Semi-offical ALMS thread
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From: Longmont, CO
Originally Posted by Birel186' date='Jan 27 2009, 12:12 AM
The 3rd damper helps to maintain the ride height when the car is under heigh aero loads. This way you can run 2 softer springs for better mechanical grip and won't have to worry about bottoming out at high speeds when downforce really kicks in. Without the 3rd damper you would have to use stiffer springs to prevent the car from bottoming out.
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From: Bellefontaine OH
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Bellefontaine OH
Originally Posted by Birel186' date='Jan 31 2009, 10:54 PM
BMW is running Dunlop tires... maybe thats why they were 2 secs off the pace this week at the sebring test. GET MICHELINS!!!
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http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73123
Ex-Honda boss Clarke joins de Ferran
By Matt Beer Thursday, February 5th 2009, 09:56 GMT
De Ferran Motorsports have recruited Robert Clarke, the former head of Honda's US racing operations, as their new CEO.
As president of Honda Performance Development, Clarke ran Honda's highly-successful Champ Car and IndyCar programmes, and initiated the American Le Mans Series Acura project that the de Ferran team are involved in, before retiring in early 2008.
Clarke said he been hired so that team owner/driver Gil de Ferran could focus more on his racing duties. The former Indianapolis 500 winner will partner Simon Pagenaud again this season as his team debut the new LMP1 Acura in the ALMS.
"Gil has been struggling to cope with all the demands that come with running a business, plus those of being a primary driver and assisting with the development of the new ARX-02a," said Clarke.
"I believe I can help Gil and the team by removing a portion of the workload while bringing more than 27 years of Honda corporate experience.
"We have been communicating closely over the past year and I am hugely impressed with what he has achieved to date."
De Ferran believes Clarke's arrival is a major boost for the team.
"I know and have worked with Robert in different capacities since 1996 and I believe we have employed one of the best and most experienced executives in this industry," he said.
"He is a unique talent, well versed in dealing with governing bodies, major manufacturers, teams and sponsors at the very highest level and I believe his appointment will play a key role in elevating our team to another level of professionalism."
Ex-Honda boss Clarke joins de Ferran
By Matt Beer Thursday, February 5th 2009, 09:56 GMT
De Ferran Motorsports have recruited Robert Clarke, the former head of Honda's US racing operations, as their new CEO.
As president of Honda Performance Development, Clarke ran Honda's highly-successful Champ Car and IndyCar programmes, and initiated the American Le Mans Series Acura project that the de Ferran team are involved in, before retiring in early 2008.
Clarke said he been hired so that team owner/driver Gil de Ferran could focus more on his racing duties. The former Indianapolis 500 winner will partner Simon Pagenaud again this season as his team debut the new LMP1 Acura in the ALMS.
"Gil has been struggling to cope with all the demands that come with running a business, plus those of being a primary driver and assisting with the development of the new ARX-02a," said Clarke.
"I believe I can help Gil and the team by removing a portion of the workload while bringing more than 27 years of Honda corporate experience.
"We have been communicating closely over the past year and I am hugely impressed with what he has achieved to date."
De Ferran believes Clarke's arrival is a major boost for the team.
"I know and have worked with Robert in different capacities since 1996 and I believe we have employed one of the best and most experienced executives in this industry," he said.
"He is a unique talent, well versed in dealing with governing bodies, major manufacturers, teams and sponsors at the very highest level and I believe his appointment will play a key role in elevating our team to another level of professionalism."
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http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73125
Fassler and Garcia join Corvette
By Matt Beer Thursday, February 5th 2009, 10:08 GMT
Antonio Garcia and Marcel Fassler will join Corvette's factory GT team for the Sebring 12 Hours, Le Mans 24 Hours and Petit Le Mans this year.
Spanish driver Garcia won the GT1 class at Le Mans with Corvette's former arch-rivals Aston Martin last year, and was recently part of the winning Brumos team at this year's Daytona 24 Hours. The 28-year-old will drive alongside reigning American Le Mans Series GT1 champions Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen.
Their teammates Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta will be joined by Fassler for the enduros. The Swiss driver has been a winner in the FIA GT Championship with a Phoenix-run Corvette, and briefly raced for Audi's LMP1 team last year. Fassler has already been announced as part of the Speedy Sebah Lola-Aston Martin team for the 2009 Le Mans Series.
"Antonio and Marcel have the ability, the experience, and the mindset that we look for in a Corvette Racing driver," said GM Road Racing Group manager Steve Wesoloski. "We've seen their speed on the track, and we know they have the discipline and team-oriented attitude that's essential for success in endurance racing."
Fassler and Garcia replace Max Papis and Ron Fellows in Corvette's line-up. Papis is attempting to break into NASCAR this season, while Fellows has moved into an ambassadorial role with Corvette.
Corvette Racing also confirmed that they will use their GT1 car for Sebring, the Long Beach ALMS race and Le Mans, before launching their new GT2 contender at the Mid-Ohio ALMS event in August.
Fassler and Garcia join Corvette
By Matt Beer Thursday, February 5th 2009, 10:08 GMT
Antonio Garcia and Marcel Fassler will join Corvette's factory GT team for the Sebring 12 Hours, Le Mans 24 Hours and Petit Le Mans this year.
Spanish driver Garcia won the GT1 class at Le Mans with Corvette's former arch-rivals Aston Martin last year, and was recently part of the winning Brumos team at this year's Daytona 24 Hours. The 28-year-old will drive alongside reigning American Le Mans Series GT1 champions Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen.
Their teammates Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta will be joined by Fassler for the enduros. The Swiss driver has been a winner in the FIA GT Championship with a Phoenix-run Corvette, and briefly raced for Audi's LMP1 team last year. Fassler has already been announced as part of the Speedy Sebah Lola-Aston Martin team for the 2009 Le Mans Series.
"Antonio and Marcel have the ability, the experience, and the mindset that we look for in a Corvette Racing driver," said GM Road Racing Group manager Steve Wesoloski. "We've seen their speed on the track, and we know they have the discipline and team-oriented attitude that's essential for success in endurance racing."
Fassler and Garcia replace Max Papis and Ron Fellows in Corvette's line-up. Papis is attempting to break into NASCAR this season, while Fellows has moved into an ambassadorial role with Corvette.
Corvette Racing also confirmed that they will use their GT1 car for Sebring, the Long Beach ALMS race and Le Mans, before launching their new GT2 contender at the Mid-Ohio ALMS event in August.