Discusss 12 Hours of Sebring Results HERE!

I didn't see ProDrive. Too bad. I think they aren't running ALMS.

 

The 575 (which is what it was advertised as) looked good but this team obviously doesn't have the resources of ProDrive; I think they'll be happy with 2nd. (Co-driver Danny Sullivan seemed pleased enough.)

The 360 never contended for the class lead but might have made the podium except for what appeared to be electrical gremlins that popped up after dark. So the Porsche "cockroaches" dominated the class as they usually do.

Still wish for a Ferrari prototype effort. I guess the upcoming Maserati effort will have to suffice for now.

 

I thought the both cars represented well considering:

a) Danny Sullivans 575 GTC's had U.S. Customs trouble with the spare parts coming into the U.S. They basically started the car and ran the race. Also, word is they had to go to some store (not sure of name) just to buy tools so they can work on the car.

b) Risi Competizione 360 sure looke like last years GT, but it could of been a 360 GTC with last years rear wing. They were running as high as 3rd up until they had the starter problem.

All in all, not bad for the first race of the season going against some of the factory heavy weights. (Re: Corvette - GTS, and Porsche - 8:1 ratio +factory drivers).

Papa G

 

Yes, that was a bit strange. The announcer mentioned that the owner Frederick Doers (spelling?) didn't want to participate in ALMS this season. I think he owns Care Racing, which partners with Prodrive for those 550s.

I don't see why he wouldn't campaign such proven cars. Maybe they just couldn't make Sebring for some reason.

The announcer also mentioned Raffinelli returning with a 550, which is weird because last year they said they wouldn't (after Olive Garden pulled out).

Anyone know the details?

Joe

 

I heard Freddy Dor's Prodrive 550's will be in the FIA GT (Europe) series only.

Don't know about Raffinelli - maybe lack of funding??

Papa G

 

I have some digital pics of the Ferraris, but won't be able to post them until Weds or Thurs. I thought they were beautiful - but I'm biased.

The Saleen guys also seemed to be scrambling to build their car Wednesday morning.

 

Geez, I always wanted to go to this event, maybe next year.... Here's some pics I found.

ENJOY

 

Is this real racing or just rich kids playing around?

Pete

 

hey everyone, sorry for the blatent lack of research, but does anyone know if the ALMS series is going to be coming to any tracks in the northeast US. say between virgina to indy and north?

thanks a lot

 

Okay I'll ask the same question a bit differently. In your opinion is this series raced by competent professional drivers or occasional amatures?

Pete

 

Psk, your first statement is correct!

This looks to be the new 360GTC. Compare rear view with last years cars. Exhaust has been moved to side rockers, missing LED brake lights.
Thanks for the pics, Will!

Don't know the spoilers too well, but it DOES look like the small version they are running for some reason. At least Risi had TOOLS.

I'll give it Danny Sullivan, though. What a gentleman! During the race when the other teams might have complained about the way the prep shook down, he was talking about the magic of Maranello, of picking up the car, the feeling of history at the factory, etc.!

Maybe they are in for a second car!

Best of luck to Risi Competiton in the future!

 

Those former F1 drivers were driving the hel_ out of these cars, IMO.

And mention was made of the young guys from Europe fighting it out in GT.

And God bless Max Papis! That's the happiest I've seen him since the 333SP days, to be part of the Corvette effort! A pro driver in every sense of the word.

And 100,000 people! If they can keep interest levels that high it'll be great.
Like other divisions in US racing though, having two series to race similar cars just may kill it.

 

Thanks also to Speed Channel for the continuous coverage.

THAT'S HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE, GANG!
My friends were amazed. "They are STILL racing?!" LOL!

Although the breaks to the auction were cool too, I guess we should have kept that old iron in the backyard, eh?

 

Ooops, my bad! That's the rear of the 550!

I'm going back to work, now, ......Bye!

 

My brand did not do well at Seabring. Danny Sullivan drove a 575 and came in SECOND.

Better luck and speed at the next race.

 

Risi's 360 is last years GT.

 

The Risi 360 at Sebring was a new 360 GTC, chassis 2056. The smaller rear wing endplates meet ACO rules.

 

For some more pictures of the event, check out www.focmidwest.com and go to the Reports section. Our very own FChatter Dave Bendl went to Sebring and took some great pictures. He has even promised a brief write up.