THE LINE
Monday, April 25, 2011 at 01:36PM April 27, 2011
(BMW)
The brilliance of the ACO, organizers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, had them schedule their "test day" last weekend, seven weeks ahead of the race, causing overseas teams tremendous logistical headaches, not to mention jacking up costs for everyone. Oh well, common sense and racing never seem to coexist for very long when the French are involved. At any rate, BMW Motorsport took to the “Circuit de la Sarthe” this past Sunday with the No. 55 and No. 56 BMW M3 GTs, completing a total of 147 laps. The No. 55 BMW M3 GT, with Augusto Farfus (BR), Jörg Müller (DE) and Dirk Werner (DE) at the wheel, came third in the GTE Pro class after two four-hour test sessions with a lap time of 4:01.631 minutes. Andy Priaulx (GB), Dirk Müller (DE) and Joey Hand (US) shared driving duties in the second BMW M3 GT, finishing seventh after turning a 4:03.856. After their 1-2 class win at Sebring, BMW Team RLL is currently holding the lead in both the GT team and manufacturer classifications in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. The 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans will be held June 11-12.
(Blake Blakely)
The Classic Motorsports Mitty race weekend is the oldest and largest historic car event on the East Coast and will feature over 300 cars competing at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia, on April 29-May 1. Sponsor Louis Chevrolet Watches is part of this year’s Mitty race and Racewatches.com will present a Louis Chevrolet watch to the HSR Endurance Series winner and their co-drivers at the 2011 year-end banquet. For more information, go to www.themitty.com or www.hsrrace.com.
(Blake Blakely)
Historic stock cars, including Winston Cup and Busch cars from the 1980–2006 era, will navigate the famous esses at Road Atlanta during the Historic Sportscar Racing "Speedfest at the Classic Motorsports Mitty" race, April 29-May 1. Mazda is this year’s featured marque, marking the first time the Japanese brand will be so honored at the vintage event. Jim Downing, famed Mazda racer and co-inventor of the HANS safety device, will serve as Grand Marshal.
Editor-in-Chief's Note: If you really must keep up on all of the latest F1 developments and the potential U.S. GP in Austin, Texas, go here. - PMD
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Check out Michelin's racing website - "Michelin Alley" - and get in on all of the behind-the-scenes buzz. Go here. - PMD
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