LE MANS: Can the Prancing Horses gallop to another victory?

Will Ferrari “Three-peat”, or can somebody stop their dominance?

 

Somewhat feel like I’m going thru the motions here, since the annual running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans makes me think that summer is already done! Having nearly reached the zenith of another year’s increasing sunlight whilst pondering where did thoust Gory time go? As soon it’ll be time to put another log on the fire and the kettle on the boil!

 

Although I’ll admit that I do enjoy going thru the entire entry list and seeing what driver names I recognize…

 

This year’s running of the 93rd 24 Huers du Mans commences this Saturday, June 14th. And concludes the following day when  formula 1 races at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and IndyCar races underneath the lights at Gateway. (World Wide Technology Raceway)

 

There’s a total of 62 entries in three classes. With le Crème de la Crème  Hypercar featuring 21 racecars. LMP2 with 17 entrants, and 24 LMGT3 Saloons.

 

The Hypercar category consists of eight marques, with four Cadillac V-Series.R and Porsche 963’s leading the way. Whilst la Scuderia, nee Ferrari has three of it’s dominating 499P’s entered. Followed by a further five manufacturers running the mandatory two car teams, i.e.; Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Peugeot and Toyota.

 

The Alpine A424, BMW M8 Hybrid, Cadillac v-Series.R and Porsche 963 all conform to the Le Mand Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) rules. While the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Ferrari 499P, Peugeot 9X8 and Toyota GR010 conform to the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) rules.

 

Six of these eight chassis are propelled by varying displacement turbocharged engines, with only the Aston Martin and Cadillac being naturally aspirated. With the Valkyrie eschewing hybrid assistance to it’s glorious Cosworth V-12. While the Caddy’s 5.5-litre V-8 runs the spec LMHD hybrid component.

 

With the entire 62 car field racing under Balance of Performance (BoP) requirements. Along with the virtual “energy” tank storage and mandatory torque sensors.

 

And whilst the Porsche Penske 963 Panzerwagens have won four of five races in IMSA GTP competition to date. On thoust Gory Atlantic’s puddle side. It’s the Ferrari 499P that’s swept all three FIA World endurance Championship events leading up to Le Mans.

 

As the AF Corse No. 50 won at the season opening Qatar 1,812km round. Followed by the Seester’ No. 51 of James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi and Alessandro Pier Guidi winning back-to-back at the Six Hours of Imola and Spa.

 

Whilst just learning that Ferrari swept the podium at Qatar and claimed a 1-2 finish at Spa, Momma Mia!

 

Ferrari is also aiming for a three-peat at Circuit de la Sarthe this year, having won the first two Hypercar class races the past two years. Seeing both the #51 victorious in 2023, and the #50 with Antonio Fuoco,Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen the defending race winners.

 

Yet the entire field is made up of very strong competizione, as Y’all can never count out the Toyota’s. Whilst El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske dearly wishes to win Le Mans. One of the very few Jewell races He hasn’t won…

 

The Cadillac boyz’ should be up front, while the Alpine and Peugeot are both “Sleepers”. As the only unknown quantity is the Aston Martin, making it’s Le Mans debut, and therefore most likely just happy to finish the race. Although obviously they’ll be hoping for a good debut showing…

 

Almost forgot the BMW’s, with the No. 20 BMW finishing runner-up at Imola. As how could I overlook one of my favourites, i.e.; Kevn Bacon’ Magnussen in the No. 15 entry. While the M8 Hybrid has qualified on pole in IMSA GTP competition the first four races this season.

 

The LMP2 category features a race inside a race, with eight P2 entrants, and nine Pro Am (PA) entries. As the Pro Am class features one Bronze rated amateur driver.

 

Have already mentioned some of the IMSA competitors, while a few others that tripped my No. 4 wire are the No. 18 IDEC Sport with Jamie Chadwick, Andre Lotterer and Mathys Jaubert; Hyundai’s Genesiss Magna “Development” squad.

 

McLaren major domo Zakery Brown and Richard Dean’s United Autosport team is always strong with it’s Nos. 22-23 entries. Having won last year’s LMP2 class with it’s No. 22 entry driven by Oliver Jarvis, Nolan Siegel and Bijay Garg

 

Bad Arse Sports Car Ace Jarvis slots into the team’s No. 23 Pro Am entry this year, joined by ex-IndyCar driver Ben Hanley and Daniel Schneider. Whilst the Seester’ entry hosts a stout lineup which I’ve already mentioned in the previous No fenders IMSA Interlopers story.

 

The No. 25 Algarve Pro Racing entry sees “Teddy Porkchop”, aka Theo Pourchaire joined by Liechtenstein’s Matthias Kaiser and Spain’s Lorenzo Fluxa. As very happy to see that Pourchaire’s still racing, even though He should be in Indy Cars.

 

Last year’s LMP2 Pro Am category was won by AF course’s No. 183 entry, with Ben Barnicoat, Francois Perrodo and Nicolas Varrone. As Perrodo is the only holdover for this year’s entry, being joined by Antonio Felix da Costa and Matthieu Vaxivier.

 

While I’ll be rootin’ for the #199 AO by TF entry, which basically is an IMSA entry, with a stout lineup that I’ve previously mentioned. Although I don’t think it’ll be sporting any sort of Dinosaur teamed livery, Eh?

 

As I’ll split this mesmerizing story into two part harmony, and preview the LMGT3 class in a separate No Fenders post… 

Tower Motorsports Out, Ford In

As what’s that ‘Ol ABC Wide World ‘O Sports saying, Eh?

 

On the very same morning, I awoke to the news via the Daytona Beach News Journal that “We’ve” got a new Rolex 24 winner! As the winning No. 8 Tower Motorsports LMP2 Class winner that saw le Hamburgular’, nee Sealmeister B’, aka Sebastien Bourdais taking the chequered flag 40-plus seconds ahead of the second place finisher has been DSQ’ed! (Disqualified)

 

The team’s Oreaca 07 chassis was found in a late post race technical inspection to have worn one of it’s skid blocks below the maximum wear allowance of five millimeters and thus, was stripped of it’s victory and demoted to last place in class. (12th)

 

The team’s subsequent protest was denied and the final results now see the No. 22 United Autosport entry of Paul di Resta, Rasmus Lind, Daniel Goldburg and James Allen declared as the Rolex 24 LMP2 winner.

 

Meanwhile the Detroit News had an article detailing Ford’s announcement to go Sports Car racing in 2027 with a LMDH-spec “Hypercar” entry in the FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC)

 

As the story touted this news as Ford V Ferrari 2.0, with no word on whether or not the Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) entry would cross thoust Bloody Puddle and also race in IMSA GTP or not?

 

Although Racer’s Marshall Pruett notes that Ford plans to join IMSA either a year or two after the “Weckity Wec” debut, a la Hyundai’s Genesis Sports Car prototype project… 

LE MANS: IMSA Hypercar entries

    As can Porsche Add to it’s Wins total at Le Mans?

 

This is just intended to hopefully be a somewhat “brief” rundown on some of the various racing drivers and teams with IndyCar connections. Beginning with the Mack Daddy’ Hypercar entries, All being under the IMSA GTP LMDH guise, i.e.; Le Mans Daytona Hybrid specifications.

 

CADILLAC (3)

Cadillac V-Series.R

Engine: 5.5-litre normally aspirated V-8 (Hybrid)

TEAMS

Nos. 2-3 Chip Ganassi Racing

#311 Action Express Racing

 

For some, the big news for Ganassi’s No. 2 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) entry is the inclusion of reigning IndyCar Champion Alex Palou, who I believe is making His Le Mans debut. As the Spaniard will join regular drivers Earl Bamber and Alex Lynn behind the keyboard.

 

Ganassi will bring their No. 3 IMSA GTP WeatherTech SportsCar Championship entry to Circuit de la Sarthe with season drivers Sebastien Bourdais, Render van der Zande joined by IndyCar driver Scott Dixon.

 

The #311 Action Express Racing (AXR) Caddy’ features regular season drivers Pipo Derani and Jack Aitken joined by Aston Martin F1 reserve driver Felipe Drugovich.

 

 

LAMBORGHINI (2)

Lamborghini SC63

Engine: 3.8-litre twin turbo V-8 (Hybrid)

TEAM

Nos. 19 & 63 Iron Lynx

 

It’s always interesting learning about some obscure bit ‘O history when trying to learn about a new racecar. As reportedly the Lamborghini SC63, so named in honour of the company’s Squadra Corse racing department, along with celebrating it’s 60th Anniversary. Claims it’s predecessor to be the totally unknown Lamborghini Countach QVX, Huh? A Group C racer utilizing a Spice chassis Wayback in 1986…

 

The SC63 is the first IMSA GTP chassis to be produced by Ligier, with the other LMP2 based chassis racecars being built by Dallara, Multimatic and Oreca.

 

Unlike it’s  Cadillac, Porsche and BMW LMDH Brethren. Lamborghini has designed a brand new 3.8-litre 32 valve DOHC twin turbocharged engine for the SC63. Reportedly utilizing a “cold” turbo layout, meaning the turbochargers sit outside of the engine itself. Mated to a seven speed sequential gearbox and the spec Williams Advanced Engineering Bosch Hybrid power unit.

 

Iron Lynx will run a single SC63 entry apiece in WEC and IMSA Competizione, albeit running two cars at Circuit de la Sarthe, and potentially at the forthcoming Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) WEC round. With the SC63 having made it’s competition debut at the Qatar 1,812km season opener…

 

The No. 19 IMSA GTP entry features Matteo Cairoli, Andrea Caldarelli and Juncos Hollinger Racing IndyCar driver Romain Grosjean at its controls.

 

Whilst the appropriately numbered #63 WEC entry sees Mirko Bortolotti, Edoardo Mortara and former Red Bull and Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat behind its keyboard.

 

PORSCHE (3)

Porsche 963

Engine: 4.6-litre twin turbo V-8 (Hybrid)

TEAM

Nos. 4-5-6 Porsche Penske Motorsport

 

Porsche has started out strong this year, first with Penske winning the Rolex 24 in January. Followed by it’s No. 6 WEC entry scoring the marque’s debutante Hypercar victory! When the Porsche 963 unexpectedly swept the inaugural Qatar 1,812km season opening race. With Hertz Team Jota’s No. 12 entry with Callum Ilott at the wheel being the Weinerschnitzel in a Penske sandwich! Leading the Pole sitting No. 5 entry across the stripe by a scant one second!

 

And the No. 6 entry driven by Kevin Estre, Andre Lotterer and Laurens Vanthoor finished runner-up at Imola, just 7.8 seconds adrift of the winning No. 7 Toyota.

 

While Matt Campbell, who put the No. 5 Porsche 963 on Pole at Qatar, competes with Michael Christensen and Frederic Makowiecki, who also finished third at Imola.

 

Meanwhile, there was speculation that after Quadruple Weldmeister, nee four-times Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel had tested a Porsche 963, that the German would become one of Penske’s third No. 4 entry’s drivers. Yet instead, Mathieu Jaminet, Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy will be it’s Pilotes this June, in the third IMSA GTP entry.

 

And Yes, I’m aware Thars’ a total of six Porsche 963 Panzerwagens competing in this year’s race. But this riveting No fenders yarn is simply about teams or drivers with Stateside IndyCar connections, Ja Volt!

 

Especially since Hertz Team Jota with Callum Ilott at the wheel scored the first privateer victory in the Six Hours of Spa ahead of the No. 6 Penske Porsche 963! As the No. 6 leads the points standings heading into Le Mans…

 

Whilst Nick Tandy pounced on Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken at Laguna Seca towards race’s end, judging the right way past traffic and taking the win over an obviously disappointed Aitken! Giving Porsche it’s 600th win in IMSA competition.

 

Arse-suming the race this weekend, i.e.; June 15-16 will be aired on Motor Trend TV Stateside. Or Y’all can tune-in via RS2 or whatever Radio Le Mans frequency. Where I’ll be listening to copious amounts of John Hindhaugh and Company… 

LE MANS: Supporting Cast and Other intriguing tidbits

As when’s the last time you read about somebody with the initials JK?

 

These are some of the other “Story lines” that Peaked my Attenzione regarding this year’s 24 Heurs du Man running. Noting half of the six current IndyCar drivers competing this year, along with one fascinating Hypercar entry.

 

Hypercar

This is probably the most interesting Le Mans Hypercar entry for Mwah, due to it’s drivers line-up and unknown Italiano manufacturer. Which Racer’s Marshall Pruett enjoys playfully calling the Flying Franchitti Brothers entry.

 

The racecar inQuestionne is none other than the Isotta Fraschini Tipo C-6, also known as the Tipo 6 LMH-C or LMH Competizione.

 

The chassis was reportedly designed by Michelotto, long time Italian Coachbuilder and Ferrari Motorsport partner. With the Aerodynamics being developed by Williams Advanced Engineering.

 

It utilizes a HWA 2.3-liter 90 degrees V-6 with a single turbocharger rated at some 700bhp, albeit I’m Arse-suming that includes the front axle’s electric motor. Although I thought that horsepower was rated at a maximum of 680bhp. Or was it 681 “Ponies?”

 

The single entry is being run by Dequeine Engineering and it’s drivers features two former Indy Lights racers and a totally unknown Thai behind the keyboard.

 

Jean-Karl Vernay, ergo the initials JK. Who won the 2010 Indy Lights championship for then powerhouse Sam Schmidt Motorsports is arguably the most heralded of this trio. With Kanuck’ Antonio Sarravall being a short lived Indy Lights competitor. Whilst I’ve never heard of Carl Bennett, a Thailand racer who’s made the jump up to Hypercars quickly after toiling in lower category single seaters. And is overseen by A14 Management, run by some Smarmy Spaniard named Fred Alonso…

 

It's hard to believe that I still remember Jean-Karl Vernay going Head-to-Head with another Hoser from Up North eh! Racing against thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown if memory serves me correctly, Eh?

 

As Vernay’s part of an unasked trivia question. Being the second of three Indy Light champions to have never raced in Indy Cars. Having already divulged Steve Robertson, (1994) can Y’all name the third?

 

Times up, it’s Canadian David Empringham, who appropriately won the title for Forsythe Racing in 1996…

 

LMP2

As typical, United Autosports, co-owned by Richard Dean and McLaren Boss Zak Brown, returns with it’s brace of Oreca 07 Gibson powered LMP2 entries. Running it’s traditional Nos. 22-23, for which I’m not sure which of these two racecars drivers line-ups is stronger?

 

The No. 22 has Oliver Jarvis, the 2022 IMSA SportsCar Prototype champion, plus that year’s Rolex 24 winner! Along with the totally unknown Bijoy Garg being joined by Indy NXT and IndyCar driver Nolan Siegel, making His Le Mans debut at the tender age of 19.

 

Whilst the No. 23 sees former IndyCar driver Ben Handley, Bad Arse Sports Car Ace Filipe Albuquerque and standout “Gentlemen” racer Ben Keating at it’s controls.

 

The #24 Nielsen Racing entry sees Chip Ganassi Racing IndyCar rookie Kyffin Simpson as part of the driver line-up. Alongside David Heinemeier Hansson and Favio Scherer.

 

As previously noted, my sentimental favourite for the LMP2 Class W’ is the No. 45 IMSA CrowdStrike Racing by APR entry.

 

As it features perennial Sports Car Bad Arse Colin Brown, who made His IndyCar debut for Dale coyne Racing at St Pete, along with the Thermal club “Invitational”, Err Sweepstakes race. With no word on whether or not He’ll get any moreIndyCar opportunities this season?

 

Along with former Factory BMW and corvette driver Nicky Catsburg and Ben Keating’s arch nemesis George Kurtz.

 

The No. 65 Panis Racing features Mathias Beche coupled with Yanks’ Scott Huffaker and Rodrigo Sales.

 

Whilst IMSA GTD Pro Championship winner Ben Barnicoat makes up part of AF Corse’s #183 entry. 

Move over Indy 500, It’s 24 Heurs du Mans time!

Although this race always signals the Zenith of Summer to Mwah, even if it only stopped raining here upon Ye Oregonian coast a Fortnight ago, or did it?

 

This year’s 92nd edition of the legendous’ 24 Heurs du Mans is another fascinating collection of a whopping 62 competitors. Most notably the overflowing 23 Crème

De la Crème Hypercars category. Sandwiched in-between is the second “tier” 16 LMP2 Prototypes, along with the “lower” rung equally robust 23 entries of the brand new All LMGT3 “Saloons” category.

 

With 23 entries, I won’t even try chronicling All of them, which would simply take way too many hours of furiously poondin’ away at my ancient keyboard…

 

Le Mans Hypercars

A cursory breakdown of the class reveals a massive total of six Porsche 963 Panzerwagens’. Led by the three Nos. 4-5-6 Werks’ entries of Porsche Penske Motorsport. Plus two customer entries from Hertz Team Jota, Nos. 12 and 38, the latter featuring some former 2009 F1 World Champion simply known as Bloody Jense’. (Jenson Button) Although I’m more interested over how Callum Ilot in the #12 does. Along with an additional No. 99 customer entry from Proton Competition. With No 99 Red Balloons Jokes Here!

 

Three Cadillac V-Series.R racecars will be fielded by two Factory entries ostensibly run by Chip Ganassi Racing, it’s traditional Nos. 2-3. Whilst Action Express Racing (AXR) will run it’s #311 “customer” entry again.

 

Defending race winner la Scuderia bulks up to three Ferrari 499P entries. The Nos 50-51 Factory effort of AF Corse, along with it’s No. 83 privateer entry, with somebody once known as the Krakow Kid’, a la Robert Kubica as part of it’s driver’s trio…

 

Toyota Gazoo Racing brings it’s top-flight GR010 Hybrid two car entry again, running it’s traditional Nos. 7-8, and is looking to return to Le Mans podium’s top step again. Having pulled off a “Master Class” victory at this year’s Six Hours of Imola. Where Mike “Ice-Ice, Baby!” Conway, Nyck de Vries and K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi claimed the W in the No. 7 Toyota. With de Vries scoring His first win since Formula E in 2022.

 

BMW returns to Circuit de la Sarthe for the first time in a Quarter century! Winning the 1999 24 Heurs du Mans before leaving for Formula 1 with Williams. Returning with a brace of it’s LMDH (Le Mans Daytona Hybrid) spec Nos. 15-20 M8 Hybrid entries under the banner of BMW M Team WRT.

 

Also making it’s Hypercar debut at le Mans is Lamborghini, with a two car effort run by Iron Lynx. As the team will campaign the brand new Lambo’ SP63 No. 19 and 63.

 

Peugeot Total Energy sports a brand new “2.0” version of it’s 9X8 Hypercar. This time with it’s Peugeot 9X8 2024 model replete with a traditional rear wing. Running it’s customary Nos 93-94 entries.

 

Meanwhile, Peugeot’s rival’s Alpine Endurance Team appears with a brace of shiny, new LMDH spec Alpine A424’s, the Nos. 35-36.

 

And last, but not least due to it being the only single car entry. Is the “boutique” Isotta Franschini, with it’s Tipo 6-C entry. With No Jokes about the “Flying Franchitti Brothers” Here! Although in hindsight the flying bit probably isn’t funny to ‘Ol REO Speedwagon Dario Franchitti, Eh? Can Y’all say Houston?

 

As this has to be one of the racecars I’m most curious about and definitely rootin’ for…

 

LMP2

Although the LMP2 category doesn’t get the recognition a la it’s Big Brother Hypercar brethren do, nonetheless the class will feature many fine drivers. And presumably will be another hard fought battle for class honours…

 

The Nos. 22-23 United Autosports entries are always a threat. Whilst the No. 24 Nielsen Racing entry will be of interest for some…

 

The #25 Algarve Pro Racing features my “Home Boyz” Heart of Racing’s 23yr old Roman De Angelis as part of it’s drivers roster.

 

Whilst right now, I’d have to say that the No. 45 CrowdStrike Racing by APR entry is my sentimental favourite…

 

And the No. 65 in an interesting entry, since it’s entrant is Panis Racing, which surely must be former Formula 1 winner Olivier Panis, Righto?

 

LMGT3

This is the inaugural running of the category featuring the pre-eminent worldwide GT3 racecar platform, for there’s a robust selection of nine Automotive marcques this year. Beginning with my aforementioned Home Boyz’ Heart of Racing Team’s #27 Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo, with team Boss Ian James driving.

 

Belgium’s Team WRT who are running the Werks’ BMW M8 Hybrid Hypercars’, will also campaign a brace of BMW M4 GT3 “Coupe’s”. Although the No. 31 entry will be completely overshadowed by it’s Seester’s#46 entry! Which yes, includes The Doctor’, aka Valentino Rossi on it’s driver’s line-up.

 

But my main Attenzione for this class falls upon Proton Competition’s No. 44 and 77 Ford “Darkhorse” Mustang GT3’s, even if the No. 44 sports an All German driver line-up, Ja Volt! While it’s #77 entry features two prolific IMSA Sports Car Aces with Ryan Hardwick and Zacharie Robichon handling it’s Steed…

OOPS! Apologies to John Hartshorne and Ben Tuck, both who are British drivers! Making up two thirds of the No. 44 entry. Although Christopher Mies is indeed German, and they’re All driving for a German based racing team…

 

As the Mustang’s will be pitted vs. two of TF Sports Nos. 81-82 Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s, along with the rest of the class.

 

United Autosports fields a solitary McLaren 720S GT3 entry, car No. 59. While Inception Racing will field the No. 70 customer entry.

 

And how can I not root for the No. 85 Iron Dames Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo 2 Femme Fatale trio of Sarah Bovy, Michelle Gatting and Doriane Pin.

 

While Thars’ also a brace of Lexus RC F GT3 entries, before I got to the bottom of the entry list and spotted Proton Competition’s third No. 88 Mustang along with United Autosports second #95 McLaren 720S entries…

 

Yet as usual, it’s the Prancing Horse with the most Saloon entries, with a total of four, if I counted correctly? Including some longtime Factory GM Corvette driver named Jordan Taylor being a late edition to the No. 155 Spirit of Race’s Ferrari 296 GT3 entry.

 

Oh yeah, there’s also two venerable Porsche 911 GT3 R’s racing… 

LE MANS: New look Hypercar era Throws Party at Circuit de la Sarthe

But can anybody take the Shine off of Toyota this year?

 

Forgive me for not wishing to type the names of 48 Hypercar drivers, Hmm? Where, Oh where have I heard that 48 number before? And how come it’s not being used upon ‘Ol JJ’s, nee Jimmie Johnson’s Garage 56 entry?

 

By my very rudimentary understanding. This year’s Mega’ 16 car FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar category is essentially divided three ways. With seven Le Mans Daytona Hypercar (LMDH) entries, six Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) Factory Hybrids and three “boutique” LMH Non-Hybrid Hypercars competing for Overall glory at this year’s Centenary 24 Heurs du Mans race.

 

Cadillac

5.5-litre Normally Aspirated V-8 Hybrid (LMDH)

The Nos. 2-3 Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) run Cadillac Racing WEC entries has scored two fourth place and one fifth place finishes in the first three rounds of the season. And the No. 3 CGR entry at Le Mans is comprised of it’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship drivers, including Scott Dixon.

 

Although I believe the #3 is a second WEC Cadillac V-Series.R Spec entry built-up for European competition. Since think I read a previous Racer article about the logistics of swapping between IMSA LMDH and WEC specifications are too time consuming…

 

Although subsequently learning that the No. 3 WEC entry built-up for Spa and Le Mans was wrecked at Spa-Francorchamps and the team flew one of it’s IMSA entries to Germany instead, and swapped it from IMSA to WEC specification. With the original No. 3 now serving as a spare chassis.

 

Meanwhile, I have No idea where the third Action Express Racing (AXR) #311 Cadd-Oh-lacc’ V-Series.R entry’s coming from? Since AXR is strictly competing in IMSA this season. Along with it’s Le Mans “wildcard” entry. So I’m guessing it’s also been changed over to WEC specification.

 

Porsche

4.6-litre Twin Turbo V-8 Hybrid (LMDH)

Although some might claim that Porsche has gotten off to a slow start this year. Nonetheless, not only have they won in IMSA, at Long Beach. But also scored the first ever WEC LMDH chassis podium the same weekend, when finishing third at Portimoa.

 

Porsche Penske Motorsport is fielding a trio of it’s Porsche 963’s. It’s Nos. 5-6 WEC entries being joined by it’s #75 entry comprised of one half of it’s IMSA drivers compliment

 

Hertz Team Jota is the first of the eventual two customer Porsche 963 WEC teams this season, with Proton Competition still awaiting delivery. As Jota’s No. 38 will be the fourth Porsche 963 on the grid.

 

Toyota

3.5-liter Twin Turbo V-6 Hybrid (LMH)

What can I say about the All conquering Toyota GR010 Hybrid race cars? Other than they’re the current Five-times defending 24 Hours of Le Mans Champions! Along with having won the first three 2023 season’s races. While Arse-sumedly it’s Nos. 7-8 Boyz’ will most likely be competing in another intra-squad scrum for victory. With the #8 entry being the defending winner.

 

Ferrari

3.0-litre Twin Turbo V-6 Hybrid (LMH)

Appropriately, la Scuderia seems to be the most potent threat to finally defeat Toyota. As the Prancing Horse’s first Factory Sports Car prototype in 50 years, the evocative Ferrari 499P first finished third at Sebring upon debut. And then moved to the podium’s second step at Portimao. Followed by another third place finish at Spa-Francorchamps. And obviously now wishes to score their maiden WEC victory. With Circuit de la Sarthe being the perfect place to spoil Toyota’s party!

 

As the Nos. 50-51, so numbered to commemorate Ferrari’s half century absence as a Werks’ entry. Will be campaigned by AF Corse, will hope to claim glory for Maranello by capturing it’s tenth overall victory.

 

Peugeot

2.6-litre Twin turbo V-6 Hybrid (LMH)

Peugeot Sport has to be the most disappointed of the Factory Hypercar efforts, since it’s Nos. 93-94 9X8 entries have seemingly been off the pace everywhere to date! As I think their best result was a fourth place in 2022? As the team’s entered six rounds so far, with a best finish of fifth this year.

 

No idea if the radical 9X8 is off the pace due to being the only Hypercar that doesn’t sport a traditional rear wing? Having elected to produce it’s necessary downforce from it’s underneath bodywork instead.

 

Glickenhaus

3.5-litre V-8 Twin Turbo (LMH)

Suppose it’s small consolation that the Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 007 LMH entries are the best of what I’m calling “boutique” entries, since it’s a Non-Hybrid racecar. Therefore, it seems that the ACO/FIA hasn’t adjusted it’s dreaded Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations accordingly yet for Glickenhaus and Vanwall to compete for outright victory this year vs. the far superior Hybrid Hypercar entries.

 

Once again, The team will run it’s traditional Nos. 708-709 racecars for their third consecutive Le Mans outing. With my sentimental favourite being the #708 with former IndyCar Star Ryan Briscoe as part of it’s drivers trio.

 

Vanwall

4.5-litre Normally Aspirated V-8 (LMH)

This appears to be the most controversial entry in this category. First due to the long running court battle over who owned the intellectual property rights to the storied Vanwall company’s name. And then Dr. Colin Kolles, a No Nonsense Dentist turned Racing Boss, Err Formula 1 Team Principal before moving to Sports Cars, decided to Sacked Jacques Villeneuve less than a Fortnight prior to the race!

 

With scuttlebutt suggesting that Dr. Kolles wasn’t happy with Jacques pace, along with crashing in two races. With the official excuse being that the 52yr old Kuhnuck’s wife is expecting their latest child…

 

As the No. 4 Vanwall Vandervell 680 Gibson powered entry will be piloted by former Indy Lights standout Esteban Guerrieri and former Indy Lights champion and IndyCar driver Tristan Turbo’ Vautier, along with Tom Dillman. 

LE MANS: Toyota Wins Again, during Another Dull Intra-team Scrum’

Where None of their Competitors weres saying “Oh What A Feeling!”

 

Yeah, I know we’re All still Ah-Wash, or is that Aglow following another fantastic Indianapolis 500. But as I’ve lamented many times Here upon No Fenders: Motor Racing Never Sleeps!

 

Especially since we’re now fast approaching the E91 Centenary running of le 24 Heurs du Mans…

 

Began “Watching,” Err listening to the 90^th edition of le 24 Heurs du Mans on Motor Trend TV early Saturday morning (June 9th) during Breakfast. Although I missed the first Half Hours-plus action, when Thar was some sort of incident at the start of the race. As one of the Talking Headz’ noted how Felipe Albuquerque was Mega’ Insensed over the first lap collision He was involved in, driving the No. 22 United Autosports LMP2 entry. For which I know that the #31 LMP2 entry was given a One minute Stop ‘N Go Penalty, so Arse-sumedly the #31 Hit the #22…

 

Ho Hum, the No. 7 Toyota was leading ahead of the No. 8, whilst the Alpine was the Meat in the Glickenhaus Sandwich, with the trio running 3-4-5 respectively.

 

Interesting note about how the top speed of the LMH Hypercars was 342.2kph vs. LMP2’s 328kph. Which as ‘Ol Professor (Steve) Matchett would say, in Old Money equals 212.056mph vs. 203.688mph.

 

Whilst I heard Sky Sports F1 lead Presenter Kroftie’, aka David Kroft say that the Formula 1 Cars were Hitting 347kph at Baku, i.e.; 215.487mph; Holy Terminal Velocity Batman!

 

Whilst the Formula 1 cars were routinely Hitting 208-209mph in Miami Gardens Hard Rock Stadium’s Parking lot! Where I thought I even heard somebody saying that Alfa Romeo’s Guanyu Zhou reached a staggering 217mph during this year’s 2023 Miami Grand Prix, Aye Karumba!

 

Ollie’ Gavin Dropped by the Commentary booth, whith the lead Announcer Joking How Everybody wanted some of Thar cool Air, (AC) since it was a Blistering Hot Day Trackside!

 

As this was Apropos, since the Corvettes were running 1-2 and hoping to not only give the C8.R it’s first Le Mans W’. But also Corvette’s first win since 2015, which it just seems impossible that Corvette’s gone winless at Circuit de la Sarthe that long…

 

As the 2021 24 Heurs du Mans was the debut of the first ever Mid-engine Corvette (C8.R) at Le Mans. Where the team’s #63 entry finished runner-up to AF Corse’s Ferrari 488 GTE.

 

Racer magazine had a good article about the various Corvette generations posted last year.

 

https://racer.com/2022/06/10/insight-the-corvette-generations/

 

Mentioned the #5 Penske was running third in Class briefly. As Penske was racing an LMP2 entry in preparations for their FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) IMSA LMDH Porsche 963 campaign in 2023. With Dane Cameron, Felipe Nasr and Emmanuel Collard at it’s controls.

 

And I believe the #23 LMP2 entry was having trouble with it’s tyres? Making an unscheduled Pit stop early, i.e.; inside 1^st Hour. As both United Autosports entries would have torrid races, whilst think the #5 Penske entry ran as High as second in Class before I lost track of it…

 

As the No. 5 Penske Boyz’ finished fifth in the LMP Class and ninth Overall. Twelve laps behind the winning Toy-Yoter’ Hypercar, and one lap behind the #38 Jota LMP2 Class winner.

 

Waited until 6PM Pacific to finally Hear John Hindhaugh for first time during Broadcast. Although I always enjoy Shea Adam and Johnnie Moler. While Bruce Jones Ain’t Bad and I like Pitlane Reporter Joe Bradley, but I could totally do without the raspy, Chalkboard like tones of Paul Truswell! Which makes sense that He’s currently the longest serving Radio Le Mans member…

 

As my year old notes say that I “watched,” Err listened to a combined low total of some ten-plus Hours. Having begun Saturday morning at 7:30AM on Motor Trend TV. Before switching off at 10:45AM to go listen to IndyCar Qualifying from Road America via IndyCar Radio. Then after lunch, I tuned into Radio Le Mans beginning around 1:30PM and kept it “On” until calling it a night at 9PM Pacific. 

MOTO GP, IndyCar and Sports Car Roundup

As two more major Racing series Crowned Thar Champions Sunday…

 

Now that we’ve lost another Hour of “Sunlight” Here in Ye Pacific Northwest with the ending of Daylight Savings Time. Greeted by a Hydrologic Outlook Dumping some potential 1.75 inches of Rain! As it’s Funny how the Weather forecasters No longer use the phrase Pineapple Express…

 

Along with most Racing series being Done, it feels like we’re once again fully ensconced in a Dreary winter’s Slumber. As Indy Cars will be Silent for another 87 days until Spring Training at the Thermal Club.

 

The MotoGP Season finale at Valencia was another Nailbiter, albeit I don’t think anybody saw the two protagonists Beatin’ and Bangin’ coming! As title rivals Fabio Quartararo started fourth, with Points leader Francesco Bagnaia starting from eighth.

 

Yet the Sold Out Stadium’s 95,000 Fans surely were Delirious over Spaniard Alex Rins rocketing from fifth to first by Turn-1! Leading an All Spanish top three with Pole sitter Jorge Martin second and Marc marquez third, with Ducati’s Jack Miller P4, whilst Quartararo and Bagnaia Banged against each other with Bagnaia’s right front winglet being knocked off when tussling over fifth place!

 

And although Bagnaia sensibly settled down and let the nipping pack behind Him pass. Fabio was never able to find His way to the front, needing a win to have any chance at all of defending His Championship. With Bagnaia only needing to finish a lowly 14th to be crowned  this year’s MotoGP World Champion.

 

As Rins claimed His second MotoGP win on Suzuki’s Swan Song, with the Japanese Manufacturer leaving MotoGP, Quartararo finished fourth, where He’d started. While the ride of the race had to be KTM’s Brad Binder who finished a tantalizing runner-up ahead of Martin.

 

But All eyes were upon Bagnaia, including The doctor’, nee Valentino Rossi who was on hand to witness the first of His VR46 Academy Riders be crowned MotoGP World Champion! As Bagnaia crossed the “Stripe” ninth, giving Ducati it’s first Riders title in a staggering 5,524 Days! Last completed by Casey Stoner 15yrs ago! While Bagnaia becomes the first Italian to win the MotoGP World championship since Valentino Rossi claimed His seventh and final title Wayback in 2009.

 

And it’s Sad how predictable we’re as an Audience for the various “beat” Writers. Case in point was Racer’s Marshall Pruett going for the sure fire subject when pronouncing that Bumping for next May’s Indianapolis 500 was already on the “Cards” some 200 Days Out! Since we’re apparently being All Sunshine, Bunnies and Rainbows, and Not discussing How it appears that Penske Entertainment is Carving Up it’s once vaunted road to Indy ladder system! Which I’ll scribble more ‘bout in a further, NXT No Fenders post…

 

Pruett notes that we’re Already at the magical, nythical Hallowed 11 Rows of three, ergo 33 Indy 500 entries, noting the following Car Count.

 

A.J. foyt Enterprises, (2) Andretti Autosport, (5) Arrow McLaren SP, (4( Chip Ganassi Racing, (4) Dale Coyne Racing, (2) Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, (2) Ed Carpenter Racing, (3) Juncos Hollinger Racing, (2) Meyer Shank Racing, (2) Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (4) and Team Penske. (3)

 

This gives us 16 Chevrolet and 17 Honda engine entries, with Pruett noting He’s expecting to see an entry list between 34-36 entries, albeit more likely 34-35. As a third Foyt entry, a fifth Ganassi entry and a third entry from Dale Coyne’s alphabet Soup Brigade are All possibilities. But we’ll have to wait ‘N see what Santa brings us, Righto? And Who’s been Naughty or Nice, Ahem Mr. Zakery Brown!

 

And Score One for Marshall, who accurately wrote that Tony Kanaan would be Arrow McLaren SP’s fourth Indy 500 entry, along with the NTT Data sponsorship moving to AMSP for next year. When both moves were made Official on November 1st.

 

As Kanaan will carry NTT Data as  His primary sponsor at Mother Speedway, while Felix rosenqvist’s No. 6 AMSP entry will sport NTT Data colours for 10 races. Then Arse-sumedly NXT, when Alex Palou joins AMSP in 2024, He’ll be reunited with NTT Data sponsorship in the team’s No. 6 entry, leaving Rosenqvist a “free” Agent…

 

Another item I was unawares’ of, was that Leigh Diffey’s been signed to a multi-year contract extension to remain “The voice” of Indy Cars, IMSA Sports Cars along with Track & Field assignments. And this is Great News to Mwah! As I’ve liked Diffey ever since first Hearing Him fill-in for my All-time Numero Uno Racing Announcer Bob Varsha on Formula 1 Broadcasts. Then Diffey took over being the lead Announcer for Grand Am Sports Cars before becoming a fixture at IndyCar.

 

Some say that diffey SHOUTS too much, for which All I can say. Is that at least Diffey’s Shouting sounds Genuine to Mwah and Not the Uber Nauseating, Faux, Shrill, Phony SHOUTING Kevin The Werewolf! Lee does when filling in for diffey!

 

Meanwhile, I almost missed the Memo over la Prancing Horse, aka Ferrari announcing it’s total “Clean sheet” 499P Hypercar. As Maranello has produced another visual Stunner for it’s brand new Le Mans Hypercar, (LMH) with an evocative twin Horizontal rear wing!

 

As the 499P is powered by it’s new 2.9-liter “Wide-track” V-6 with it’s twin turbochargers nestled inside it’s 120 degrees Vee architecture. And Nah, No Wider is Better ‘Ol Pontiac Jokes Here, Hya!

 

As this is derived from the same lump’ it’s brand new 296 GTB/GTS Hybrid Sports Car utilizes. While the 900 volt electric motor provides extra power to it’s front wheels, thru it’s ERS Hybrid system. With the  rear wheels main drive mated to a seven speed Xtrac Gearbox. Along with using the fast becoming de riggour electronic Brake by Wire technology, with much input from it’s Formula 1 Team…

 

As the Ferrari 499P will make it’s competition debut at the FIA’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) Season Opener at Sebring’s 1,000 mile endurance race next March. Which Hopefully IndyCar hasn’t scheduled the Texas Motor Speedway’s Oval race for the same weekend again!

 

As Ferrari currently only plans to run two Werks’ entries campaigned by AF Corse, presumably with it’s Cadre of current sports Car drivers. With Ferrari reporting that 7,500 miles, or was that Klicks? Kilometers of testing has already been carried out. 

LE MANS: No. 7 Toyota Finally Wins, Heartbreak in LMP2 Class

Since like many a racetrack, Futility is a Cruel Mistress at Circuit de la Sarthe!

 

Author’s Note

Once again, your Humble No Fenders Scribe is running way way Behind! Definitely more than “One Lap Down” over Le Mans Mega 8.467 mile layout! As Here’s last year’s report which was supposed to be posted prior to this year’s race…

Tomaso

 

E89 24 Heurs du Mans

Last year’s 89^th running of the 24 Heurs du Mans just didn’t feel right to Mwah, I suppose since it was in August, not to mention there being an IndyCar race on later that evening. As I’ll admit I was more intrigued over Romain Grosjean’s Oval track debut thenwhether Toyota would win again, Yawn!

 

Thus I began my 24 Hours of Le Mans casually by switching on Thy Telie’ during a leisurely breakfast by tuning into Motor Trend TV.

 

Alas, having missed Thar introductions, I was left ponderin’ who this “B Team” of Eurosport TV Pundits were? And cannot find their Identities on the All Knowing Intrawoods’, nee Internet. So I’ll just go with Thar first names instead. Firs Thar was some ‘Ol Codger named Chris Something-ruther, may be Parsons? Who proclaimed he’d been Thar in 1965. Y’all know, the last time that Ferrari won outright, Crikeys!

 

Hmm, No idea if this Chris, Charles or Chuck Dude was in any way related to Alan? Y’all know of the Alan Parsons Project, Righto, Hya!

 

As Chuck’, Err Chris Prattled on ‘bout how strange it was seeing Risi Competizione running a “rosso” LMP2 Oreca after their years of running Ferrari GT’s and speculating about may be running a Ferrari (Customer) Hypercar in the future? And then banged on ‘bout how la Scuderia still has “The Iceman’s” phone number, provided Kimi’s (Raikkonen) not busy having an Ice Cream, as that’s my own Joke Thar, Hya!

 

Also said there’s some Dude named Rossi who’s retiring and says he’s always wanted to race at a place called Le Mans. To which lead Announcer Jake “The shark” said if I remember right, “The Doctor,” nee Valentino Rossi was only some seven tenths Off of Michael Schumacher’s times when he tested a Ferrari back in 2006-07?

 

Whilst the Other booth Boy Charlie “Brown” said to Chris, it’s when, not if McLaren will have it’s own Hypercar, since Zak Brown’s a major Shareholder in United Autosport’s who are one of the top LMP2 teams…

 

But Zackery’s Not gonna be Happy! As inexplicably the #32 took out it’s Seester’ #23 United Autosport entry when a passing Shower occurred! With two separate incidents occurring during the sixth hour, as Sophia florsch in the No. 1 Richard Mille Racing entry went Off-track, was Hit by the #26 G Drive who wasn’t paying Attenzione, and then when trying to reverse out of the tyres was Clouted by the #74 who totally missed the waving Yellow Flags!

 

MAGS’, aka Jan Magnussen Quipped that it was a bottle of red wine that put into motion this year’s running with his son Kevin Bacon’ Magnussen, since Jan is racing the ELMS season for High Class Racing and they had a second LMP2 car available. And with Kevin becoming a Werds’ Peugeot Sports Car Driver next year, there probably wouldn’t be another opportunity for awhile.

 

The team elected to replace the No. 49’s Gibson V-8 lump during Thursday’s practice sessions, since even with the two High Class Racing teams running identical set-ups, Kevin claimed they were 6kph down to their Seester’ car on the Straightaways…

 

Hour 3 Me Thinks, ANT’, aka Anthony Davidson in the LMP2 Pole winner #38 JOTA entry, put on Pole by Antonio Felix da Costa,  spun into the “Kitty litter!”

Dropping way down the order, having to wait to be towed out of the gravel trap. As Davidson later said he was Gutted, but the incident had occurred during one of the many rain storms and he thought he’d do it All over again…

 

One of the Pundits Mentioned that Renger Van der Zande was being harried by “Mean Jean” Alesi, who I hadn’t noticed on the Entry list. Whale’ at least it sounded like they said Alesi to Mwah, albeit Don’t think he was racing there.

 

Since None of Us are perfect, especially Myself! Although I noticed that John Hindhaugh still continuously called Olivier Pla Oliver Clark, as I Don’t know what his fascination with Ollie clark is, other than he’s a British racing driver…

 

Also talked about Thee Krakow Kid’, aka Robert Kubica who was making his Le Mans debut for WRT, aboard it’s #41 entry. As the former Polish Formula 1 Driver was hoping to finally finish a 24 Hour event, having failed twice so far, including this year’s Rolex 24 with High Class Racing.

 

Guess I left just before Hour 10? Off to a fairly Chaotic  IndyCar race at Gateway! Then came back to Le Mans after Hour 13. With Racer.com’s Headline noting Yifea Overtakes WRT teammate for LMP2 lead.

 

And that’s as far as my Notes Jotted down during the race went, with the exception of the Magnussen’s LMP2 entry, which I’d Gleamed prior to the race. Whilst it’s a Good thingy’ Father and Son Had that experience, since little did they know then that Kevin would be recalled to the Haas F1 Team just prior to the 2022 Formula 1 season commencing after Rooskie’ Nikita Mazepin was Sacked after Mother Russia’s Invasion, Err Special Military Operation against Ukraine commenced…

 

And It’s Still as clear as Mud on a Rainy Day! But the No. 21 DragonSpeed team won the newly created LMP2 Pro Am category, which must include one Bronze rated Driver and get’s to stand atop the podium a la it’s LMP2 Class winners. So theoretically Juan Pablo Montoya has now become the second driver to win the mythical Triple Crown, Righto? Having previously won the Monaco Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500. Although I’m guessing he still needs to win Le Mans outright…

 

And from this meandering No Fenders story’s title, Y’all know that Toyota’s All Conquering GR010 Hypercar was victorious again. Although the No. 7 finally Cracked it’s Nut, Err Broke it’s Duck! With one of my favourite Sports Car Drivers K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi winning! Along with former IndyCar Ace Mike “Ice Ice, Baby!” Conway and Jose Maria Lopez.

 

But the Drama was in the lower tier LMP2 category, where it appeared that the No. 41 WRT entry was set to lead a Historic 1-2 victory sweep for the Belgian team, with it’s Seesster’ #31 tagging behind. Yet on the final lap of the race, Yifea Ye ground to a Halt at the Dunlop Curve and couldn’t fire the Oreca’s engine that He was sharing with Louis Delatraz and the aforementioned Robert Kubica. Meaning the Polish Driver would go 0-for-3 in 24 Hour races, Aye Karumba!

 

Therefore it was the #31 with Robin Frijns at it’s Keyboard holding off a hard charging Tom “The bomb” Blomquist in the No. 28 JOTA entry by a scant 0.07 seconds at the stripe!