THE LINE

February 9, 2011

(Image © 2010 - John Thawley)
Two-time American Le Mans Series champions Highcroft Racing will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France to compete in the LMP1 class in this year's endurance classic after receiving an invitation in Paris by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest. Highcroft Racing will take the new Honda Performance Development ARX-01e LMP1 to Le Mans -- an updated and enhanced version of last year's ALMS title-winning chassis -- to do battle against factory entries from Audi, Peugeot and Aston Martin. In addition to returning to Le Mans assault, the team confirmed its American Le Mans Series return for this year's Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The Sebring event will double not only as the opening round of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron, but also the opening event for the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup - a seven race series which features events in the U.S., France, Belgium, England, Italy and China. "The team has been very busy in the off season helping HPD develop its new engine for the LMP2 class, but we are eagerly awaiting the chance to return to LMP1," Dayton said.

(ALMS)

Tommy Milner and Richard Westbrook are getting comfortable at Corvette Racing. “When I was invited to be part of the Test, I was both nervous and excited,” said Milner, who raced against Corvette the last two seasons with BMW Rahal Letterman Racing. “As Doug (Fehan) said, it is a family-atmosphere and that is exactly what it was like when I showed up. “With Corvette Racing, no matter what session, if it was pouring down rain or blazing hot, you would always see a Corvette out in the front. I look forward to having a target on our backs and being held to that standard- and to win races.” Milner will drive the full season with Olivier Beretta. Westbrook will team with Jan Magnussen and Oliver Gavin at Sebring, Le Mans and Petit Le Mans. “It is great to be a part of the team. As you know, I am used to driving Porsches and they are quite different from Corvettes,” Westbrook said. “I would rather be racing a Corvette than racing against one.” Corvette Racing finished with the best GT class times both days. The team’s No. 3 Corvette C6.R of Olivier Beretta, Tommy Milner and Antonio Garcia posted the quickest time of all with a 2:02.186 (109.014 mph) pass Thursday afternoon. The other Corvette Racing team car of Jan Magnussen, Oliver Gavin and Richard Westbrook posted a lap of 2:02.197 (109.004 mph) in the morning.

(ALMS)
Both Risi Competizione and Extreme Speed Motorsports are testing Ferrari’s new F458 this week at Sebring – the first time the car has turned a wheel in North America. “This is the first real test for the 458,” said Risi’s Jaime Melo, a winner at Sebring three times with the Ferrari F430. “We have spent some days testing in Europe but the weather was not so nice and it was definitely not Sebring. The car has a lot of potential. We need to work on the setup some more, but the performance has been something that will only get better and better.” Speaking of the 430, how is it similar to the 458? “The biggest difference is the engine, aero, suspension… so it is actually a completely different package,” Risi team manager Dave Sims. “There is no comparison. But we have to get it up (and ready) straightaway. The GT championship is so challenging that there is no choice.”

(ALMS)
The Lola-Aston Martin driven by Klaus Graf and ex-Porsche and Audi works pilot Lucas Luhr set the fastest times in both test sessions Wednesday at Sebring International Raceway. Its fastest time was a 1:50.530 (120.510 mph) lap in the afternoon. “It’s always exciting if you have a new piece and you leave pit lane for the first time,” Graf said. “Even after all the years of racing, you don’t quite know what to expect. It’s very different than what we are used to – totally different characteristics. I’ve never been in a closed-cockpit. But so far we’re very happy.” Muscle Milk Aston Martin Racing ended the annual Sebring Winter Test with the fastest time of the week during Thursday’s final session – a 1:49.997 (121.094 mph) lap by Lucas Luhr. We all know everything will change, however, once the factory Audi and Peugeot teams show up for the actual race.

  IndyCar. They're finally dropping their visit to Japan after this season, announcing that the series will not return to Twin Ring Motegi in 2012. It was good for Honda, who demanded that the series go there, but it wasn't good for the series in the least, so this is a good move. IndyCar will hold its final event at the 1.5-mile egg-shaped oval located north of Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2011.

 Road America, Chevrolet. Road America and Chevrolet have announced a multifaceted marketing partnership that will make Chevrolet the Official Vehicle of Road America. "As we celebrate Chevrolet's 100th birthday, it's fitting that two icons of American racing, Chevrolet and Road America, join forces," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. Vice President for Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. "Road America has played a prominent role in Chevrolet's racing programs for more than 55 years, and we look forward to even more success at this magnificent venue in the future." The magnificent 4-mile, 14-turn track known as "America's National Park of Speed" hosts events that span the spectrum of motorsports, including the American Le Mans Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, AMA Superbike, SCCA June Sprints and National Championship Runoffs, and historic car and motorcycle events. "Road America is proud to renew a partnership with Chevrolet," said George Bruggenthies, Road America president and general manager. "Chevrolet’s significant mark on the circuit over the past 55 years will make it a pleasure to promote not only their brand but their successful presence in the American Le Mans Series, GRAND-AM, NASCAR Nationwide Series, vintage racing and club racing. The return of the Corvette Bridge will be a great landmark for our fans at the track and our TV audience." A ceremony will be held to rededicate the famed Corvette Bridge, which spans the track at Turn 6. The Corvette Bridge was a signature landmark at the track from 1963-81, and the Corvette logo reappeared on the crossover in 1992. The Corvette World Tribute, to be held on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011, following the seventh round of the ALMS, will include a Corvette racers reunion, club and pro series races, a concours, parade laps and other activities. Road America is working with the Registry of Corvette Race Cars (RCRC) to coordinate the Corvette World Tribute. "Our relationship with Road America provides an opportunity for Chevrolet to showcase its entire motorsports portfolio and to connect with current and prospective customers in an exciting and engaging way throughout the year," said Campbell. "Chevrolet will activate its sponsorship with trackside displays and promotions in cooperation with Chevrolet dealer organizations at many of the events on the Road America schedule."

(BMW)
The new MINI WRC Team will compete at selected rounds in the 2011 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). The aim is to gain valuable experience in preparation for running the complete 2012 World Championship season. The MINI WRC is based on the MINI Countryman and has been developed by Prodrive. It is equipped with a 1.6-litre turbo engine derived from the MINI production models and developed by BMW Motorsport for use in series run according to FIA Super2000 regulations, including the World Touring Car Championship. As well as its works involvement with the MINI WRC Team, Prodrive is supplying the customer car to private rally teams, who will also run the car in the S2000 class of the World Rally Championship. MINI WRC driver Kris Meeke is shown (above) in a recent test.

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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