The 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans

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dougiemeats
Everyone is talking about the legendary battle that is about to take place at Le Mans between Audi and Pescarolo...

...and no one will see the Lister coming.

(Everyone is going to laugh at me when that car breaks down in the first hour. Oh well.)
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I am very excited to see Lister this year.

I know the LMP is a couple years old, so where has it been all this time?
 
so far in the testing, the Pescarolos seem to be the only threat to the Audis so those two are the ones to watch. same in GT1 for the astons and the Corvettes. however, the lone saleen of Acemco looks very strong so far, even someone from the corvette team said that they could be the dark horse for the race so looks like there could be a potential ressurgence for acemco.
 
McLaren

Halfway through the 2005 season the Lister was turned into a hybrid so that it would be eligible to compete this year. I believe it raced 2 races last season as a hybrid. Hybrids will not be eligible next season so Pescarolo, Lister, and Zytek will have different cars next year. (please correct me if I'm wrong)

RACECAR

I sure hope so, but I have a feeling the Saleen will not last the 24 hours.
 
In my opinion the R10 has a pretty good chance of winning; however I'm not sure if Audi has sorted out all bugs with this car. If they have, then we'll just have to wait and see. But it would be quite embarassing to break down at middle of the race after proclaiming that they will win the Le Mans, no doubt.

I sure do hope I can watch this, it would be my first time watching it...
 
See in Sebring if i am not mistaking it was the number 2 car that won, and the sister car went out with some problems to what I remember it had something to do with the computer and the telemetry (so they say). The number 2 car was strong and they had all this time to fix the problems it may have had. Like I said the hp and torque of the diesel will come out during the race.

Edit: Last year was the 1st year I watched the full coverage by speed.
 
The race is on Father's Day weekend. So if your dad loves speed, why not this year's Le Mans race? It's a beautiful gift for any guy who loves racing. I'll probably be watching my 2005 Le Mans tapes.

I'm telling you right now. The best Le Mans I've seen was last year's event. So much history and emotion went into last year's event. The event was just beautiful last year. Everything from Pescarolos leading the Audis, to the party that went on inside a building on the track, to the lovely moment of Tom Kristensen surpassing the great Jacky Ickx in Le Mans wins. Ickx was the standard for Le Mans wins, now it's Kristensen. Kristensen has earned his status as one of the hard men of sportscar racing. Someone is going to have to be damn near perfect to try to better Tom Kristensen in Le Mans outright wins and the winning percentage. This man is too damn good.

Time to play some "Fact or Fiction?". I'll display a few quotes, your job is to let me know if it will be a fact, or complete fiction. Here are the quotes:


FACT OR FICTION?

1. Pescarolo Sport will finally upset the Audis on home soil.
2. Aston Martin will get sweet revenge from last year against the Corvettes by winning against them.
3. Intersport Racing will win in LMP2.
4. All three Japan-based teams will not finish.
5. After years of domination, Porsche will NOT win in LMGT2. New sheriff in town!


Well, those are your "Fact or Fiction?" quotes. This is the Wikipedia page on this year's Le Mans field:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_24_Hours_of_Le_Mans

This topic is open for discussion before, during, and after Le Mans. So let's keep this discussion moving.
 
1. Definitely Audi have their hands full next weekend. Last Year was also very tight but the Pescarolo Judd's had some reliability issues, refresh my memory transmission problems?

2. Aston Martins will definitely be seeking revenge upon the Corvettes.

3. Intersport yes.

The rest I really cant say. lol

I feel that we will see a great showing from the ACEMCO SALEEN S7R also, so this 24 is going to be quite dramatic if you ask me.

Lister I think will be quick but reliability may be an issue for them. The Pescarolo, Zytec and Audi will be in the mix for the win.
 
1. Pescarolo Sport will finally upset the Audis on home soil.
1. Fiction. No way Pescarolo/Courage (or anyone) will be beat with the R10.

2. Aston Martin will get sweet revenge from last year against the Corvettes
by winning against them.
2. Fact, Aston are aiming for nothing less, they'll achieve nothing less.

3. Intersport Racing will win in LMP2.
3. Fact, the Intersport Lola team have been running baisically the same group of people for four or five years. They WILL win in good fashion.

4. All three Japan-based teams will not finish.
4. Fiction, Someone's gotta finnish.

5. After years of domination, Porsche will NOT win in LMGT2. New sheriff in town!
5. Fiction. Now, despite my answer being fiction, there WILL be a new sheriff in town... just not at the 24h. That sheriff's name is T.J. Hoo... I mean Ferrari. They will win in '07 and maybe even the Petit but it's Porsche who take home the silverware this year. What team? I couldn't answer that but I'm cheering for Flying Lizard.

m.piedgros
 
say I notice there is a B06/10, the same car Dyson runs in ALMS.
 
Is it running AER's "world's smallest V8?" There are plenty of those cars out there. Some powered by Nissan, others AER but the old turbocharged I4's from originally badged MG.

m.peidgros
 
Why are Larbre and Russian Age dropping the Ferrari's for Aston? Are they just better cars? Or is there some sort of an advantage running the DBR9 because their as a DBR9 factory team? Can some sort of an advantage be gained because they run these cars in FIA GT competition (who I believe don't run the same rules..)?

So many questions so little time...

m.piedgros
 
m.piedgros
Is it running AER's "world's smallest V8?" There are plenty of those cars out there. Some powered by Nissan, others AER but the old turbocharged I4's from originally badged MG.

m.peidgros
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interesting. I haven't seen any nissan powered prototypes. if possible, could you show(or tell)me them?

BTW,this is my 800th post
 
Pescarolo Sport will finally upset the Audis on home soil.

Fiction. Audi has this race figured out. However, they are only 2 Audis in this race. If Audi fails to win, it will not be Pescarolo that takes the overall win.

Aston Martin will get sweet revenge from last year against the Corvettes by winning against them.

Fiction. In America, Aston Martin could not find a way to win against Corvette Racing. Things will remain unchanged in France. Despite a "tire change" just for this race, it will not be enough. They will be fastest in qualifying but they will not win the race.

Intersport Racing will win in LMP2.

Fiction. I'm rooting for these guys, but this class is very unpredictable. One of the European entries will take LMP2 honors.

All three Japan-based teams will not finish.

Fact. The JLOC Lamborghini will be the first to retire from the LMGT1 class.

After years of domination, Porsche will NOT win in LMGT2. New sheriff in town!

Fiction. This will not be they year for Spyker, Ferrari, or Panoz.
 
dougiemeats
Pescarolo Sport will finally upset the Audis on home soil.

Fiction. Audi has this race figured out. However, they are only 2 Audis in this race. If Audi fails to win, it will not be Pescarolo that takes the overall win.

Aston Martin will get sweet revenge from last year against the Corvettes by winning against them.

Fiction. In America, Aston Martin could not find a way to win against Corvette Racing. Things will remain unchanged in France. Despite a "tire change" just for this race, it will not be enough. They will be fastest in qualifying but they will not win the race.

Intersport Racing will win in LMP2.

Fiction. I'm rooting for these guys, but this class is very unpredictable. One of the European entries will take LMP2 honors.

All three Japan-based teams will not finish.

Fact. The JLOC Lamborghini will be the first to retire from the LMGT1 class.

After years of domination, Porsche will NOT win in LMGT2. New sheriff in town!

Fiction. This will not be they year for Spyker, Ferrari, or Panoz.
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For the most part I agree. But... Aston has beat Corvette. '05 Sebring?

m.piedgros
 
m.piedgros

Sorry, I meant this year. And to answer your question about the Ferraris; the car has aged and the teams must look for a new car to compete. The DBR9 seems to be the weapon of choice in Europe.

Speaking of Ferrari, this will probably be the last time we will see the 550 at the 24 hours. Its a sad thing to think about, seeing the former winner take its final laps around the circuit. A class win would be too much to ask for, but I hope the Ferrari 550 does well and finishes.
 
1. Pescarolo Sport will finally upset the Audis on home soil.
1. Fiction. Maybe, but probably not.

2. Aston Martin will get sweet revenge from last year against the Corvettes by winning against them.
2. Fiction. Nothing can upset the all-mighty C6R. I hope.

3. Intersport Racing will win in LMP2.
3. No idea about this.

4. All three Japan-based teams will not finish.
4. Fact. They just can't seem to win anything other than JGTC.

5. After years of domination, Porsche will NOT win in LMGT2. New sheriff in town!
5. Probably.
 
Elegy
IIRC, didn't the Astons win Sebring '05 because one of the Corvettes crashed?
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The #3 had a close call. Coming down the back straight at sundown the left-rear break exploded and to prevent a hard impact Johnny O'Connel had to make an absolutely brilliant move to spin the car round and into the wall. Both 'Vette's finnished.

m.piedgros

P.S. Sorry so late, Binnie Motorsports run a Nissan. A number of others do as well but my internet is being finicky (that's also the reason I couldn't tell you last night... I wanted to reply immediately but... thems the breaks!) so I can't find them now.
 
Elegy
IIRC, didn't the Astons win Sebring '05 because one of the Corvettes crashed?
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Not to discredit Aston Martin's Sebring victory at all but the leading Corvette did crash to eventually give the lead to Aston Martin. None the less I have much respect for AM coming to Sebring and leaving with a win in their first race.
 
imsa77
Not to discredit Aston Martin's Sebring victory at all but the leading Corvette did crash to eventually give the lead to Aston Martin. None the less I have much respect for AM coming to Sebring and leaving with a win in their first race.
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As much of a fan of Corvette Racing and the C6R's I have to agree with you on that one because a win is a win regardless.
 
I never got around to answering questions in the original post. Here is my thoughts and hopes for this years 24 Hours. Let me stress again HOPES!!! LOL

* Who will win outright? Audi R10
* Who will stage a stellar campaign all race long? Courage Competition
* What team is liable to flounder or underacheive this year? Pescarolo
* What team may suffer the most heartbreak? Pescarolo
* Who will be the standout driver this year? T Kristensen
* What team or driver will be the ultimate dark horse? Courage Competition
 
Geez, go away for a few days and the thread grows by another page! :)

JohnBM01
FACT OR FICTION?

1. Pescarolo Sport will finally upset the Audis on home soil.
2. Aston Martin will get sweet revenge from last year against the Corvettes by winning against them.
3. Intersport Racing will win in LMP2.
4. All three Japan-based teams will not finish.
5. After years of domination, Porsche will NOT win in LMGT2. New sheriff in town!
Click to expand...

1. FICTION. Despite their pace on the Test Day, the Pescarolo will not be on pole and will not challenge the Audis in terms of pace. It will be a repeat of 2000/2001/2002 with an Audi 1-2. Pescarolo will be the "best of the rest." They will have good reliability and both cars will finish, unless their drivers do something stupid.

2. I'm not ashamed to admit that I don't have a clue on this one. Last year, Aston Martin had the pace, Corvette had the reliability. This year, AM do not have the special nose they had last year, but I believe they will still be faster. I also believe they will not make the same mistakes they did last year. So GT1 will be the class to watch. What will make it even better is that there are several private DBR9s, plus some Ferrari 550s that will also be on the pace. (And I still HATE the fact the ACO are allowing them to run as #007 and #009.)

3. FICTION. But God, I hope so (or Miracle). Again, I'm not sure, since this class is wide open and reliability will be the key. Last year, the winning RML car spent three hours in the pits. I believe we are in for more of the same this year.

4. FICTION. At least one of the GT2 Porkers will make it to the finish. The Lambo will be one of the first out. (And yes, I know it's not the B-Racing car that has had so many problems in the LMS this year.)

5. FICTION. While this is one of the best GT2 lineups ever, Porsche reliability will triumph. There's only one Ferrari, which will be fast but won't last, the Spykers will be slow and only one will finish and the two Panoz cars will challenge early on but will also fall by the wayside. This is Flying Lizards' year. (fingers crossed)

BTW, Binnie Motorsports runs a Lola B05/42 with a Zytek engine. Last year, one of the Rollcentre Dallaras had a Nissan engine, but no one this year is running the Nissan.
 
Mulsanne
Geez, go away for a few days and the thread grows by another page! :)



1. FICTION. Despite their pace on the Test Day, the Pescarolo will not be on pole and will not challenge the Audis in terms of pace. It will be a repeat of 2000/2001/2002 with an Audi 1-2. Pescarolo will be the "best of the rest." They will have good reliability and both cars will finish, unless their drivers do something stupid.

2. I'm not ashamed to admit that I don't have a clue on this one. Last year, Aston Martin had the pace, Corvette had the reliability. This year, AM do not have the special nose they had last year, but I believe they will still be faster. I also believe they will not make the same mistakes they did last year. So GT1 will be the class to watch. What will make it even better is that there are several private DBR9s, plus some Ferrari 550s that will also be on the pace. (And I still HATE the fact the ACO are allowing them to run as #007 and #009.)

3. FICTION. But God, I hope so (or Miracle). Again, I'm not sure, since this class is wide open and reliability will be the key. Last year, the winning RML car spent three hours in the pits. I believe we are in for more of the same this year.

4. FICTION. At least one of the GT2 Porkers will make it to the finish. The Lambo will be one of the first out. (And yes, I know it's not the B-Racing car that has had so many problems in the LMS this year.)

5. FICTION. While this is one of the best GT2 lineups ever, Porsche reliability will triumph. There's only one Ferrari, which will be fast but won't last, the Spykers will be slow and only one will finish and the two Panoz cars will challenge early on but will also fall by the wayside. This is Flying Lizards' year. (fingers crossed)

BTW, Binnie Motorsports runs a Lola B05/42 with a Zytek engine. Last year, one of the Rollcentre Dallaras had a Nissan engine, but no one this year is running the Nissan.
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Agreed
 
The Astons are just plain faster. It's not an issue of should be, or I think, or may be... they're quicker. My experiences at ALMS events this year just cements it. Corvette have been unfairly punished for better performance. Corvette have the advantage of being in sports car racing for 40+ years and the fact that the Pratt & Miller team (involved in ALMS competition forever, and even before in the GT1 championship with Callaway) have a ridiculous amount of experience that gives them a leg up over Aston. Once Aston sort their teams out (be it the boys who are I believe factory here in the U.S. or otherwise) they'll be a little more than the bee in Corvette's bonnet.

m.piedgros
 
Well, thankfully for this race, the DBR9 and Corvette will be on even terms, as the extra penalty weight only applies for ALMS events. I still think Aston Martin will be faster, but Chevrolet still has that slick pit work that kept them close last year. As I've said before, this will again be the race to watch. Two factory DBR9s against two factory Corvettes, plus one private Corvette, several private DBR9s, and Ferrari 550s. (The Ferrari 550s will be faster than they were last year because every car in GT1 is running with the extra weight for going under 3:55 last year, where in 2005, only the 550s were running with the extra weight.)

Apologies to Saleen or Lamborghini fans, but I don't think they'll be a factor.
 
I will enjoy watching GT1 now that the Ferraris are even with the C6Rs and DBR9s.
 
Mulsanne
Apologies to Saleen or Lamborghini fans, but I don't think they'll be a factor.
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*Shakes angry fist*

You have to believe! ;)

Unfortunately, you're probably right. Makes me wish ORECA didn't withdraw their Saleen entry. Prodrive vs. Corvette vs. ORECA, three teams that have won in the past, would have been an exciting one to watch.
 
Well I am an Audi fan, and a Corvette Racing fan but a realistic 1 whom loves to watch a classic back and forth battle even in the pits is exciting. 👍
 
ORECA WITHDREW?! I didn't know they'd entered! And as a Saleen team you say?! Bad news gets worse, huh? *Sigh* Guess I gotta get back to the real world.

m.piedgros
 

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