It's not often that a new manufacturer to the American Le Mans Series could have as much instant success as Acura has enjoyed. In only its second season of competition, the brand now leads the LMP2 manufactuers' championship over rival Porsche. The change-up happened last weekend in Detroit, when Acura scored its first-ever 1-2-3 sweep of the overall podium. It also marked the first overall victory for Andretti Green Racing, and first for drivers Franck Montagny and James Rossiter as well. But what makes 2008 so much better than last season?
(photo copyright: John Thawley, Creative Communications Group)
It all comes down to perseverance. Despite claiming its debut victory at Sebring in 2007, Acura's three-supported prototypes didn't win another race that season. Porsche had reigned supreme with driving talents Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas, who not only scored class victories, but also overall triumphs. This season, the Penske duo only have four victories to their credit, and are only four points within losing the drivers' championship lead from Patron Highcroft Racing's David Brabham and Scott Sharp.
Out of all four Acura teams, the Duncan Dayton-led Highcroft effort has been the most impressive. Four wins, including Acura's maiden overall victory, plus a number of other podium results. The team's will to never give up has put them in this championship hunt this year. Highcroft was rewarded for its efforts last weekend, when Acura named them as one of the two teams that would step up to LMP1 next year with the brand.
De Ferran Motorsports is the other team that will make the move to P1 in 2009. While many question this decision, given how new the team is, Gil de Ferran and co-driver Simon Pagenaud have been equally as strong as the Highcroft duo in practice and qualifying. In the races, though, the team's youth has been shown.
The logical favorite to get a P1 seat was Lowe's Fernandez Racing, but a recent string of bad luck may have been the determining factor for the Tom Anderson-led effort to stay in P2 for next year. Acura's fourth team, and recent race winners, Andretti Green Racing, have not yet been included in Acura's plans for 2009. The team has been rumored to be leaving the series at seasons end, but recent reports indicate they still want to stay, pending sponsorship.
With the Sirius and XM Satellite Radio merger nearly complete, it's still too early to tell if the company will be able to renew its deal with AGR in the ALMS. This will most likely be the determining factor if AGR will be back in 2009 or not. What we do know is that AGR will enter the A1GP series in 2009-2010, becoming the American team flying the stars and stripes. Could that have an affect on its ALMS program as well?
Despite some question marks still up in the air, the future for Acura's American Le Mans Series program looks very bright. With its downright impressive performances this season, and its mega plans for 2009, the sky seems to be the limit for the Series' latest "greatest hit."
No comments:
Post a Comment