Right! the Penske spyders have been back at the factory for some time now - I also read where the Penske/RS Spyder project was only for three years (I don't know how valid that is) but apparently one of the Dyson spyders has been bought (again rumor) and would be run by a privateer. Penske has Porsche behind him now in Grand Am along with two factory drivers. On the flip side - GOOD NEWS is that Jorge Bergmeister will be joined by Pat Long in one of the Lizard cars in P2 and Seth and Johannes will be in the other. Henzler has been reassigned by Porsche to Farnbacher Loles. So for now in P2 there's two Dyson Lola/Mazada coupes and one Fernandez Racing. Carol
That really sucks, but I guess this is what happens when you have a manufacturer driven series in a bad automotive economy. I still remember how nasty those things sounded last year....*sigh*
Mazda coupes or the old Bach/Bonilla open cars, Carol? <<Oops. My bad. Didn't see where they switched to coupes after Sebring. Sorry!>>
Pic's probably a repost but is from Petite. First race for the coupe and the post above tells of not making the start. Look at the graphics in the back of this pic. They hadn't changed them yet. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Oh no, here's one of the most beautiful prototype cars ever. The Lola coupe just needs some work on the livery. In testing it was black with the BP green/yellow overlay. Image Unavailable, Please Login
This isn't surprizing at all. Porsche has done this their entire existence. They are more about selling privateer race cars than running factory program. They usually work out the kinks and leave and continue to sell and support private teams some more than others depending upon how fat their wallet is and how easily it opens to the Fatherland. Porsche is just not that big of a company to support factory teams and the racing programs have always made their money selling race cars. Frankly I'm more surprized that Audi has kept the factory effort so long. They usually come out and blow everyone away and get banned by rules changes and quit.
+1 Gerardo is an awesome guy, also came up the HARD way in racing. I hope he can land a seat at the new Mazda team.
He was my instructor at the Skippy School. He is a exciting and brilliant person to talk to. A real champion in my eyes
This is old news, this was known back at the Detroit ALMS, rumors going around then, I talked to a Penske crew member and he said then contract ends in 08 probably no extension. I knew once e ISMA started messing with the rules Porsche wasn't going to stay. Porsche built an LMP2 car because they knew they could win over all with it. Porsche might be back in 2010 with LMP1 car. We'll just have to wait and see.
Not just Audi, this happens to Porsche their entire history, they build a fast prototype and the rule makers kill them. That's why they think very carefully on how and when their going to build a prototype. Do you think they built a LMP2 to settle for second place? They knew right from the start they could win overall with an LMP2 car. They were fast rightout of the box. IMSA made rule changes this year to keep the LMP2's off Audi's back. I thought it was great watching both classes fight for overall now with the 2009 rules that can't happen. Now that Audi has real competition (Aurca LMP1) they pullout. Read Mulsanne's Mike take on it http://www.mulsannescorner.com/
Sorry to disagree but the comment about Audi pulling out because of real competition is incorrect. Carol
Hmm Way I hear it it was more a Porsche boardroom politics decision as their influence extends through the group and its balance the racing budget attitude was applied to Audi and ALMS. Audi out doesn't necessarily mean Champion out I hear.
Read the link: http://www.mulsannescorner.com/ http://www.mulsannescorner.com/newsnov08.html Audi made a great car in all the years they ran but the competition in LMP1 at the same level wasn't there. Dyson through the years that's about it, a private team. Ouote : "Audi's comments at the 2006 American Le Mans Series award banquet, "Why is Audi unchallenged? Ask Porsche where are you with your glorious motor sports history? Why are you not in the top category? Honda-Acura, why not in the premier formula? Why LMP2? Come and challenge us. If you beat us, we will honor you." And just as that competition has emerged Audi goes the other way. "
Your right on the Porsche board politics decision since Porsche has a say as what goes on, but I think it goes more than a balance the racing budget thing. I've read and heard over the years that Porsche and Audi will not race each other at the top level because of their Family ties. With Audi now moving out the door it opens it for the rumored Porsche Lmp1 and another shot at LeMans overall win. Porsche is keeping the Penske team intact for a one year run in Daytona Proto. and running a Porsche LMP1 in 09, I hope this is true. http://www.sportscarpros.com/cottonballs-features-by-a-m-cotton/features/away-in-a-manger/default.htm I'm sure if the economy doesn't improve it will weigh in a final decision. I heard no Champion Audi LMP1.
