The four hours and forty-eight minutes of Le Mans

To say conditions at this year’s Petite Le Mans at Road Atlanta were horrendous would be an understatement. And while the duel between the Audi Sport Team Joest and Team Peugeot Sport was certainly evident in qualifying, many race fans were left to wonder who might’ve come out on top if the weather had been more forgiving and the cars had been allowed to complete the entire race.

Weather for the practice laps was marked by intense heat as the thermometer topped out at 85 degrees and extremely high humidity. On Wednesday, the first day of practice, the track surface had very little grip even in the early afternoon due to heavy rains the previous day. Audi suffered two mishaps in practice on Wednesday and Thursday as both Luhr and Werner put their R15 into the weeds which necessitated a new monocoque for the number 1 car on Wednesday night.

Other than a brake problem on their number 7 car in the early going, Peugeot encountered no such issues and, in fact, was able to test both cars with a combined equivalent of close to 1,000 miles.

Qualifying

Qualifying day saw air temperatures reach 91 degrees, while the temperature of the track surface was measure at 104 degrees. At the end of the day, Peugeot had both 908 HDi FAP cars on the front row with the number 7 car on the pole ahead of the number 8 car.

Audi, meanwhile, placed both R15 TDI’s in the second row, with the number 2 car in the third spot and the number 1 car in fourth, just 28 thousands of a second behind.

Race day

Not once in 11 years has the Petite Le Mans been run in such unfavorable conditions. The warm-up session had to be delayed due to rain and the cars were forced to line up on the grid immediately after only a few warm-up laps had been completed and for Audi, it only went downhill from there.

After dominating the race in the early going (McNish and Capello led for 163 of the first 168 laps), both Peugeots were able to get by the Audi under the yellow flag when McNish spun the Audi minutes after the two hour mark. Shortly thereafter, it began to rain in earnest and race officials parked the cars in pit lane.

The rain abated and the cars returned to the track, but this time there were no position changes between Audi and Peugeot. Then the rain returned and the race was red flagged for safety reasons at the 4 hour and 48 minute mark with the cars remaining in the starting block for nearly four hours waiting for a re-start that never happened.

Final Results

Here are the final results of the 2009 Petit Le Mans:

1. (2) Stephane Sarrazin, France; Franck Montagny, Brignoles France; Peugeot 908 HDI FAP (1, P1), 184.
2. (1) Pedro Lamy, Lisbon Portugal; Nicolas Minassian, England; Peugeot 908 HDI FAP (2, P1), 184.
3. (3) Allan McNish, Scotland; Rinaldo Capello, Italy; Audi R15 TDI (3, P1), 184.
4. (4) Marco Werner, Germany; Lucas Luhr, Germany; Audi R15 TDI (4, P1), 182.
5. (6) Nicolas Lapierre, France; Romain Dumas, France; Olivier Panis, France; Oreca 01 AIM (5, P1), 181.
6. (26) David Brabham, Australia; Dario Franchitti, Scotland; Scott Sharp, Jupiter, FL; Acura ARX-02a (6, P1), 180.
7. (28) Chris Dyson, Pleasant Valley, NY; Guy Smith, England; Lola B09 86 Mazda (7, P2*), 177.
8. (22) Jaime Melo, Brazil; Pierre Kaffer, Germany; Mika Salo, Finland; Ferrari F430 GT (1, GT2), 170.
9. (16) Tom Milner, Leesburg, VA; Dirk Mueller, Germany; Joerg Mueller, Germany; BMW E92 M3 (2, GT2), 169.
10. (21) Wolf Henzler, Germany; Dirk Werner, Germany; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (3, GT2), 169.
11. (15) Oliver Gavin, England; Olivier Beretta, Monaco; Marcel Fassler, Switzerland; Corvette C6.R (4, GT2), 169.
12. (18) Patrick Long, Oak Park, CA; Joerg Bergmeister, Germany; Marc Lieb, Germany; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (5, GT2), 169.
13. (8) Marino Franchitti, Scotland; Butch Leitzinger, State College, PA; Lola B09 86 Mazda (1, P2), 168.
14. (19) Johnny O’Connell, Flowery Branch, GA; Jan Magnussen, Denmark; Antonio Garcia, Spain; Corvette C6.R (6, GT2), 168.
15. (25) Seth Neiman, Burlingame, CA; Darren Law, Phoenix, AZ; Johannes van Overbeek, San Francisco, CA; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (7, GT2), 162.
16. (14) Tom Sutherland, Los Gatos, CA; Tomy Drissi, Hollywood, CA; Matt Bell, Los Altos, CA; Chevrolet Riley Corvette C6 (8, GT2), 157.
17. (7) Jon Field, Dublin, OH; Clint Field, Dublin, OH; Lola B06/10 AER (8, P1), 152.
18. (20) Ian James, England; Dominik Farnbacher, Germany; Panoz Esperante GTLM Ford (9, GT2), 152.
19. (12) Bryan Willman, Kirkland, WA; Tony Burgess, Canada; Chris McMurry, Phoenix, AZ; Lola B06/10 AER (9, P1), 144, Accident.
20. (13) David Murry, Cumming, GA; David Robertson, Ray, MI; Andrea Robertson, Ray, MI; Doran Ford GT MK 7 (10, GT2), 142.
21. (11) Luis Diaz, Mexico; Adrian Fernandez, Mexico; Acura ARX-01B (2, P2), 139.
22. (10) Klaus Graf, Germany; Sascha Maassen, Germany; Greg Pickett, Alamo, CA; Porsche RS Spyder (3, P2), 136.
23. (23) Bryan Sellers, Centerville, OH; Dominic Cicero, Portland, OR; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (11, GT2), 136.
24. (5) Gil de Ferran, Brazil; Simon Pagenaud, France; Scott Dixon, New Zealand; Acura ARX-02a (10, P1), 136.
25. (17) Bill Auberlen, Hermosa Beach, CA; Joey Hand, Sacramento, CA; Andy Priaulx, Germany; BMW E92 M3 (12, GT2), 133.
26. (24) Joel Feinberg, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Chris Hall, Daytona, FL; Dodge Viper Comp Coupe (13, GT2), 129.
27. (9) Jonny Cocker, UK; Robert Bell, UK; Paul Drayson, London, UK; Lola B09 60 Judd (11, P1), 123.
28. (27) Hideki Noda, Japan; Jose Manuel Balbiani, Argentina; Dion von Moltke, Coral Gables, FL; Radical SR9/AER (12, P1), 0.
29. (29) Adam Pecorari, Aston, PA; Gunnar Van der Steur, Chesapeake City, MD; Robbie Pecorari, Aston, PA; Radical SR9 AER (4, P2), 0.
30. (30) No drivers; Jaguar XK

All images courtesy of Audi of America

Small and nifty

Even though the price of gas has hovered around $2.50 this summer, most of us here at LotPro.com don’t believe for a minute that it will stay this low forever. It turns out that most of the world’s automobile manufacturers also agree with us (either that or they’re being chased into a corner by the latest government mandates and we’d prefer to give them the benefit of the doubt).

To that end, many of the world premieres at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show were either electric/hybrid concept vehicles, or superb new small cars blessed with new engine technologies that promise to deliver 40+ mpg nearly immediately.

2010 Fiat Punto Evo

With Chrysler’s last best hope destined to begin to arrive from the mother ship in Italy within the next 2 years, keeping a weather eye on Fiat has become de rigueur for American motor journalists and car buyers alike and, hence, our interest in the Punto Evo.

If the lovely little 500 is the company’s halo car, then the Grande Punto represents Fiat’s high-volume sedan. This year, Fiat upgraded the interior materials and blessed the rechristened Punto Evo with seven airbags and a face-lifted front end, as well as new taillamps. If you squint real hard, you can almost visualize a Chrysler emblem above the new grille. The guys in Auburn Hills should be chomping at the bit to get this one.

2010 Fiat 500 Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

Fiat started with a 500 Abarth – itself no slouch – and added Scuderia Red paint, 17 inch grey alloy wheels and a host of carbon-fiber trim pieces including mirror housings and front seat shells. The interior boasts leather trim, including the red steering wheel wrap (paddles behind the wheel control the manumatic transmission), and the pint-sized 1.4-liter four gets an extra dose of horsepower (50, to be precise).

2011 Ford C-Max

Based on the same architecture as the European Ford Focus (and our own Mazda3/5 vehicles here in the U.S.), the C-Max represents the production version of the Iosis Max Concept that Ford revealed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

While Europe will be able to buy this latest version sometime in the latter part of next year, there is no word yet on whether the company plans on bringing it over here.

2012 Ford Grand C-Max

If Ford is still unsure about bringing over the C-Max, American small car buffs should take heart in the fact that there is no such vacillation when it comes to the Grand C-Max. Based on the platform that spawned the versatile Mazda5, the “Grande” Max will feature the same sliding rear doors with room for seven – although, just as in the Mazda5, the rear seat is reserved for either two children or two consenting adults.

Expect to see the Grand C-Max in Ford showrooms here in the states sometime in late 2011.

Performance television

BMW announced on Wednesday that following the successful completion of a two-year beta phase, its extended IPTV went online on August 26th. Although the site will eventually be offered in thirteen languages (the German site is www.bmw.tv), an English version is available immediately at www.bmw.tv/com.

According to the company, the website “will continue to focus on the fields of motoring, innovation, lifestyle and sports – which pretty much covers everything outside the bedroom.

Site features

Visitors to BMW TV are able to access all video content in full HD quality. Other “clickable” videos contain embedded hotspots that will enable viewers to call up information on cars and other products throughout the video. The international website (the English version) also offers a 3D media library that will allow visitors to directly access videos.

During our first visit to the site here at LotPro.com, we were immediately entertained by the “Chris Pfeiffer rides BMW Tower” video, as the current Stunt Riding World Champion rides up to, into, and to the top of the BMW Tower in Munich – all the while doing donuts, wheelies, stoppies and burnouts.

Major areas of the site include “New” videos, as well as videos related to “Automobiles”, “Sport”, “Development” and “Motorcycles”. The BMW Magazine portion includes stories of special interest (“Luca and Giorgia Ferrari from Italy and their 1956 BMW Isetta 300”) as well as a history of the BMW brand, while the 3D Media Center allows visitors to visually pick out their favorite videos. You can also link to over 100 local BMW sites as well as to the iTunes site.

Prepare to be entertained

There are currently nearly 300 videos as well as 7 articles available on the site, and BMW plans on adding many more in the future. Users can also subscribe to the BMW TV program preview newsletter as well as RSS feeds.

The Best of Detroit

In a previous article at LotPro.com, we mentioned that the theme for the 2009 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance would be “The Best of Detroit”. But in addition to that line-up of historically significant vehicles, Larry Moss, the director of the Car Selection Committee has also announced a number of additions to this year’s show:

1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic

One of only eight aluminum-bodied models equipped with a 115-horsepower 2.0-liter V8 Fiat engine, the 1953 Fiat 8V supersonic will be among the entries in the Sports Car class. This limited-production example of the Supersonic will vie for honors with other vehicles in its class including these entries:

1967 Ferrari P3/4 (chassis 0846)
1964 Cobra 427
1966 Ghia 450 SS
1967 Morgan Super Sports
1953 Nash Healey LeMans Coupe Pinin Farina
1966 Abarth 100sp
1967 Lancia Flaminia Zagato SS
1960 Ferrari 400 SuperAmerica
1953 Cisitalia Concept Car
1954 Jaguar XK 120SE

Stock cars and gassers from the ‘60’s

Among the eclectic mix at this year’s Concours d’Elegance, the Car Selection Committee has also given the go-ahead to a group of 12 significant cars from the early years of drag racing. These vehicles will include 4 early “Gassers” including one driven by Barbara Hamilton, the first woman licensed by the NHRA to drive a “supercharged” car and the 1967 “Super Mustang” special project car from Ford Motor Company and driven by Connie Kalitta of “Bounty Hunter” fame and Tom McEwen. A partial list of additional vehicles includes the following:

1965 Comet – Dyno Don Nicholson’s Car
1963 Ford – The Bob Ford Car
1969 Cuda – Ray Mancini’s Race Car
1965 Plymouth – Roger Lindamood’s “Color Me Gone”
1933 Willys – Prock and Howell – F Troupe
1933 Willys – Virgil Cates Car
1948 Packard -   “The Flintstone Flyer”
1951 Anglia – Kohler Bros – “King Kong”
1937 Willys – S&S Racing Team

photo courtesy Darin Schnabel

But wait, there’s more

The Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance has also been chosen for the North American debut of the 1934 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, serial no. 2311237. A one-off Boattail Speedster, it has never been shown outside the U.K. and was acquired by a noted American collector last year.

The Bottom Line

If you call yourself a car buff but you’ve never had the chance to pay a visit to this annual event, you owe it to yourself to make the trip this year. The Sunday Concours d’Elegance opens at 10:00 am and runs until 4:00 pm. The cost is $25.00 for adults with children under the age of 12 admitted for free. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets for $20 each.

April 17, 1964

You had to be there to appreciate it. The unveiling of the new Ford Mustang at the New York World’s Fair marked a watershed moment in the car industry. Up until this day, sports cars (hey, “sporty” was real close to “sports” when you were in junior high school) were reserved for those who had a lot of money (Thunderbird, Corvette), were mechanically inclined (MG, Triumph), or both (Jaguar, Porsche, Ferrari).

Not only did the Mustang look cool, you could comfortably fit a family of four into it and the base price was just $2320.96. It was so affordable that many families became multiple Mustang households.

Early history

As we noted in previous articles, the Mustang’s early years were nothing short of phenomenal. Ford had originally gauged sales at an estimated rate of 100,000 units, annually. That figure had to be quickly revised as first-day orders came to an astounding 22,000. Ford eventually sold 417,000 Mustangs in the first 12 months and reached the million sales mark within 2 years.

The middle years were somewhat less kind. The Mustang became ever larger; even through it was based on the same platform. By the time the Falcon-based car reached its last year, overall length was up by over a foot from the original car, while its weight had increased by over half a ton.

1974 saw the introduction of the Mustang II. But while many styling cues had been carried over from the original and sales took a sharp uptick, the Mustang II, although a bit more stylish than many of its competitors at the time had become just another small, underpowered coupe.

1979 marked the beginning of the third generation Fox-based Mustangs. In size, the new Mustang closely resembled the original. Its styling, however, was based on Ford’s new “Euro” look. Sales doubled from 1978 and, once again, placed the Mustang ahead of its rival, the Chevrolet Camaro.

Fourth generation 1994-2004

Although the 1994 Mustang was still based on Ford’s Fox platform, it was an updated and re-engineered version. Mustang aficionados who had waited 15 years for a redesign weren’t disappointed. The new car borrowed several design cues from the original car. The new generation was as sleek as the old one had been boxy. The traditional “pony” logo floated in the center of the new grill with the entire front end evoking the vintage Mustang. Meanwhile, side scoops once again adorned the center of the rear quarter panel just in front of the wheel arch.

In back, the three taillamps (as on the original) on each side were split horizontally (this was changed in 1997 to the original vertical design and the individual lights were moved further apart). A steeply raked windshield and short rear deck completed the retro-themed package.

The fourth generation also marked a resurgence in fabled Mustang performance. Engine choices initially ranged from a 145 horsepower 3.8 liter V-6 to a 5.0 liter V-8 that produces 240 horsepower. By 1998, three engines were available with the V-6 now putting out 150 horsepower and the SVT Cobra 4.3 liter V-8 producing 305 horsepower.

In 1999, Ford reskinned the Mustang to reflect its “New Edge” styling. The round corners of the previous generation were replaced by more angular styling and the side scoop trim was larger and more pronounced. In back, a new fascia featured three distinct vertical rectangular taillamps on each side. The SVT Mustang Cobra was also the first Mustang with an independent rear suspension and its 4.6 liter V-8 produced 320 horsepower. 2000 also saw the first Mustang Bullitt GT, honoring the 1968 Mustang GT 390 driven by Steve McQueen in one of the most famous movie chase scenes ever filmed.

Fifth generation 2005-2009

Based on Ford’s all-new DC2 platform, the latest-generation Mustang draws even more design cues from the original – especially the 67-68 models. Retro round outboard headlights frame a center grill with a floating “pony” logo. From the side, wheel arches are more pronounced, but the side scoop is more muted – much like the original ’64. The coupe model features a rear quarter window very reminiscent of the original Shelby GT 350, while the three vertical taillamps are vintage Mustang.

In 2008, the Mustang reached a milestone as the 9 millionth Mustang – a GT convertible – was built. 2008 also marked the return of the Bullitt edition. By this time, powertrains ranged from the 4.0 liter V-6 to a 5.4 liter DOHC supercharged V8 on the GT that produced 500 horsepower in standard form and 540 horsepower for the GT 500KR (king of the road) edition. To mark the last year of the current body style in 2009, Ford offered a unique glass roof option.

2010 Redesign

The 2010 redesigned Mustang was unveiled in Los Angeles on November 18, 2008. Based on the same DC2 platform, the new design gives the pony car a much leaner appearance as well as better aerodynamics. A new headlight design includes integrated turn signals, while the hood features a prominent “powerdome”. In back, the trunk no longer has a keyhole and there is a revised 3-lens taillamp with LEDs that blink in sequence, much like earlier Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar models.

Inside, softer surfaces on the dashboard and door panels are complimented by real aluminum trim as well as fewer trim parts for the dashboard, thus ensuring a quieter ride.

Epilogue

The past 45 years have been a wild ride for the Mustang. From its initial sales success in the 1960’s, it has grown to iconic status in the automotive industry. Reflected in the history of the Mustang is much of the good and not so good that has happened to America since April of 1964.

The late sixties and early seventies saw the Mustang play an integral part of the pony car era as it took part in the horsepower wars that were staged on the main streets of many American towns.

The early seventies also saw the oil embargo as well as an increased awareness of the environment and both took their toll on the Mustang. Horsepower was strangled by emissions controls and the Mustang, itself, was downsized. As the industry began to adapt, computers aided in car design while electronics were used in engine management systems to increase horsepower while decreasing emissions at the same time.

The first Mustang to take advantage of this was the ’79 model. And as the baby boom generation continued to age, those belonging to it began to look for things in the present that reflected the best of what they remembered from the past and the Mustang was there for them, as well. It started with the retro ’94 redesign and continued through the 2005 to the new 2010 Mustang.

So from all of us here at LotPro.com, we would like to wish a very happy anniversary to the Mustang for giving us 45 very good years.

Less than auspicious start for Rahal Letterman BMW M3

Saturday’s annual running of the 12 hours of Sebring ended up being a duel between the two diesel-equipped superpowers of endurance racing, Audi and Peugeot. But while less than 23 seconds separated the first Audi R15 TDi team of McNish/Capello/Kristensen and the second Peugeot 908 HDi FAP team of Montagny/Bourdais/Sarrazin, the third place Audi R15 TDi Team of Rockenfeller/Werner/Luhr was 2 laps down while the first Peugeot team was forced to retire with 25 minutes left in the race with a gearbox failure.

Leading up to Saturday’s race, of course, was the amazing run of Indy 500 winner Scott Dixon, as he put the number 66 Acura ARX-02 of de Ferren/Pagenaud/Dixon on the pole. Unfortunately, the car retired at the eight-hour mark due to a front suspension problem. The second ARX-02, driven by Brabham/Franchitti/Sharp was running in the top 5 overall after ten hours when it, too, had to return to the garage with a transmission malfunction.

Acura was more fortunate in the LMP 2 class as Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz took first place as well as fourth place overall in the Acura ARX-01b.

A second straight GT1 victory was scored by Corvette Racing’s Johnny O’Connell in a Corvette C6.R, while Rizi Competizione won the GT2 class for the second time in three years in a Ferrari F430 GT. Meanwhile, the BMW M3 Rahal Letterman team suffered a number of teething problems with the No. 90 car retiring after 27 laps with an oil leak while the No. 92 car suffered a mechanical problem while leaving the pits at the five hour mark.

Here are the 2009 results:

1. (2) Allan McNish, Scotland; Rinaldo Capello, Italy; Tom Kristensen, Denmark; Audi R15 TDI (1st, P1), 383 laps.

2. (5) Franck Montagny, Brignoles France; Sebastien Bourdais, France; Stephane Sarrazin, France; Peugeot 908 HDI FAP (2nd, P1), 383 laps.

3. (4) Mike Rockenfeller, Germany; Marco Werner, Germany; Lucas Luhr, Germany; Audi R15 TDI (3rd, P1), 381 laps.

4. (7) Luis Diaz, Mexico; Adrian Fernandez, Mexico; Acura ARX-01B (1st, P2), 360 laps.

5. (3) Pedro Lamy, Lisbon Portugal; Christian Klien, Austria; Nicolas Minassian, England; Peugeot 908 HDI FAP (4th, P1), 356 laps.

6. (12) Jan Magnussen, Denmark; Antonio Garcia, Spain; Johnny O’Connell, Flowery Branch, GA; Corvette C6.R (1st, GT1), 349 laps.

7. (11) Oliver Gavin, England; Olivier Beretta, Monaco; Marcel Faessler, Switzerland; Corvette C6.R (2nd, GT1), 348 laps.

8. (27) Mika Salo, Finland; Jaime Melo, Brazil; Pierre Kaffer, Germany; Ferrari F430 GT (1st, GT2), 332 laps.

9. (15) Gianmaria Bruni, Italy; Mathias Russo, Argentina; Luis Companc, Argentina; Ferrari 430 GT (2nd, GT2), 330 laps.

10. (17) Dominik Farnbacher, Germany; Ian James, England; Panoz Esperante GTLM Ford (3rd, GT2), 329 laps.

11. (14) Joerg Bergmeister, Germany; Patrick Long, Oak Park, CA; Marc Lieb, Germany; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (4th, GT2), 326 laps.

12. (24) Seth Neiman, Burlingame, CA; Johannes van Overbeek, San Francisco, CA; Darren Law, Phoenix, AZ; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (5th, GT2), 326 laps.

13. (23) Nic Jonsson, Sweden; Eric van de Poele, Belgium; Tracy Krohn, Houston, TX; Ferrari F430 GT (6th, GT2), 325 laps.

14. (16) David Murry, Cumming, GA; Andrea Robertson, Ray, MI; David Robertson, Ray, MI; Doran Ford GT MK 7 (7th, GT2), 303 laps.

DNF

15. (6) David Brabham, Australia; Scott Sharp, Jupiter, FL; Dario Franchitti, Scotland; Acura ARX-02a (5th, P1), 302 laps, Drive line.

16. (13) Dirk Werner, Germany; Richard Lietz, Austria; Wolf Henzler, Germany; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (8th, GT2), 274 laps.

17. (19) Joel Feinberg, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Chris Hall, Daytona, FL; Ritchie Holt, Davie, FL; Dodge Viper Comp Coupe (9th, GT2), 251 laps, Clutch.

18. (1) Gil de Ferran, Brazil; Simon Pagenaud, France; Scott Dixon, New Zealand; Acura ARX-02a (6th, P1), 246 laps, Mechanical.

19. (20) Robert Bell, UK; Paul Drayson, London, UK; Jonny Cocker, UK; Aston Martin Vantage GT2 (10th, GT2), 204 laps, Engine.

20. (9) Chris McMurry, Phoenix, AZ; Tony Burgess, Canada; Bryan Willman, Kirkland, WA; Lola B06/10 AER (7th, P1), 151 laps, Electrical.

21. (10) Butch Leitzinger, State College, PA; Marino Franchitti, Scotland; Ben Devlin, England; Lola B09 86 Mazda (2nd, P2), 149 laps, Mechanical.

22. (26) Dirk Mueller, Germany; Tom Milner, Leesburg, VA; BMW E92 M3 (11th, GT2), 140 laps.

23. (8) Chris Dyson, Pleasant Valley, NY; Guy Smith, England; Andy Lally, New York, NY; Lola B09 86 Mazda (3rd, P2), 127 laps, Mechanical.

24. (22) Lou Gigliotti, Dallas, TX; Eric Curran, Easthampton, MA; Lucas Molo, Brazil; Chevrolet Riley Corvette C6 (12th, GT2), 89 laps, Mechanical.

25. (25) Clint Field, Dublin, OH; Chapman Ducote, Miami, FL; Jon Field, Dublin, OH; Lola B06/10 AER (8th, P1), 77 laps.

26. (18) Bill Auberlen, Hermosa Beach, CA; Joey Hand, Sacramento, CA; BMW E92 M3 (13th, GT2), 27 laps, Mechanical.

27. (21) Nicky Pastorelli, Netherlands; Hans Stuck, Germany; Johannes Stuck, Austria; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (14th, GT2), 0 laps, Withdrawn.

28. (28) Richard Westbrook, England; Marc Basseng, Germany; Lance David, Germany; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (15th, GT2), 0 laps

Originally established as Hendricks Field, an Army airfield during World War II, the racetrack at Sebring, Florida hosted its first race on December 31, 1950. Since that time, the track has seen the likes of Mario Andretti, Phil Hill, Dan Gurney, Jim Hall, Sir Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, John Surtees, Hurley Haywood, Peter Gregg and Geoff Brabham (just to name a few).

Penske Racing Porsche RS Spyder

Manufacturers that have competed and claimed victory in the 12 hour endurance race include Cunningham, Jaguar, Ferrari, Maserati, Ford, BMW, Nissan, Audi and current overall defending champion, Porsche. Audi, in particular, has recently dominated the series, winning the LM1 class from 2000 until 2008, while Penske racing captured the overall top spot last year in the Porsche RS Spyder.

Classes

Entrants in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) are currently divided up into four classes consisting of two prototype classes (LMP1 and LMP2) as well as two Grand Touring (modified production sports car) classes (GT1 and GT2). The LMP1 class generally included manufacturers while the LMP2 class is intended for privateers. GT1 cars are production-based highly modified cars such as the Aston Martin DB9, Ferrari 550 and Saleen S7R with horsepower ratings in the 550-600 range while GT2 cars are production-based and only slightly modified such as Porsche and the Ferrari Modena 360. Horsepower capacities of these vehicles can exceed 450.

Acura ARX-02a

2009

This year’s race will begin on Saturday March 21st at 10:30 am. The LMP1 pole position was won on Thursday by Scott Dixon, who will drive alongside team owner Gil de Ferran and Simon Pagenaud in the first race for the new Acura ARX-02a. Second place is occupied by the new Audi R15 TDI, set to make its racing debut (Kristensen/McNish/Capello) as well, while Peugeot was in third place with its 908 HDi (Klein/Minassian/Lamay).

Meanwhile, LMP2 qualifying saw Adrian Fernandez in the new Acura ARX-01b take the fastest time while Guy Smith, in a Mazda-powered Lola B09/86 coupe qualified just behind the Acura.

Rahal/Letterman BMW M3

GT1 saw a pair of Corvette C6’s in the top two spots, while in GT2, a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR driven by Patrick Long took the top spot. Meanwhile, newcomer BMW and the Rahal/Letterman Racing M3 placed in the top half of the GT2 class for the team’s debut race.

While most of us here at LotPro.com dream of driving Ferraris, Lamborghinis and the occasional Bentley Continental GTC Speed, the fact is that all of us here, like most of you out there (Jay Leno being one of the exceptions), live in a world where our incomes are encumbered by mortgages, utility bills and keeping food on the table. As such, the aforementioned vehicles have as much to do with our reality as a date with Kate Moss.

Fortunately, the editors at Forbes.com have come up with a list that might seem mundane in comparison but at least it bears a resemblance to reality – the best vehicles for carpooling. Using data from Kelley Blue Book, Forbes considered only 2009 vehicles that have received five out of five stars on all crash tests and at least four out of five stars on rollover results. The group was then pared down by awarding each vehicle points based on seating capacity, fuel efficiency, amount of front and rear headroom and legroom, and the presence of standard or optional navigation and entertainment systems.

2009 Kia Optima

The winner for 2009,  the newly-updated Kia Optima, was mentioned in a press release from Kia. Here is a portion of that release:

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 9 / — Recently named a “Best Bet” by The Car Book 2009, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced that the Optima sedan also has topped the recently released “Best Vehicles for Carpooling” list by Forbes, available on Forbes.com. Refreshed for the 2009 model year, Optima was lauded for combining excellent class-leading safety features, a spacious interior and impressive fuel efficiency – all for excellent value, starting at less than $18,000.

“It’s great to see our vehicles winning more and more industry accolades, and it’s an honor for Kia Motors to sit atop the Forbes ‘Best Vehicles for Carpooling’ list,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of KMA. “The 2009 Optima demonstrates the brand’s commitment to offering consumers dynamic vehicles designed with an emphasis on quality, safety, comfort and affordability.”

The price is right

The 2009 Optima is the recipient of a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As with the rest of the Kia line-up, Optima is equipped with many standard safety features, including six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Electronic stability control (ESC), a traction control system (TCS), brake assist system (BAS) and four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) also are standard.

The Bottom Line

While neither a Bentley nor a supermodel, the Kia Optima is a solid performer in the mid-size segment, giving car buyers a long list of standard features as well as a top safety rating.

2009 Nissan Cube

Even Detroit’s auto show can’t catch a break

Things are tough in Detroit – no question about it. Just ask the organizers of the North American International Auto Show. Porsche, a brand that wasn’t there last year, made the decision to skip the show again this year. Land Rover, Rolls-Royce and Ferrari felt the Detroit market was too small for their brands and backed out and both Mitsubishi and Suzuki took a pass as well. Then just last week, Nissan (along with premium brand Infiniti) announced that it was pulling the plug on both Detroit and Chicago.

At least with Nissan, the NAIAS had the consolation of knowing that it was not alone. But just as quickly, it now appears that Nissan will return to the Windy City.

2009 Nissan 370Z

Back in the game

Nissan Vice President of Corporate Communications, Alan Buddendeck, explained Nissan’s original position by stating that the company had already reached its intended audience at the unveiling of the 370Z roadster and the new Cube at the L.A. Auto Show in November.

So what caused the company to change its mind? According to Buddendeck:” Given the extraordinary economic and industry climate, all well-managed companies have a fiduciary responsibility to review strategies and tactics for going to market. As everyone knows, the automotive industry is facing severe and prolonged headwinds in North America and around the world. It’s a climate that demands decisions that are often difficult and even controversial.”

“At the national level, Nissan North America decided to withdraw from both the Chicago and Detroit shows. After a careful review of this decision with our North Central Region management and our Chicago dealers, we have found a way to maintain a presence at the Chicago show through our dealers, while still demonstrating the fiscal responsibility required by these challenging times. The decision outlined for Chicago does not affect our decision to withdraw from the 2009 North American International Auto Show.”

Chicago Auto Show Co-Chairman John Phelan put it this way, “To be sure, talking about our current economic conditions isn’t going to turn our industry around. But showing and talking about great new products, technology and breaking automotive news will help turn it around—and we want to help.”

BYD F3R

Chinese go upstairs and join the party

Meanwhile, back in Motown, all that extra floor space means it has to be filled by someone. So after two years spent in the basement as the red-headed stepchild, the Chinese automakers (so far, BYD and Brilliant) finally get their chance to join in the big dance on the main floor. Who knows, if anyone else drops out, even the boys from DUB magazine may get their big break. This could get interesting.

How about a DUB Rolls-Royce?

Meadow Brook Hall

Meadow Brook Hall was built with the money from the fortunes of two industries that helped shape the history of Michigan – lumber and automobiles. Matilda Dodge Wilson was the wife of John Dodge – one of the co-founders of the Dodge Brothers Motors Car Company. In 1925, five years after both brothers died, their widows sold the company for $146 million. One month later, Matilda Dodge married Alfred Wilson, a wealthy lumber broker. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Wilson began the planning for what was to become Meadow Brook Hall. The groundbreaking took place on her 43rd birthday in October of 1926 and a housewarming party to mark its completion was held on November 19, 1929 – less than a month after the stock market crash.

Today, Meadow Brook Hall is listed in the state and national register of historic homes. Designed by Detroit architectural firm Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, the 88,000 square foot mansion features 110 rooms, 39 uniquely designed brick chimneys, two elevators, four kitchens and a full size home theatre. As you can imagine, the upkeep on a place like this isn’t cheap, hence the reason for holding an event like the Concours to help raise money for its maintenance.

A step back in time

1947 Talbot Lago

If you’re a fan of the automobile and live within a reasonable driving distance of southeastern Michigan, you really owe it to yourself to visit the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance at least once. And while the event at times takes itself too seriously (the fashion show, some judges walking around in blazers and straw boaters), the sheer breadth of the show can be breathtaking.

1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk

You only have to take a look at this year’s show to see how much the event encompasses. At one end of the lawn, you have part of the GM Heritage collection, while at the other end is an eclectic display of late ’40 and early fifties American automobiles including a 1951 Hudson Hornet convertible, a 1956 Lincoln Premier convertible and a 1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk – all in pristine condition.

1953 Ferrari 342 America Speciale

Between these two points you’ll see millions of dollars worth of automobiles from such marques as Ferrari, Bugatti, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Packard, Duesenberg and Mercedes-Benz. If you’re a car gal or guy, it’s a great way to spend a summer Sunday in Michigan – just be sure to bring your walking shoes and sun block. While the price of entry isn’t cheap at $25 per, students (with a valid student ID) and children under 12 get in for free and each paid ticket comes with a beautiful souvenir program. Parking and shuttle service is also free on the Oakland University campus.

1954 Hudson Italia

For more information about next year’s event, visit the official web site at www.meadowbrookconcours.org.