RETRO: Remembering BMW’s Le Mans Winner

As today’s Hybrid BMW V-8 racecar is a totally different Animal…

 

As noted, BMW effectively “scrapped” it’s V-12 LM racecar following it’s unsuccessful debut at the 1998 24 Heurs du Mans. Selling chassis No. 1 to German racer Thomas Bscher, and chassis No. 2 to Japan’s Team Goh.

 

As both of these chassis would compete in the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans race with mixed results…

 

While the V-12 LMR retained it’s 6.0-litre normally aspirated lump’, the rest of the car was completely redesigned. With all new bodywork to correct it’s aerodynamic deficiencies. Most notably it’s cooling ducts being moved topside, vs. the V-12 LM’s being on the chassis bottom and being compromised by track heat.

 

The LMR’s most striking feature had to be the use of a rules loophole to fashion a single seater style roll hoop just behind the driver’s helmet, which allowed for better airflow to it’s rear wing. Not to mention causing less drag. As the LMR is claimed to have reached 342 kph on the Mulsanne straight. Or 214mph for us metrically challenged Yanks’, Aye Karumba!

 

A further four chassis were built, with Schnitzer Motorsport running the entries, including a two car effort for the newly created American Le Mans Series. (ALMS) With the new LMR making it’s racing debut at that year’s 12 Hours of Sebring.

 

The car was fast, claiming it’s maiden Pole position, with both Schnitzer entries running up front, before the No. 43 suffered a massive crash. Effectively writing off this chassis! While the No. 42 with Jorg Muller, Tom Kristensen and JJ Letho were victorious.

 

Next Schnitzer showed up at Circuit de la Sarthe with three BMW V-12 LMR’s for the requisite test day. With the Nos 15-17. The third LMR chassis being the striking BMW #16 Art Car designed by Jenny Holzer. Yet that would be it’s lone outing at Le Mans.

 

Having scribbled about BMW’s Art Cars in a multi-part tome, for which I’ll point Y’all to one of these No Fenders stories below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/04/retro-more-bmw-competition-art-cars.html

 

Thus the two V-12 LMr’s (Nos. 15 & 17) lined-up third and sixth on the grid when the Tricolour was waved on June 12, 1999. As both cars proved reliable and able to circulate at the sharp end. Before JJ Letho driving the No. 17 reportedly suffered a struck throttle late in the race, crashing out!

 

This left Yannick Dalmas, Joachim Winkelhock and Pierluigi Martini’s No. 15 in the lead, which they retained to the chequered flag – despite heavy pressure from one of the Toyota GT-1’s, before it suffered a high speed tyre puncture!

 

Ironically, the second highest finishing BMW was the No. 18 Price + Bscher BMW V-12 LM in fifth overall. With Thomas Bscher, Bill Auberlen and Steve Soper at it’s controls, albeit 20 laps behind the winner.

 

The No. 19 Team Goh privateer V-12 LM entry retired on lap-223 with gearbox issues. Having just learned that part of it’s Japanese drivers trio included King Hiro’, aka Hiro Matsushita! A name Hardcore IndyCar Fans should remember.

 

Now I’m feeling S-L-O-W! Since I’ve just finally realized that’s the exact same Team Goh that partnered with Dale Coyne Wayback’ in 2020 to run some rookie IndyCar driver named Alex Palou…

 

Whilst Team Goh won the 2004 24 Heurs du Mans with a privateer Audi R8 with Seiji Ara and Audi Factory drivers Tom Kristensen and Rinaldo Capello behind the wheel. As it was then “Mr. Le Mans” fifth consecutive Le Mans victory!

 

Meanwhile, after winning Le Mans, “Team Schnitzer” returned to the ALMS, enroute to winning a further three races that season. With JJ Letho and Steve Soper in the #42 winning at Sears Point, Laguna Seca and Las Vegas’s November 7th season finale.

 

The year 2000 would be BMW’s swan song for it’s Werks’ prototype V-12 LMR. Although sadly, BMW chose not to defend its 24 Heurs du Mans victory, having checked that box. Instead focusing upon its new Formula 1 effort with Williams F1. Supplying Sir Frank 3.0-litre normally aspirated V-10 lumps’.

 

Schnitzer Motorsport did campaign two cars in that year’s ALMS season. Yet the Sebring 12 Hours season opening round saw Audi flexing its muscles with its soon dominant Audi R8. Seeing the BMW’s settling for third and fourth place finishes.

 

The BMW V-12 LMR would play second fiddle to the Audi R8 the entire 2000 ALMS season. Scoring its final two wins at Charlotte and Silverstone, which Audi had skipped in order to prepare for Le Mans.

 

As the No. 42 with JJ Letho and new teammate Jorg Muller won both races. Whilst its Seester’ No. 43 entry of Jean-Marc Gounon and Bill Auberlen fought for “crumbs”.

 

Meanwhile, Thomas Bscher who’d campaigned His BMW V-12LM, prepared by David Price Racing in the 1999 ALMS season. Returned to Le Mans one final time, being the lone BMW Le Mans Prototype (LMP1) entry for 2000, with the chassis once again prepared by David Price Racing.

 

Yet the #15 entry with Bscher, Geoff Lees and Jean-Marc Gounon behind its keyboard retired on lap 180 with gearbox damage, due to an accident. Before the car made its final race outing later that Fall at the Nurburgring. Followed by Bscher retiring from racing.

 

Although Team Goh’s V-12 LM was supposedly heavily updated by Dome, the car never raced again…

 

For that year’s Petit Le Mans, BMW brought the V-12 LMR Art Car out of mothballs, seeing three V-12 LMR’s entered at Road Atlanta. As the Art Car would be the only LMR to finish in fifth place – during its lone race outing.

 

Schnitzer ran the final two North American ALMS races, finishing a best of third behind both Audi R8’s again. Before BMW decided to skip the season finale Australian round. Closing the book upon the V-12 Le Mans Prototype effort.

 

Thus it would be nearly a quarter of a century before BMW returned to Circuit de la Sarthe with a factory Le Mans Prototype category. This being the BMW M Hybrid V-8 which made its debut at the 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona. With longtime BMW partner Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing running the program’s two Le Mans Daytona Hybrid-spec (LMDH) racecars.

 

Having scribbled about the BMW M Hybrid V-8 and its German IMSA GTP contemporary in the following No Fenders tome…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/01/rolex-24-iconic-german-brands-join-gtp.html

 

With Belgium’s multiple championships winning W Racing Team, better known as WRT campaigning a brace of BMW M Hybrid v-8’s in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar class under the banner of BMW M Team WRT. 

RETRO: Remembering some of BMW’s Sports Racing Cars

As I can only imagine how glorious those BMW V-12 lumps sounded at full “Chat” upon thoust Mulssane Straight!

 

Another story waylaid in the mountainous driftwood piles upon thoust Isle ‘O Nofendersville. Shipwrecked some five years Mateys…

 

As it seems apropos to uncork this No Fenders yarn now that BMW M Team RLL has just been victorious at the Battle on The Bricks this fall.

 

Although I didn’t painstakingly go thru the two prior years Le Mans results. I did manage to discover that a total of three BMW 328 2.0-liter Inline six cylinder racecars contested the 1939 24 Heurs du Mans.  With All three finishing in the top ten overall. With the top BMW entry finishing fifth overall and first in class.

 

Reportedly this was the Bavarian Motor Werks’ initial automobile racing car, in what’s ultimately become a long, storied Motorsports activity, which includes winning the 1983 Formula 1 World Championship. Whilst it’s hard to believe it’s now a quarter century since they won at Circuit de la Sarthe!

 

Hardcore Sports Cars enthusiasts will presumably know that the BMW V-12 LM Prototype racecar, a collabouration between BMW and Williams Grand Prix Engineering, owes it’s linage to McLaren’s F1 GTR.

 

Although the McLaren F1 GTR was a development of the initial Gordon Murray designed McLaren F1 road car, which utilized a BMW S70/2 naturally aspirated V-12 lump’ at just over six litres.

 

After much pressure from aspiring privateer racers, Murray relented and produced the McLaren F1 GTR racing version, which sported an updated BMW S70/3 DOHC 6.0-litre normally aspirated v-12 lump. Competing in such series as the BPR Global GT Series, which then became the FIA GT Championship amongst others.  With these GT1 racecars being the top class at le 24 Heurs du Mans in the mid-1990’s.

 

Suffice it to say, without rehashing the entire McLaren F1 GTR’s history. The #59 car won the 1995 24 Heurs du Mans at the hands of JJ Letho, Yannick Dalmas and Masanori Sekiya. Yet by 1997 was deemed “obsolete”, with McLaren withdrawing from Sports Car racing.

 

Yet BMW wasn’t ready to Pull-the-Pin’ upon Sports car racing, and hence hired Sir frank’s (Williams) outfit to design a full blooded LMP1 spec prototype racecar utilizing it’s V-12 engine.

 

Thus Williams produced the BMW V-12 LM racecar for the 1998 24 Heurs du Mans. With two prototype chassis being built. Campaigned by longtime BMW Factory team Schnitzer Motorsport, although entered under the banner of Team BMW Motorsport.

 

No idea how the numbering sequence was done, unless these were just the first two LMP1 entrants that year? As car No. 1 featured Hans-Joachim Stuck, Steve Soper. And somebody then relatively unknown named Tom Kristensen, then just a single winner of the race…

 

The No. 2 entry saw Pierluigi Martini, Jochim Winkelhock and Johnny Cecotto behind it’s keyboard.

 

Making it’s debut during the Le Mans test day, the BMW V-12 LM’s were slower than the Werks’ LMGT1 entries of Porsche, Toyota, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz. Reportedly clocking in at 11th behind the likes of the Porsche 911 GT1, Nissan R390 GT1, Toyota GT-1 and Mercedes-Benz CLK-GT, which claimed Pole.

 

Pierluigi Martini qualified the No. 2 entry in sixth place, with Tom Kristensen putting the No. 1 in a distant 12th.

 

 

The first BMW V-12 LM to retire from the race was car #2 at a meager 43-laps. While it’s Seester

#1 was retired shortly after, at 60-laps. As both cars suffered from “harmonic: vibrations in their drivetrains and were retired in order to prevent catastrophic detonation!

 

Subsequently it was determined that the chassis suffered from lack of aerodynamics, and more importantly. It suffered cooling issues. Prompting BMW to discard the two V-12 LM chassis in favour of a total redesign for the next year’s competition.

 

On a somewhat interesting sidenote, or going down another Wabbit’ Hole; You make the Call! Having surfed thru Bill Auberlen’s extensive racing career. Whom I’ve long taken to calling Him Bimmer Billy’, due to His longtime BMW affiliation.

 

Auberlen, Steve O’Rourke and Tim Sugden were that year’s highest finishing powered BMW entry at Le Mans. With their #40 Gulf Team Davidoff McLaren F1 GTR finishing fourth overall.

 

While interestingly, part of Bimmer Bily’s extensive racing exploits – which I’ve previously scribbled about in,

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/03/reminiscing-briefly-over-great-bimmer.html

 

Includes being half of the driving Duo that won BM's lone World Sports Car (WSC) victory overall at the 1998 Monterey Sports Car Championship.

 

With Auberlen and Belgium co-driver Didier de Radigues taking the cheqered flag aboard Team Rafanelli’s BMW Motorsport backed Riley & Scott Mk III BMW 4.0-litre V-8 during the Laguna Seca IMSA GT Championship’s season finale. Forbearer of the American Le Mans Series. (ALMS)

 

Reportedly Italian Team Rafanelli (Rafanelli Engineering) was running it’s Riley & Scott prototype that year in the FIA International Sportscar Racing Series (ISRS) as part of BMW’s preparations for racing it’s BMW V-12 LM chassis fulltime in 1999.

 

Yet Rafanelli was replaced by Schnitzer Motorsport instead, racing the BMW V-12 LMR. Including two cars in the ALMS.

 

Yet Team Rafanelli persevered another season with it’s updated Riley & Scott Mk III chassis. Now sporting it’s own aerodynamic revisions, along with switching to a Judd GV 4.0-litre V-10. Winning the 1999 Grand Prix of Atlanta, albeit the Werks BMW V-12LMR’s weren’t present…

 

To continue reading this No Fenders story, please visit the ling below…

 

RETRO: Remembering BMW’s Le Mans Winner                

Noted Designer Bob Riley take the Chequered Flag

As how many race car Designers also worked on the Apollo Moon project?

 

Cannot help of thinking about Dario Franchitti’s comments about Halloween’s a Shit time of the year due to His friend Greg Moore dying that day in California. Or how Geo. Phillips of Oilpressure fame noted how October saw Dan Wheldon perish in Las Vegas, Tony Renna at Indianapolis and recently noted designer bob Riley.

 

Almost decided against scribblin’ anything about this. Since as typical, I’m late to thee party…

 

Thus I still really don’t know much about the man, other than the late bob Riley was a noted racecar designer. And at the very least, associated with four famous racing cars!

 

Beginning with working upon the shelby American Ford GT40 Mk IV, which won the 1967 24 Heurs du Mans with Dan Gurney and A.J. foyt.

As

 Foyt would go onto hire Riley to design His stable of coyote IndyCar chassis. Most notably the very Coyote that ‘Ol superTex’ drove to his fourth Indianapolis 500 win. But that’s not the Coyote chassis that inspired me to write something upon No Fenders.

 

Nope, it was the final 1981 coyote, bob Riley’s first ground effects Open wheel Racing chassis. And I simply love the bit about how the racecar created so much downforce, they couldn’t find any springs strong enough for it! And had to cut holes in the chassis to relieve pressure…

 

Another racecar Riley and son bill designed was the Intrepid RM-1, also known as the Intrepid GTP or Chevrolet GTP of the early 19990’s, which featured rear wheel covers and a shovel nose. Being known for its predigious amounts of downforce and amazing cornering speeds. But my mind immediately goes to the other TK’, aka Tommy Kendall’s massive accident in this carwhich raced between 1991-93.

 

Another Bob Riley design I wasn’t aware of was the Ford GTP Mustang for IMSA competition, which was a front engine design. And like the Intrepid won just a single race.

 

I was also not aware that it was another Riley design that Kendall utilized to dominate SCCA Pro Racing’s Trans Am series in the 1990’s. When Kendall and Roush Racing blitzed the field with those dominating Ford Mustang “Body Quencher” TA Steeds!

 

Yet when I think of Bob Riley, who passed away on October 24th at the age of 93. I immediately think of the domineering Riley & Scott Mk III Prototypes that ruled the roost in the World Sports Car )WSC) category of IMSA GT and the rival USRRC. Also racing at Le Mans and later in the American Le Mans Series.

 

Riley & Scott was formed in 1990 by Bob Riley and Mark Scott, beginning with Trans Am racecars before focusing upon a World Sports Car design for the upcoming IMSA GT Championship.

 

Following their stillborn Mk II Sports Car design, they were hired to improve Rob Dyson’s Spice Ferrari chassis. With the lessons learned aiding in the design of the Mk III.

 

Dyson Racing debuted the Riley & Scott Mk III at the 1995 24 Hours of Daytona, running two cars and winning a total of five races that season.

 

Part of the Riley & Scott Mk III’s popularity was its accepting multiple normally aspirated engines. Including the likes of ford, Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, BMW and the Judd V-10. As the Prototype won its first Rolex 24 in 1996 with Doyle Racing and Oldsmobile. With Wayne Taylor, Scott Sharp and Jim Pace at its keyboard…

 

The following year was when Dyson Racing used a village ‘O drivers to score victory with its Mk III Ford chassis. As I can still vaguely recall the No. 20 entry driving into victory lane with its seven drivers piled aboard it!

 

As Rob Dyson, Elliot forbes-Robinson and John “Not Bo” Schneider were joined by the team’s No. 16 entry of Butch Leitzinger, Andy Wallace, James Weaver and John Paul Jr. after their entry retired on lap 227.

 

Momo Corse and its Ferrari 333 SP, the Riley & Scott Mk III’s main competizione won the ’98 Rolex 24, before Dyson won in 1999, again with its trusty Mk III Ford entry.

 

For 1998, the second iteration of the Mk III was built, which followed with the Mk III C variant racing until 2005. Although Riley and co. deferred work on the MK III while contracted to create the Cadillac North Star factory effort. As the Riley & Scott Mk III would amass nearly 50 victories overall in 130-plus starts!

 

Riley & Scott was acquired by Reynard Cars in 1999. Yet Reynard’s expansion was too quick and they filed for Bankruptcy in 2001. Which not only saw the dissolution of Reynard Cars, but also Riley & Scott.

 

Undaunted by this turn of events, Bob Riley and son Bill continued their success upon forming Riley Technologies in 2001. With subsequent Riley Prototype chassis now designed for the Daytona Prototype (DPi) era winning a further seven Rolex 24 races.

 

The company also “dabbled” in Saloons’, having designed the Speedsource Mazda RX8 that won the 2008 GT Class at the Rolex 24. Along with that year’s BMW M6 and ALMS GT2 category Corvette vs. those dominating Prat & Miller Vettes’.

 

While I last kept track of Riley’s exploits in earnest when running the Werks’ Dodge Viper program between 2012-14. Which culminated with the team winning the Team’s and Drivers championships in the American Le mans Series in 2014. (ALMS) Before Chrysler pulled the plug upon the SRT Viper racing program.

 

As the list goes on and on. For which you’d have to say that Bob Riley definitely left His mark upon motorsports… 

Languid thoughts upon De Ferran and Indy Cars future

As 56 is way too early to die!

 

Nah, No April fools Jokes here upon No Fenders today Kiddoes! Other than the only Joke is that I’m posting this story just now, that I began scribbling upon the first weekend of January. When my, and countless others emotions were still raw over the untimely Death of Gil de Ferran at age 56!

 

Although I suppose in another bout of Tomfoolery’, Uhm, we’re a week removed from the Whose your Daddy Thermal Sweepstakes “All Star” event. For which I wasn’t certain Wayback’ in Gory January if I’d get a chance to watch it on Thy Telie? With whomever was providing my final respite ‘O Home Health Care recovery from my Open Heart surgery.

 

Although pretty G-Damn sure Nurse Catherine would give me Permission to do so! Which sorry Y’all, if you’re tiring of hearing me pontificate about this truly life changing experience; but Gil was younger than me.

 

As Gil’s Death was shocking enough just for it’s unexpected earliness. But hit me even harder due to my then awaiting Open Heart surgery and knowing the same could have happened to Mwah…

 

And since I’m still really not sure when I’ll return to thoust keyboard and Blogging in earnest. Therefore I’m trying to “pad” out some more time before resuming my normal Pre-surgery routine.

 

Look, I’m always Happy whenever IndyCar’s on-track, since it happens way too little during the year. Like can Y’all say El Stupidio 182 days Freakin’ Off-season!

 

And thus I had nothing against the Thermal Club event other then it simply seemed like another Gimmick from Day-1 of it’s announcement!

 

And Marshall Pruett had me laughing in stitches when sardonically mentioning that although the IndyCar press release said only the Top-5 finishers would be given prize money. The same press release went onto claim that positions 6-27 would each garner a cheque for $23,000. As Marshall wryly noted that He needed to finish P13, Brilliant!

 

Hence with the words All Star and The Thermal All Skate event occurring after only one IndyCar race. The word All Star made me think of the late gil de Feran once again!

 

Since like I previously scribbled here upon No Fenders. I’m guessing it must have been 2013? Since All I know it wasn’t the initial Legends Day Gala event of 2011, which had the largest trove of former IndyCar drivers in attendance. For which IMS Sherpa Carpets’ and I waited an hour or hour and a half? For me to get ‘lil Stevie Johnson’s, aka Stefan Johansson’s John Handcock!

 

Well at least I thought that was the one ‘n only time I briefly met De Ferran at Mother Speedway. Perhaps it was De Ferran’s line that was too long and we skipped it instead? Even though I swear I can still see His face and hear Him saying Hi to me…

 

Regardless, this reminded me of another De Ferran memory – that I know for certain happened…

 

As I’d been pestering thee Donald’, No-No-No! Not that Juan’, but Don Kay of Autosport Radio to see if He could procure me Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud’s John Hancock during an Autosport Radio Show interview some 15 years ago, Aye Karumba!

 

And in true De Ferran fashion. Not only did I get Simon’s autograph on a De Ferran Motorsports “Hero” card. But I got several! One each of Pagenaud and De Farran individually, along with the pair’s signatures together during their ALMS days…

 

Don’t need to recap how many times IndyCar shot itself in the foot last year! Other than as Marshall Pruett likes repeating sardonically upon His weekly Podcasts. According to IndyCar management – from the top down, beginning with The Captain, RP’ ergo Roger Penske Everything’s AWSM!

 

And although I’ve never worried before, naturally life’s taken on a whole new meaning to me…

 

In Geo. Phillips Christmas tidings Oilpressure post. Who’ll remain Ye Oldest IndyCar blogger to me! Even if George pointed out casually that The Pit Window’s Mike Silver is older than Him, but I digress…

 

George noted that this May will be fifteen years for His Blogsite, and at age 65, He doesn’t plan to be still blogging in another 15yrs at age 80.

 

This got me thinking that keeping that same thought-bubble’. That I’ve been poondin’ out stories nonstop here on No Fenders for over 17 years, and another 17 would get me to my 77th birthday! For which I have a hard time thinking I’ll still be blogging then also…

 

And I’d Arse-sume similar sentiments from Mike silver? Since that puts three current IndyCar bloggers already at or nearly Senior Citizens today! With I Kissed the Bricks Patty Nolan being 53 and the Field of 33’s Paul Dalbey is soon to turn “The King’s” number, ergo 43. While I have no idea what age For the Love of Indy’s Raymond Hamdoat is?

 

All of which makes me wonder if there are any IndyCar Bloggers currently under the age of 40 out Thar? Or are Blogs akin to Facebook? And just what the older generation gravitates towards?

 

As may be there’s young, savy “Digital Warriors” out there in IndyCar-land solely on Instagram? But being Blind, have I reminded Y’all lately? I Don’t do any of the social media stuff, especially Instagram, since obviously I cannot “See” it!

 

As the age old question is how does IndyCar excite and grow it’s next generation of Fans to replace us current Diehard, but aging Fanbase? And nope, No corny NXT jokes here! Even if everything’s AWSM!

 

As it seems that the best way to start this massive “C” Change would for Penske Entertainment and RP’ insert son Greg Penske into the “big chair”, ergo CEO now! With El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske becoming the Chairman, provided He didn’t keep Greg’s Hands tied behind His back decision-wise!

 

Since with many current IndyCar team owners being in their 60’s or older? Whilst I think the two youngest owners are Zak Brown and Riccardo Juncos currently. We don’t exactly have an infusion of age in the ownership ranks!

 

And being Captain McObvious. Without a younger, more vibrant Fanbase, it really won’t matter if IndyCar gets a new chassis, goes Hybrid, lands a third engine manufacturer, etc. Making me wonder if IndyCar will just keep plodding along before fading into obscurity sometime in the future?

 

As I’ve done my part supporting IndyCar for nearly four decades. And as Queen Danica would say. It’s Not my Fault that we had The Split and lost a generation of IndyCar Fans!

 

Which naturally made me think of Rush’s great song Between the Wheels!

 

Y’all know how that Rabbit feels going underneath your spinning wheels,

Windshield towards the Fly,

Time just passes you by,

Another lost Generation…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj1eUnNOvpY

 

Partial song lyrics from: Rush Between the Wheels; Grace Under Pressure, 1984 

Another ex-IndyCar Team races on

As suppose I’m showing my age, since I remember Conquest Racing’s exploits…

 

Yeah, going down another Wabbit’ Hole here, especially since once again this is dated news. But like others say upon Ye Blogosphere’. If Y’all are coming to No Fenders for Breaking News, you’re coming to the wrong place!

 

 

Tend to forget or overlook Sports Car racing news on a daily, or sometimes weekly basis. But eventually get around to it and learning something new. Like the fact that some Old racing teams have a hard time fading away…

 

As the story that Peaked my interest. Uhm, where’s ‘Ol Queen Danicker’ when Yuhs need Her, Eh? Oh Never Mind! Was about Eric Bachelart’s latest venture.

 

For which if you’re a Diehard IndyCar Aficionado like Mwah, then you’ll know or remember that Messer Bachelart raced in the CART/PPG IndyCar World Seriesfor Payton/Coyne Racing between 1992-95 after a successful Indy Lights career. Since I’d forgotten that Bachelart was the inaugural Indy Lights Champion in 1991.

 

For ’96 Bachelart switched to Sports Car racing, contesting that year’s 24 Heurs du Mans aboard a Ferrari 333 SP. Being part of then my Home team Andy Evans Scandia Racing’s two car effort. Driving the #17 Racing for Belgium TeamScandia entry with co-drivers Marc Goossens and Eric van de Poele. Which is another No Fenders story I’m sitting on for another rainy day…

 

Next, Eric set about becoming a team owner, establishing Conquest Racing and competing in Indy Lights initially in 1997. Running a single car entry for the totally unknown Christophe Tinseau…

 

For 2002, Conquest Racing joined the Indy Racing League, (IRL) with Laurent Redon behind the wheel of it’s Dallara-Infiniti racecar. Before switching to the rival, but soon to be bankrupt (2003) CART IndyCar series. Basically running a two car effort with Mario Haberfeld in it’s team car. And future Formula 1 driver tiago Monteiro in the satellite Fittipaldi IndyCar entry.

 

Yet when I think of Conquest Racing, I immediately think of the late Justin Big Unit’ Wilson and Bertrand Baggette. Whilst forgetting that Jan Van Hagar’ Heylen also drove for the plucky IndyCar tea.

 

As Karmically, just after beginning scribbling this, I discovered that Messer Heylen, Madison Snow and Trent Hindman has finished fourth overall aboard the NO. 45 Wright Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R at this year’s Indianapolis Intercontinental GT Challenge  8hr race. Winning the FGTWCA Pro Class.

 

As Conquest’s lengthy drivers roll also includes the likes of Nelson Philippe, Andrew Ranger, Charles Zwolsman, Jr, Matt Haliday, Jaime Camara, Enrique Bernoldi, Alex Tagliani, Mario Romancini, Francesco Dracone, Sebastian Saavedra, Joao Oliveira, Dillon Battistini and Ana Beatriz.

 

Conquest Racing was the first Champ Car team to join the reunified IndyCar series for 2008 as a two car entity. Before slimming down to a single car in 2011, and going out with a whimper in 2012, contesting only the two Month of May races with it’s lone female driver.

 

As Conquest Racing had left IndyCar to campaign a Morgan/Nissan LMP2 entry in that year’s American Le Mans Series. (ALMS)

 

For 2017, the team focused upon contesting the Ferrari Challenge, winning titles with various Gentlemen drivers.

 

In 2018 Bachelart co-founded Qwest Racing to compete in IMSA’s Continental Tires Sports Car Challenge. And then in 2019 raced in the IMSA Prototype Challenge.

 

Beginning in 2021, Conquest has been campaigning Yank’ Manny Franco behind the wheel of it’s Ferrari 488 GTE Evo in the Ferrari Challenge series. With Franco running stints in GT3 and GT4; currently contesting this year’s Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli and GT Challenge Americas Championships.

 

As Manny and Allesandro Balzan, a Two-times IMSA GT Daytona (GTD) Champion won two races at this year’s Road America GT  Challenge in the Pro category. Scoring the Ferrari

296’s first major victories in America.

 

For 2024, Conquest Racing with Ferrari will run a full season campaign with it’s Ferrari 296 GT3. Being la Scuderia’s first full season entry in IMSA Competizione since 2018, and Conquest’s first full season Sports Car campaign since it’s 2012 ALMS P2 entry.

 

Naturally, Manny Franco will spearhead the driving effort, with His co-drivers and other pertinent details to be divulged at a later date…

 

As Bachelart and Conquest Racing will join the likes of former IndyCar team owners Top Jimmy’ (Vasser) and James Sully’ Sullivan’s Lexus effort in the GTD ranks. Where I’m guessing the Competizione will be tough next year. With their lone Ferrari 296 GT3 facing the likes of the Championship winning BMW M4, Lexus RC F GT3, Corvett Z06 GT3, Aston Martin Vantage GT3, McLaren 720S GT3 and Acura NSX GT3. While surely Ford will also have somebody campaigning it’s brand new Mustang GT3, Righto?

 

Yeah, naturally after I finished my story. Ford announced that it’s two car GTD Pro entry will be run by Multimatic with four Bad Arse Sports Car Aces. With Joey Hand and Dirk Muller in one Mustang, and Harry Tincknell and Mike Rocky’ Rockenfeller in the other. As good luck Slowin’ those Mustangs Down Eric! 

LE MANS: Triple Crown Winners, Part 5

Betcha Y’all are saying Hallelujah! We’ve finally crossed the Finish line on this lumbering endurance story multiple 24 Hours round Ye clock later!

 

Yeah, if you’re still reading this five part No Fenders story? Which I definitely appreciate Y’all doing so! Especially since if Yuhs cannot tell, I’m runnin’ outta Steam.

 

Thus it seems overly Apropos that we’ve begun with a German and we end with another two Germans. As Germany and the United States ties with three drivers apiece. Followed by two Bloody Brit’s and Uno Italian’s…

 

Marco Werner

Birthplace: Dortmund, Germany

DOB: April 27, 1966, Age: 57

Wins: Daytona1995; Sebring, (3) 2003, 2005, 2007 and Le Mans, (3) 2005-07

 

Marco Werner is another Sports Car driver I tend to remember nothing about, albeit His name sounded vaguely familiar and I should have remembered Him for racing in the American Le Mans Series for the All conquering Audi’s.

 

Reportedly Werner finished runner-up in the Opel Euroseries and German Formula 3 Championships behind somebody named tom Kristensen…

 

Unable to graduate to thee Pinnacle ‘O Motorsports, ergo Formula 1, Werner focused upon Sports Car racing instead.

 

After toiling in Porsche Supercup, Marco scored His first major endurance race event upon winning the 1995 Rolex 24 driving a Kremer Porsche 962.

 

Werner then won the first of His eventual three 12 Hours of Sebring victories in ’03. Dovetailing His latter two Sebring W’s while completing a rare Hat trick at Circuit de la Sarthe. Winning the prestigious 24 Heurs du Mans between 2005-07 for Audi. With Sebring being part of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) which ran a similar rules package to the ACO, governing body of Le Mans.

 

As Werner’s first victory at Le Mans alongside JJ Letho, claiming His second and final Le Mans win. Presumably were overshadowed by co-driver Tom Kristensen claiming His sixth consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans victory and seventh overall, surpassing Jacky Ickx’s previous record…

 

With Audi primarily racing in ALMS and Le Mans, albeit Audi’s dominant R8 LMP1 chassis did contest the Le Mans Endurance Series. Werner’s winning Daytona was rare for drivers of this era, since the 24 Hours of Daytona was under the auspices of first the United States Road Racing Championship. (USRRC) And then the rival Grand American Road Racing Championship, later becoming the Rolex Sports Car Series sanctioning bodies. Better know  simply as Grand Am between 1998-2013.

 

Timo Bernhart

Birthplace: Homburg, West Germany

DOB: February 24, 1981, Age: 42

Wins: Daytona 2003; Sebring 2008 and Le Mans, (2) 2010, 2017

 

What stands out to me about Timo Bernhard, our youngest and most current Triple Crown winner is His Porsche RS Spyder links.

 

As I fondly recall Him being part of El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske’s Werks’ AMLS LMP2 Porsche RS Spyder team between 2006-08. As this was one of the tteams I rooted for, since I quickly tired of Audi winning everything!

 

Having seen the winning Porsche RS Spyder multiple times at the Penske Racing Museum in Scottsdale, AZ. Although I don’t recall it being on display during my most recent visit to The Valley of the Sun.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/03/another-enjoyable-visit-to-my-favourite.html

 

As Bernard won the ’08 12 Hours of Sebring as alongside fellow  Factory Porsche drivers Romain Dumas and Emmanuel Collard, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

 

Like most current day racing drivers, Timo cut His teeth in Go Karts, before making His single seater debut in 1998 in Formula Ford. The following year He finished third overall in the German Formula ford Championship before moving onto Sports Cars.

 

Bernhard raced in Porsche Supercup and made His ALMS debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2001, finishing second in the GT Clas for alex Job Racing.

 

In 2002 He claimed His first GT Class victory at Le Mans driving for Kevin Buckler’s The Racer’s Group in a Porsche 911 GT3-RS.

 

The following year, Buckler and Company surprised the racing world by winning the 24 Hours of Daytona outright in the aforementioned Porsche 911 GT3-RS racecar. As this was the debut season for the Grand Am’s Daytona Prototypes (DP) class, leaving the door open for the ultra reliable Porsche 911 to claim victory.

 

Paired with Jorg Bergmeister, timo and Jorg won their class at the season ending Petit Le Mans. And then the duo romped to six wins in nine races to win the 2004 ALMS GT Class, which included victories at Sebring and Petit Le mans.

 

After His three year stint at Penske ended, when the team’s contract expired and Penske wound down it’s ALMS programme. Bernard and Dumas joined the Joest racing team, better known as Audi Sport Team Joest. With Bernhard, Dumas and Mike Rocky’ Rockenfeller winning the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans aboard an Audi R15 TDI Plus.

 

Arse-sumedly Timo became part of Porsche’s return to top flight LMP1 prototype racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship between 2015-2017. Driving one of the Porsche 919 Hybrid’s to it’s third and final victory at Le Mans, in what became a survival of the fittest in the 919 Hybrid’s final outing at Circuit de la Sarthe.

 

Coming from behind, at the 20 Hours mark, Bernard’s No. 2 Porsche was fifth overall, before first Bernard unlapped the entry back onto the lead lap and then took the lead with one hour remaining! As Bernard and co-drivers Earl Bamber and Brendon Hartley won the 2017 24 Heurs du Mans, giving Porsche it’s 19th and most current overall victory at Le Mans. 

LE MANS 100C: A Belated Ford GT Farewell

The oft, overlooked No. 4 Holman & Moody 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II of Mark Donohue and Paul Hawkins on display at the IMS Museum in 2012. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Nah, No Have you Driven a Ford lately Jokes Here!

 

Presumably Y’all know that earlier this summer we celebrated the Centenary running of le 24 Heurs du Mans. And in typical glacial fashion Here upon thoust rocky shores of Nofendersville. Another No Fenders “Gem” has been waylaid in the rotting seaweed, Ooh, What’s that smell!

 

Like countless Auto Manufacturers, the Ford Motor company is intertwined in the fabled races illustrious History. With Ford being involved in many facets of the Circuit’s and Motor Racing lore.

 

And whilst I’d Arse-sume Y’all would be quick to name that the iconic Ford GT40 won Le Mans four consecutive years in-a-row between 1966-69. I’d argue that Ford and it’s venerable Ford GT40 has actually scored five victories including the Mirage GR8’s 1975 triumph! But that’s a topic for another day…

 

As I suppose this story partially came back upon Ye Memory screen due to the continuous noise being made over Matt Damon and Company’s filming of their upcoming Formula 1 movie. With filming occurring during this year’s British Grand Prix weekend.

 

For which I previously scribbled about Damon’s excellent performance as ‘Ol Shel’, aka Carroll Shelby in the brilliant 2019 Ford v Ferrari film. For which I totally thought Christian Bale should have won the Oscar for Best Actor that year!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2019/12/some-thoughts-upon-ford-v-ferrari-movie.html

 

As 1966 was the year that the FoMoCo’ Brass infamously pulled their staged 1-2-3 Photo Finish Farce that cruelly robbed Ken Miles from winning All three major Endurance races that year, i.e.; Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans.

 

While Dan Gurney made history by not only winning the 1967 event with A.J. foyt. But for being the instigator of the now de riggour Champagne Spraying celebration. Wich Gurney impromptly “Uncorked” upon the podium.

 

Or for Mwah, what is the greatest Le Mans race ever, albeit I’m quite biased being a Died in the Wool Ford Racing and Shelbyphile! When Jacky Ixkx refused to participate in the then mandatory Le Mans start of drivers sprinting across track to their awaiting cars.

 

With Ickx simply waiting until everyone had gone, sauntering across track to His waiting Ford GT40. Climbing in, calmly buckling His safety belts and then winning His first of eventual six Le Mans triumphs by some 100 yards over the second place Porsche in 1969!

 

In 2002 at Detroit’s North American International  Auto show, Ford stunned us by debuting it’s modern era GT40 concept car, which ultimately became known as the ford GT. Honouring it’s forthcoming 100th anniversary.

 

And then upon celebrating it’s own Centenary in 2003, ford unveiled three pre-production Ford GT’s. Hopefully in the same base colours as those three nasty 1966 GT40 Mk II’s, i.e.; black, light blue and gold?

 

And with the first generation Ford GT going into production in late-2004, several private entities were quick to create their racing versions of the Ford GT. Although reporetedly Ford didn’t want the Ford GT raced and supposedly didn’t back any racing versions of the iconic Supercar.

 

As it’s worth noting that the model years 2005-06 Ford GT came stock with a 5.4-liter Supercharged V-8, unlike it’s unofficial racing brethren…

 

As the first example of these Ford GT racing derivatives I came across was a 2005 ford GT was converted into a Ford GT300 by TOM’s for the DHG Racing Team for competing in the 2006-07 Japanese Super GT series.

 

Interestingly, this car was modified to be powered by an 1990’s era Ford Zetec-R 3.5-litre normally aspirated V-8 lump’. With the same engine propelling Michael Schumacher and Benetton to their first Formula 1 World Championship in 1994!

 

Geneva, Switzerland based Matech Concepts, formed in 2006, struck an agreement with Ford Racing to develop the Ford GT for Sports Car racing with GT1 and GT3-spec variants. Along with becoming the official European Distributor of parts for the Ford Racing Mustang FR500

 

In Germany, Matech built their first  Ford GT variant, the GT-3 racecar for the 2007 FIA GT3 European Championship. Which interestingly, Matech denotes as being powered by a “Cammer” Ford 5.0-liter normally aspirated V-8 motor.

 

 Matech won the title the following year! And then defending their title in ’09, before graduating to the top flight GT1 championship.

 

Meanwhile, Doran Enterprises of Ohio, founded by longtime successful IMSA Championship winner Kevin Doran. Built it’s version known as the ford GT-R Mk VII to ACO GT-2 specifications. Enabling it to compete in racing Stateside and abroad, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

 

As a total of six Doran Ford GT-R’s were reportedly built. With motivating power coming from a Roush Yeates 5.0-liter normally aspirated V-8 lump’ mated to a Emco six-speed transmission.

 

As Atlanta based Robertson Racing took initial delivery of the Doran Ford GT-R in 2008. Before debuting at that year’s 12 Hours of Sebring, finishing 10th overall. While a second Doran GT-R was raced by Black Swan Racing under the Falken Tires banner sporadically, both contesting the American Le Mans Series GT2 category…

 

Matech Competition entered two of it’s Ford GT1 racecars for the 2010 GT1 World  championship. Along with also contesting that year’s 24 Heurs du Mans. Being the first time a Ford GT derived racecar had pounded round Circuit de la Sarthe since the Mirage M12 Cosworth DFL entry of 1982…

 

Le Mans saw it’s No. 60 Ford GT entry, with Thomas Mutsch, Romain Grosjean and Jonathan Hirxchi retiring on lap-171 due to engine failure.

 

And yes, that’s the same Romain Grosjean who currently races for Andretti Autosport in IndyCar…

 

While it’s sister No. 61 entry retired on lap-161 due to an engine fire, and was driven by the All Femme fatale trio I’ve previously scribbled here upon No Fenders about a long time ago, when first learning about the then unknown Matech Ford GT1’s.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2010/06/swiss-misses-invade-le-sarthe.html

 

While the third Ford GT1 was entered by the Marc VDS Racing Team, with it’s No. 70 driven by the Eric De Donker, Bas Leinders and Markus Palttala retiring from a lap-26 Accident. 

RETRO: More BMW Competition Art Cars

That left their Mark upon the Racing World…

 

While there are currently 19, albeit the last one raced was No. 18 BMW Art Cars, Cornfuzed? Naturally I’m mostly interested in just those that actually competed, with No Disrespect towards the other renown Artists creations…

 

As I must confess that the topic of BMW’s Art Cars had fallen Off of my collective radar, since it’s now been some Gory five years since the last Art Car contested the 2017 Rolex 24, as part of ‘Ol boobie Ruble’s brace ‘O BMW M6 GTLM IMSA GT Le Mans entry.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2017/01/autos-latest-bmw-art-car-to-contest.html?msclkid=90e4cd70ba9411ecade927e299aaa001

 

And like many topics here upon No Fenders, it was another Car and Driver magazine article I listened to via my NFB Newsline for The Blind telephone service awhile ago that caught my Attenzione. Although I must also confess I’d never heard of Artist Jeff Koons before…

 

As Messer Koons has once again been commissioned by BMW for a limited edition run of 99 BMW 8 Series Saloons known as the 8 X Jeff Koons model. For which Koons stunning graphics take BMW 11 Stages to paint and will only produce two per week. And if you want one of these ultra rare 8 X Koons models Stateside, prepare to open your wallet! As they’re only available in the 2023 BMW M850i XDrive variant, which retails for $351,000, Aye Karumba!

 

As Koons was also responsible for BMW Art Car No. 17, but I’m getting Ahead of myself…

 

BMW Art Cars Nos. 7-8 are both one of the marque’s most cherished models, those Bad Arse three series M3’s.

 

Michael Jagamara Nelson, an Aboriginal  Australian Artist was responsible for Art Car No. 7, using the ancient method of Papunya Sand Art. With Jagamara taking seven days to transform the black 1989 M3 Group A racecar revealing landscapes and ancient animals into a one of a kind masterpiece!

 

Art Car No. 8 was also another ’89 BMW M3 Australian Group A Touring Cars racecar, this time painted by Australian Artist Ken done. It features broad brush strokes, bright colours and multitudes of Parrots and Parrot Fish, which the Artist says represents speed…

 

As the Australian Touring Cars Championship (ATC) Group A regulations ran between 1985 and 1992, before morphing into the hugely popular V8 Supercars Championship. As BMW won the Aussie Touring Cars title twice in 1985 and 1987, with the latter being with the M3 piloted by perennial Kiwi’ Touring Cars Champion Jim Richards.

 

Art Car No. 15 by Jenny Holzer now has to be my second favourite racing BMW Art Car! Eclipsed only by those stunning 3.0 CSL Batmobiles. Although I must confess that I only had eyes for the evocative Ferrari 333 SP when I attended the 1999 Rose City Grand Prix at Portland International Raceway. As this was during the American Le Mans Series years, it’s Debut season, and there were three BMW V-12 LMP1 racecars competing.

 

The two Werks’ Schnitzer Motorsport BMW V12 LMR’s finished second and fourth behind the winning and third place Panoz LMP1 Roadsters. With the third #27 BMW V12 LM of Price + Bscher Racing finishing fifth.

 

As it’s Uber funny to Mwah that now almost a Quarter of a Century later, I’m just discovering that David Price Racing ran a year old BMW V12 LM Prototype, the predecessor to the V12 LMR. Which BMW had sold one of these chassis to German Privateer Thomas Bscher, finding Herr Bscher and Pedro Lamy at it’s controls August 1st, 1999…

 

As Williams F1 only produced four V12 LMR Prototypes chassis in 1999. With Holzer’s V12 LMR Art Car, which was festooned by “Word Art” utilizing reflective chrome lettering and phosphorescent colours intended to be seen Day and Night. Making it’s public Debuted at that May’s Le Mans Prologue test, but then was subsequently withdrawn, with Team Schnitzer only running two BMW V12 LMR’s during the race.

 

As Holzer’s V12 LMR Chassis 004 reportedly only ever raced in the 2000 Petit Le Mans ALMS season finale, where BMW entered three cars as it’s send off of their final race outing.

 

As mentioned above, American Artist Jeff Koons created Art Car No. 17, a 2010 BMW M3 GT2 racecar, running the number 79 in Homage to Andy Warhol’s 1979 BMW M1 Art Car . Andy Priaulx, Dirk Muller and Dirk Werner were the stunning M3 GT2 Art Car’s Chauffeurs, with Koons Bright colours displaying power and appreciated by Fans. Yet sadly, the car ended up retiring after only 53 laps due to an uncooperating Fuel sensor.

 

The final Bimmer’ Art Car to be raced to date is Art Car No. 19 as mentioned above. Ironically the 2016 BMW M6 GTLM Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR) entry sporting the #19 in deference to it’s Art Car’s significance, featured one of BMW’s most legendous’ racing drivers behind it’s Keyboard.

 

Renown Californian Artist John Baldessari was the creator of Art Car No. 19. With Baldessari known for his minimalist approach using only four colours, i.e.; red, green, yellow and blue, along with his monochrome Dots. The Artist left another iconic work upon his M6 GTLM canvas, summoning upon his 50 years of Art! As Baldessari Died in 2020 at Age 88.

 

Bill auberlen, who I’ve long taken to calling Bimmer billy’ here upon No Fenders, was one of the M6GTLM’s four Pilotes. As ironically Auberlen was just beginning his long association with BMW Wayback’ in 1999, as one of Team Schnitzer’s Factory BMW Drivers piloting one of it’s two BMW V12 LMR’s…

 

As the #19 BMW M6 finished 12^th Overall and eighth in the GT LM (Le Mans( Class, behind three of Chip Ganassi Racing’s Ford GT’s, including the Class winning #66 entry of Sebastien Bourdais, Joey Hand and Dirk Muller. Plust two Porsche 911’s, a Corvette C7.R and a Ferrari 488 GTE.

 

Thus it seems High time for BMW to invite another world class Artist, or preferably Artists to apply their unique skils to another BMW racing car. Like let’s say, one of next year’s Team BMW RLLR’s IMSA GTP Prototypes, either at Daytona or Le Mans. Along with either a BMW M4 GT Pro/GTD entry. Or if they must, one of the new, electric Bimmer’s in the E-E-E-lectrified (EV) DTM series.

 

As Y’all can check out All of the 19 BMW Art Cars in the link below…

 

https://www.bmwartcarcollection.com/?msclkid=f32a55ebbdb811ec90a73ff6a442fc1a