/02/audi-r8-goes-out-with-a-win/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/02/audi-r8-goes-out-with-a-win/#commentsFiled under: ,



The final page of the Audi R8's chapter in motorsports history was written yesterday as an R8 driven by Dindo Capello and Allan McNish took the checkered flag at Lime Rock Park for the last time. The race was not a lock for the Audi LMP1 team, as a pair of persistent Porsche LMP2 cars traded the lead with Capello and McNish multiple times. The R8 lost the lead with an hour to go when it was stopped entering pit lane by officials and forced to go another lap before refueling. McNish regained the lead, however, with 30 minutes to go and never looked back until it crossed the finish line 11.812 seconds ahead of the second place Porsche.

The win gave the R8 its 63rd win in 80 races, including five victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The winning R8 car at Lime Rock was sporting a sticker that read "My other car is a diesel," referring to the pair of R10 TDI prototypes that will replace it in the American Le Mans Series beginning with the next race in Salt Lake City on July 15th.

[Source: Audi]

Audi R8 goes out with a win originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Jul 2006 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American Le MansAmericanLeMansdieselLe MansLeMansLMP1LMP2R10 TDIR10TdiR8Sun, 02 Jul 2006 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura is going to Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/acura-entering-2007-american-le-mans-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/acura-entering-2007-american-le-mans-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/acura-entering-2007-american-le-mans-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The American Le Mans Series got a huge boost Wednesday with the announcement in New York by the Acura division of American Honda Motor that it plans to enter the ALMS series in 2007 - with the ultimate goal of racing in the premier LMP1 class at Le Mans! The announcement marks the first factory motorsports program for the Acura brand in its 20-year history.

In the words of John Mendel, senior VP of Auto Operations for Acura, "Our entry as a full factory team in the American Le Mans Series will accurately reflect Acura's position as a leader in automotive performance and technology."

The Acura ALMS program features the first race engine developed from scratch by Honda Performance Development in California, which also supplies engines to the Indy Racing League.

By the sounds of it, Acura is in sports car competition for the long haul. In 2007, Acura powerplants will power multiple LMP2 chassis from Lola and Courage, as a prelude to development of a complete Acura LMP1 chassis and engine package to compete in the ALMS and ultimately at Le Mans. Acura's LMP2s will debut at the 2007 Twelve Hours of Sebring in March, and testing will begin this summer.

Acura has competed in the upper echelons of sports car racing before, although never as a full factory effort. Acura engines powered Spice cars in the IMSA Camel Lights series to three consecutive championships in the early '90s.

More pictures of Acura's ALMS concept after the jump!

[Sources: Honda, American Le Mans Series]

Continue reading Acura is going to Le Mans

Acura is going to Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Apr 2006 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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