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|  | | June 23 2013 02:28:53 PM EST | |
| This was one of the most difficult 24hrs of Le Mans is many years, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Corvette Racing did not have a great Test Day, and the weather and red flags shortened every session. When you have a good car set-up, this wouldn't be such an issue, but Corvette Racing was lacking top end pace and needed every minute on track to work things out.
For race week the situation wasn't any better. The weather was changing by the minute and made it very difficult to get a good read on anything. Balance of Performance certainly benefited others, and to add another issue the American teams were using the 2013 Michelin tires for the first time while the WEC teams had the chance to experience them at the last round at the 6hrs of SPA.
The Corvettes qualified 7th and 8th, approximately 4 seconds off pace to the lead Aston Martin. Despite the uphill battle, Corvette Racing never gave up and pressed on.
The Corvettes struggled the first 12h hours of the race and fell 3 laps down due to lack of pace, and by being split from the other GTE-Pros by the safety car on several occasions. The second half of the race the Corvettes held their ground and managed to improve. Ultimately, the #73 finished P4 and #74 P7.
With all the changing weather, and other difficulties of Le Mans, the team managed to bring both cars to the finish without a scratch. A massive accomplishment in itself. The team now packs up and heads back to the states where their next round of the ALMS is only 2 weeks away at Lime Rock where they look to continue on and add to their Championship lead.
C7-R testing will also start in July.
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On lap 3 of this great race, tragedy struck when the #95 Aston Martin crashed at the turn into the Mullsanne Straight. 34 year old driver Allan Simonsen succumbed to fatal injuries.
Allan was a friend, a rival, and a champion. Our hearts go out to all friends and family effected, as well as all at Aston Martin Racing.
Death at Le Mans use to be a common occurrence, but in recent years has been rare. This is a reminder that despite all the advancements in safety, racing is still dangerous, but our passion for the sport pushes us to continue. Steve McQueen explained it best - "Racing is important to men who do it well. When racing...it's life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting." |
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