Sebring 12 Hour & Audi R8 TDI Le Mans

I don't have many photos from Sebring (just don't take them much anymore) but here's a few and WOW what a car is the Audi R8 TDI Le Mans!

Risi #62 on the grid just prior to the start of the race - GT2 pole position. One of the Tafel 430's is on the right.

Horag Racing from SUI entered their P2 Spyder in the race (they'll be running LMS) - the guys who drove the MC-12 in a few ALMS races last year are the drivers for the Spyder.

Aston Martin GT2 entry - unfortunately an accident took them out of the race.

This was the Maza that crashed heavily causing the qualifying to be stopped. These photos are of them returning to their space in the paddock after tech inspection. They received a very nice round of applause from everyone around them.

Intersport's new livery. P1 entry - they took 3rd place.

Back end of the Corvette in their paddock stall. Pretty impressive and definitely a sound of their own!

Few of the Peugeot 908. Lots of torque - amazing to watch the start with three diesels up front....."color me gone" for the 908.
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Antonio Garcia's helmet on top of the GT1 Aston Martin - on the grid.

Flying Lizards Motorsport - running three cars this year. Some photos prior to the race and after the race. Although Risi #62 didn't finish, I was happy to see Jorge Bergmeister and Wolf Henzler do well. The Lizard folks we know (Johannes, Jorge, Jennifer, Seth) are a great/friendly group.
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Audi R8 TDI Le Mans

The first 12-cylinder diesel engine in a high performance sports car. The Audi R8 TDI Le Mans concept driven by Audi's many years of experience and victories in motorsport.

V12 TDI engine - 6 liters of displacement. 500 hp and 737 lb/ft of torque. Specialized cylinder angle of 60 degrees. Newly developed high pressure pumps for common rail injector pumps. Diesel particulate filter and ultra low emission system. Impressive performance thanks to quattro permanent all wheel drive and Audi Space Frame.

(the black line in the photos is the boundary around the car - got quite a bit of reflection in the photos - there's an air intake on top of the roof (NACA type))
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I want one, thanks for the photos Carol

 

Thanks Ron - did you go for the race?

For those who may not be aware of IMSA vs ACO specs: (may offer insight why Penske won't run at Le Mans!)

The American Le Mans Series makes broad use of its "World Class" claim, but its rules are different here.

Note some differences between the Le Mans, France-based Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) rulebook and that of IMSA's "Prototype Regulations, American Le Mans Series," as issued under "IMSA Bulletin # ALMS 08-01."

In Europe, the LMP1 cars (like the Audi R10 and Peugeot 908 HDi FAP, which competed at the just-concluded Sebring 12-Hours) must weigh only 900-kilograms. In the ALMS, those cars must weigh more; a minimum 925-kilograms.

In Europe, LMP2 cars (like the Porsche RS Spyder and Acura ARX-01b at Sebring) must weigh 825-kg. In the ALMS, those cars weigh less; a minimum 800-kg.

In Europe, LMP2 fuel tank capacities are maxed-out at 80-liters. In the ALMS: 90-liters.

"IMSA reserves the right to make a modification to the balance of performance between prototype classes in order to maintain the desired relative performance and competition."

* * *
I wonder if Peugeot was running their ACO specs or modified the car for IMSA?

Carol

 

That R8 is f'n sweet!!!!!!

 

Glad to see Audi went all out and did the sportscar version of their Diesel engine.
Not sure if that catches on in the US but who knows...

Drove an R8 yesterday and have to say, I was not impressed at all. Interior is rather 'cheap' looking and the paddle shifters are lax. I would have assumed there is a lot more boom to it.
It is though a stunningly beautiful car. I parked it forward in so I can enjoy the front of the car while sitting on my desk (at least till this afternoon, when the car is picked up.)

 

now is that what they call a "wrench monkey" ????

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Great pics Carol. The GT1 Aston is one of my all time favorites. Too bad the Lord didn't last long.

 

Thanks Michael. You'll get to see them at Mid-Ohio. Holding off on tickets (again) to see what the Audi Hospitality offers for that venue. They gave a discount to ACNA members (had to enter membership number on line form). Heck of a deal for Sebring (very much welcomed with the rain!!). Have a great day (Spring break for me).

Carol

 

Thanks for the pics.

 

You're most welcome. And yes, Martin, I would call that a wrench monkey!!

Carol

 

a few in race mode
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a few more
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In your last pic the Ford GT is showing 3rd in class. Ha. Love that car. Good shots.

 

Michael, this is a dumb question I'm sure, but how do you tell?

 

3 lights in front of the rear quarter panel. 1 light=1st in class, 2 lights=2nd in class. No lights=somewhere below as with the Viper. Scrool back up to the Aston.

 

Thank you. I remember reading about that in the spectator guide, but I also remember when the different color lights meant different classes at Daytona many years ago. Is it also different colors for the classes in ALMS? Sorry to be such a n00b!

<<I see, red for LMP1, green for GT1 and yellow for GT2.>> Thanks!

 

Sorry but the Ford GT was never third in class!!! perhaps close to last - I think the photo you are seeing in not an actual race photo but a photo prior to start when ALL cars cycle their position lights. The Ford GT was one the drivers were complaining about!! It ended up stuffed into the tire wall.

Carol

 

I was thinking if it was ever 3rd it must have been when stepped away and teh during early pit stop cycles. I just hope they hang because I like the car. The livery just needs work.

Black overall with orange and LeMans blue accents or..........

 

better yet - the orange triangle on slow moving equipment!

 

You behave or I'll post Danica pics with you photoshopped in with your arm around her

 

Carol! You are ruthless! <grin>

David Murry was doing ok, the owner was four to six seconds a lap off Murry and the owners wife was eleven to fourteen seconds a lap off Murry, and she drove several short stints. That is part of the problem... <very big grin>

Dave Robertson put it in the barrier, ostensibly when a tire went down or a wheel came off, IIRC

 

I was in the GT40 pits when it came it looked like it was stuck in gear and would not start. They had both Bonnetts open. I think it was in for about 10 minutes. I think it was the 8th hour of the race when it finally went terminal. Now the panoz was a real problem child it came into the pits 10 times with an engine miss, finally they put it out to pasture.

 

correct most pics are from friday practice except the Audi in the hairpin and rear 430GT shot from race day.