Tuesday, June 19, 2007
There is more to come...
PARIS, France -- After going 30 hours straight for the event, Joe and I have taken a day off to recover. We took the train from Le Mans to Paris and saw a few sights on Monday. Joe returns to the states Tuesday via an Air France flight. I have more business to attend to in the UK.
However, we have other information that we will be posted including analysis of the event, a sample of how the event was covered in France by the news media, a really cool win ad by Audi, stories from the trip, more images, and as they say on Madison avenue when they can not thing of anything else, much, much more.
However, we have other information that we will be posted including analysis of the event, a sample of how the event was covered in France by the news media, a really cool win ad by Audi, stories from the trip, more images, and as they say on Madison avenue when they can not thing of anything else, much, much more.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Audi Wins the 75th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
The last two hours of the 75th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans had its share of excitement, with Mother Nature throwing the proverbial monkey wrench into plans of the teams, by introducing another heavy shower for the remainder of the race.
Teams immediatly switched to rain tires, and continued as best they could until several team managers complained that the conditions were too bad to continue at racing speeds. Initial requests for the safety car were not met, until team managers approached the race director in a group and made their demands.
The safety car was immediately put on the track until there was 10 minutes left in the race. It is important to note that in 75 years of running the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the race has never finished under caution.
The last 10 minutes was spent with the leading Audi R10 cruising it's way to victory, while the Peugeot 908 had several visits to the pits, and was put into the garage. Unofficial word was that the engine bay was filled with oil and the pits outside the Peugeot's garage smelled of oil in the air.
In the last 5 minutes of the race, the Peugeot stopped track side and sat, until the last lap, where it limped in to place Second. Third place would end up going to the #16 Pescarolo Sport.
Teams immediatly switched to rain tires, and continued as best they could until several team managers complained that the conditions were too bad to continue at racing speeds. Initial requests for the safety car were not met, until team managers approached the race director in a group and made their demands.
The safety car was immediately put on the track until there was 10 minutes left in the race. It is important to note that in 75 years of running the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the race has never finished under caution.
The last 10 minutes was spent with the leading Audi R10 cruising it's way to victory, while the Peugeot 908 had several visits to the pits, and was put into the garage. Unofficial word was that the engine bay was filled with oil and the pits outside the Peugeot's garage smelled of oil in the air.
In the last 5 minutes of the race, the Peugeot stopped track side and sat, until the last lap, where it limped in to place Second. Third place would end up going to the #16 Pescarolo Sport.
While winning for the seventh time in eight years may sound like Audi totally dominated the race for an easy victory -- it was anything but easy.
The team was running one, two, three at one time and then two cars dropped out with what is more racing luck than anything else and suddenly the race was strictly Audi versus Peugeot.
While the Audis had a sizeable lead over their French counterparts, it would only take a single misstep for the leading Audi to wind up delayed at best or put out of commission, thereby handing the race to the competition. And while Peugeot was five or more laps off the pace, and finished with a whimper rather than a bag, as mentioned above, they were still there just hanging around waiting for the Audi to make a mistake.
The unofficial final results for the 75th Running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans are:
Pos N° Team Cls Driver in Pit Laps Stop
1 1 Audi Sport North America LMP1 WERNER M 369 35
2 8 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 BOURDAIS S 359 31
3 16 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 COLLARD E 357 34
4 18 Rollcentre Racing LMP1 BARBOSA J 347 36
5 9 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 BRABHAM D 342 28
6 63 Corvette Racing LMGT1 FELLOWS R 342 28
7 8 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 GOLLIN F 340 30
8 15 Charouz Racing LMP1 CHAROUZ J 337 34
9 7 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 HERBERT J 337 32
10 54 Team Oreca LMGT1 BELLOC J-P 336 30
11 100 AMR BMS LMGT1 DAVIES J 336 30
12 72 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 ALPHAND L 326 27
13 17 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 PRIMAT H 324 31
14 67 Convers Menx Team LMGT1 VASILIEV A 321 27
15 76 Imsa Performance LMGT2 LONG P 319 27
16 55 Team Oreca LMGT1 AYARI S 318 31
17 59 Team Modena LMGT1 FITTIPALDI C 318 30
18 31 Binnie Motorsports LMP2 BUNCOMBE C 317 28
19 99 Risi Competizione LMGT2 JONSSON N 313 27
20 19 Chamberlain Synergy LMP1 EVANS G 309 31
21 93 Autorlando Sport LMGT2 SIMONSEN A 309 25
22 78 AF Corse LMGT2 AUCOTT B 307 25
23 82 Team LNT LMGT2 BELL R 307 24
24 73 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 BLANCHEMAIN J-L 305 31
25 14 Racing For Holland LMP1 LAMMERS J 305 30
26 12 Courage Competition LMP1 FREI A 304 25
27 33 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 KUROZAWA H 301 28
28 70 PSI Experience LMGT1 SMET D 288 33
29 6 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 BORNHAUSER P 271 25
D.N.F. 2 Audi Sport North America LMP1 CAPELLO R
D.N.F. 3 Audi Sport Team Joest LMP1 LUHR L
D.N.F. 5 Swiss Spirit LMP1 DELETRAZ J-D
D.N.F. 7 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 GENE M
D.N.F. 9 Creation Autosportif Ltd LMP1 CAMPBELL-WALTER J
D.N.F. 13 Courage Competition LMP1 GOUNON J-M
D.N.F. 20 Pierre Bruneau LMP2 ROSTAN M
D.N.F. 21 Bruichladdich Radical LMP2 GREAVES T
D.N.F. 24 Noel Del Bello LMP2 PETROV V
D.N.F. 25 RML LMP2 ERDOS T
D.N.F. 29 T2M Motorsport LMP2 LONGECHAL R
D.N.F. 32 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 BARAZI J
D.N.F. 35 Saulnier Racing LMP2 NICOLET J
D.N.F. 40 Quifel ASM Team LMP2 AMARAL M
D.N.F. 44 Kruse Motorsport LMP2 BURGESS T
D.N.F. 53 JLOC Isao Noritake LMGT1
D.N.F. 64 Corvette Racing LMGT1 BERETTA O
D.N.F. 71 Seikel Motorsport LMGT2 COLLIN P
D.N.F. 80 Flying Lizard Motorsport LMGT2 van OVERBEEK J
D.N.F. 81 Team LNT LMGT2 KIMBER-SMITH T
D.N.F. 83 GPC Sport LMGT2 VILLAROEL J.
D.N.F. 85 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 BELICCHI A
D.N.F. 86 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 JANIS J
D.N.F. 87 Scuderia Ecosse LMGT2 NIARCHOS C
D.N.F. 97 Risi Competizione LMGT2 SALO M
:11 The race goes green
With 11 minutes left in the race, the 75th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans went to the green flag and it will be interesting to see if the Audi that is leading the race does anything but just cruise home to the victory. The last remaining Peugeot is still sidelined.
Noone really seems to be crazy enough to "put their foot into it" and it would seem that the race as a Sunday drive. It is too bad -- but there is nothing to race for as the Audi is far enough ahead that noone can really catch him in the time remaining.
As was mentioned in earlier post, to finish first, first you must finish!
Noone really seems to be crazy enough to "put their foot into it" and it would seem that the race as a Sunday drive. It is too bad -- but there is nothing to race for as the Audi is far enough ahead that noone can really catch him in the time remaining.
As was mentioned in earlier post, to finish first, first you must finish!
:49 The yellow comes out
With 49 minutes left in the race officials of the 24 Hours of Le Mans decided to bring out the yellow flag because of standing water and small rivelets on the track that made the track too dangerous for racing.There are unconfirmed reports that the remaining Peugeot is having signficant difficulties in returning the fray due to oil in the engine bay.
Dreams die hard
LE Mans, France -- Sometimes all you can do is fight the good fight.
For car number 25, the RML-sponsored LMP2 MG Lola ended short of their dream of winning three straight 24 Hours of LeMans when a blown piston took them out of the race this morning.
The blown piston was but the latest issue for the team as it virtually rebuilt the car after a shunt at the entry to Porche Curves that heavily damaged the car yesterday.
It took a 52 minute pit stop to get the car back together and when the car hit the track it was in dead last position. The team managed to move up to second place during the evening before the piston let go ending their run at history.
2:00 Splish splash is someone taking a bath ?
With two hours to go in the 75th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, mother nature has trumped the race again by showering the course with rain and forcing teams to the pits to make the change to race tires.
Audi was first to the pits for the tire change, causing a slight stire -- at least with the PA announcer. Peugeot followed and now the waiting game continues as every turn is not a possible trap waiting to spin an unlkely suspect off the course and into the wall.
Audi also announced that it did not think that there was an issue with the crew putting the wheel on improper since the driver had put 57 minutes of seat time on the car before it let go.
Audi was first to the pits for the tire change, causing a slight stire -- at least with the PA announcer. Peugeot followed and now the waiting game continues as every turn is not a possible trap waiting to spin an unlkely suspect off the course and into the wall.
Audi also announced that it did not think that there was an issue with the crew putting the wheel on improper since the driver had put 57 minutes of seat time on the car before it let go.
4:00 Will there be a French miracle in Le Mans?
LE MANS, France -- There are four hours left in the race and the lone Audi #1 R10 continues to lead the race, but neither of the two Peugeots have given up and are running second and third a constant nagging threat to the Audi.
There is no lack of talent driving the #1 Audi but the closer that the clock gets to the 3 pm end time, the slower the second hand runs, and the louder every little incidental noise is to driver, crew chief, and crew.
It is not like the Peugeots have been flawless either. They have had issues with wheel bearings and have had to clean the radiator duct regularly on pit stops of loose rubber from the track.
There is another concern that is starting to look like it might be a concern and that is the weather. After brilliant sunrise and blue skies in the morning the clouds began moving in around 9 am. Whether they will bring showers like they did yesterday remains to be seen -- but if the rains come -- they could be the wild card that the Peugeots need in order to find their miracle in Le Mans.
At this point all either team can do is play the waiting game.
7:21 Just like that the cruel fate of racing strikes
The 1st place #2 R10 being driven by Rinaldo Capello lost its left rear wheel on the entrance to a turn, causing the R10 to spin. The car impacted with the tire barrier very hard. Capello was out of the car and appears shaken but un-hurt, however it looks like the R10 is going to be unable to make it back to the pits for repairs, and ends its day a little over 7 hours short of victory.
8:00 The final sprint begins
Just a little under 8 hours to go until the winner of the 75th running of the 24 Heures Du Mans will be crowned. The German train of the Audi R10 continues to dominate running 1st and 2nd, with the Peugeot Total Team running 3rd and 4th.
I have Cafe in me now, and am feeling my second wind coming. As tired as I am, I can only imagine how exhausted the drivers, mechanics, and various supporting crews are. It was also pretty interesting to see in the middle of the night the crowd trickle out of the bleachers. Currently the smallest crowd I have seen since Wednesday.
The question is: will Peugeot (as seen this morning, above) turn up the heat in the last 8 hours of the race, to put pressure on Audi; The Audi Sport team has been in this position before, but in racing, anything can happen. It was also funny to walk through the press room stationed above the team garages through out the night and early morning. Counting the number of press people who had fallen working at their computers, or crawled under the desks like I did for a few hours, to grab some precious shut eye.
Current results as of 7:30 are:
1 2 Audi Sport North America LMP1 McNISH A
2 1 Audi Sport North America LMP1 BIELA F
3 7 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 MINASSIAN N
4 8 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 BOURDAIS S
5 16 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 COLLARD E
6 18 Rollcentre Racing LMP1 SHORT M
7 9 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 TURNER D
8 7 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 HERBERT J
9 63 Corvette Racing LMGT1 O'CONNELL J
10 8 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 ELGAARD C
11 54 Team Oreca LMGT1 BELLOC J-P
12 100 AMR BMS LMGT1 MALUCELLI M
13 31 Binnie Motorsports LMP2 TIMPANY A
14 15 Charouz Racing LMP1 MUCKE S
15 72 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 GOUESLARD P
16 35 Saulnier Racing LMP2 JOUANNY B
17 67 Convers Menx Team LMGT1 PERGL R
18 87 Scuderia Ecosse LMGT2 KIRKALDY A
19 76 Imsa Performance LMGT2 LONG P
20 93 Autorlando Sport LMGT2 SIMONSEN A
21 97 Risi Competizione LMGT2 MELO J
22 73 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 ANDRE D
23 32 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 BARAZI J
24 14 Racing For Holland LMP1 LAMMERS J
25 99 Risi Competizione LMGT2 BRAUN C
26 12 Courage Competition LMP1 FREI A
27 55 Team Oreca LMGT1 ORTELLI S
28 25 RML LMP2 NEWTON M
29 59 Team Modena LMGT1 GARCIA A
30 17 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 TINSEAU C
31 33 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 KUROZAWA H
32 78 AF Corse LMGT2 MACARI J
33 6 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 BORNHAUSER P
34 82 Team LNT LMGT2 TOMLINSON L
35 19 Chamberlain Synergy LMP1 EVANS G
36 24 Noel Del Bello LMP2 HALLIDAY L
37 83 GPC Sport LMGT2 ROSENBLAD C.
38 70 PSI Experience LMGT1 PETER Ph
39 20 Pierre Bruneau LMP2 ROSTAN M
D.N.F. 3 Audi Sport Team Joest LMP1 LUHR L
D.N.F. 5 Swiss Spirit LMP1 DELETRAZ J-D
D.N.F. 9 Creation Autosportif Ltd LMP1 CAMPBELL-WALTER J
D.N.F. 13 Courage Competition LMP1 GOUNON J-M
D.N.F. 21 Bruichladdich Radical LMP2 GREAVES T
D.N.F. 29 T2M Motorsport LMP2 LONGECHAL R
D.N.F. 40 Quifel ASM Team LMP2 AMARAL M
D.N.F. 44 Kruse Motorsport LMP2 BURGESS T
D.N.F. 53 JLOC Isao Noritake LMGT1
D.N.F. 64 Corvette Racing LMGT1 BERETTA O
D.N.F. 71 Seikel Motorsport LMGT2 COLLIN P
D.N.F. 80 Flying Lizard Motorsport LMGT2 van OVERBEEK J
D.N.F. 81 Team LNT LMGT2 KIMBER-SMITH T
D.N.F. 85 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 BELICCHI A
D.N.F. 86 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 JANIS J
I have Cafe in me now, and am feeling my second wind coming. As tired as I am, I can only imagine how exhausted the drivers, mechanics, and various supporting crews are. It was also pretty interesting to see in the middle of the night the crowd trickle out of the bleachers. Currently the smallest crowd I have seen since Wednesday.
The question is: will Peugeot (as seen this morning, above) turn up the heat in the last 8 hours of the race, to put pressure on Audi; The Audi Sport team has been in this position before, but in racing, anything can happen. It was also funny to walk through the press room stationed above the team garages through out the night and early morning. Counting the number of press people who had fallen working at their computers, or crawled under the desks like I did for a few hours, to grab some precious shut eye.Current results as of 7:30 are:
1 2 Audi Sport North America LMP1 McNISH A
2 1 Audi Sport North America LMP1 BIELA F
3 7 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 MINASSIAN N
4 8 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 BOURDAIS S
5 16 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 COLLARD E
6 18 Rollcentre Racing LMP1 SHORT M
7 9 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 TURNER D
8 7 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 HERBERT J
9 63 Corvette Racing LMGT1 O'CONNELL J
10 8 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 ELGAARD C
11 54 Team Oreca LMGT1 BELLOC J-P
12 100 AMR BMS LMGT1 MALUCELLI M
13 31 Binnie Motorsports LMP2 TIMPANY A
14 15 Charouz Racing LMP1 MUCKE S
15 72 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 GOUESLARD P
16 35 Saulnier Racing LMP2 JOUANNY B
17 67 Convers Menx Team LMGT1 PERGL R
18 87 Scuderia Ecosse LMGT2 KIRKALDY A
19 76 Imsa Performance LMGT2 LONG P
20 93 Autorlando Sport LMGT2 SIMONSEN A
21 97 Risi Competizione LMGT2 MELO J
22 73 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 ANDRE D
23 32 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 BARAZI J
24 14 Racing For Holland LMP1 LAMMERS J
25 99 Risi Competizione LMGT2 BRAUN C
26 12 Courage Competition LMP1 FREI A
27 55 Team Oreca LMGT1 ORTELLI S
28 25 RML LMP2 NEWTON M
29 59 Team Modena LMGT1 GARCIA A
30 17 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 TINSEAU C
31 33 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 KUROZAWA H
32 78 AF Corse LMGT2 MACARI J
33 6 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 BORNHAUSER P
34 82 Team LNT LMGT2 TOMLINSON L
35 19 Chamberlain Synergy LMP1 EVANS G
36 24 Noel Del Bello LMP2 HALLIDAY L
37 83 GPC Sport LMGT2 ROSENBLAD C.
38 70 PSI Experience LMGT1 PETER Ph
39 20 Pierre Bruneau LMP2 ROSTAN M
D.N.F. 3 Audi Sport Team Joest LMP1 LUHR L
D.N.F. 5 Swiss Spirit LMP1 DELETRAZ J-D
D.N.F. 9 Creation Autosportif Ltd LMP1 CAMPBELL-WALTER J
D.N.F. 13 Courage Competition LMP1 GOUNON J-M
D.N.F. 21 Bruichladdich Radical LMP2 GREAVES T
D.N.F. 29 T2M Motorsport LMP2 LONGECHAL R
D.N.F. 40 Quifel ASM Team LMP2 AMARAL M
D.N.F. 44 Kruse Motorsport LMP2 BURGESS T
D.N.F. 53 JLOC Isao Noritake LMGT1
D.N.F. 64 Corvette Racing LMGT1 BERETTA O
D.N.F. 71 Seikel Motorsport LMGT2 COLLIN P
D.N.F. 80 Flying Lizard Motorsport LMGT2 van OVERBEEK J
D.N.F. 81 Team LNT LMGT2 KIMBER-SMITH T
D.N.F. 85 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 BELICCHI A
D.N.F. 86 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 JANIS J
12:00 It is three a.m. -- the halfway point
f
LE MANS, France -- We have just reached the halfway point and the results and it is still Audi running one and two with the Peugeot doggedly hanging on to third place five laps off the lead pace.
Setting that pace is the number two Audi driven by Rinaldo Capello, Tom Kristensen, and Allan McNish. This threesome has been there before as has the Audi team and if they continue to drive smartly and keep the engines together this will be Audi's seventh victory in the last eight years.
13:52 Making the pass at night
Ok, so it is just after one in the morning -- two hours til
the halfway mark. Joe and I are mainlining expresso to
try and stay away but neither of us are particularly
wired. This time exposure shows what it looks like to
the camera to get passed down the front chute at night.
We will try and post any thoughts that we have at the
halfway point in two hours and some sort of a report on
the leaders.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
15:00: Minuit: Mitternacht: Midnight
Midnight at the Circuit, and Jet lag, combined with being awake for 18+ hours is taking its tole. Not much has happened since the last update, The Audi R10s continue to set a staggering pace, with one of the Peugeot's following closely behind. The night moves on, and the cars keep circling. The fans are still out in force, however the bleachers are more empty then they were a few hours ago. The cars are pretty much set in a pace from now until day break, when the race will become a sprint to the end. #1 R10 driver Frank Biela has made 4 stints in a row sitting in second position, a true testament to the endurance of both man and machine.
Current results:
1 2 Audi Sport North America LMP1 CAPELLO R
2 1 Audi Sport North America LMP1 BIELA F
3 7 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 MINASSIAN N
4 16 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 COLLARD E
5 15 Charouz Racing LMP1 MUCKE S
6 8 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 BOURDAIS S
7 18 Rollcentre Racing LMP1 HALL S
8 7 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 ENGE T
9 9 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 TURNER D
10 12 Courage Competition LMP1 COCHET J
11 63 Corvette Racing LMGT1 O'CONNELL J
12 8 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 BOUCHUT C
13 33 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 KUROZAWA H
14 100 AMR BMS LMGT1 MALUCELLI M
15 55 Team Oreca LMGT1 ORTELLI S
16 54 Team Oreca LMGT1 PROST N
17 31 Binnie Motorsports LMP2 TIMPANY A
18 72 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 POLICAND J
19 24 Noel Del Bello LMP2 PETROV V
20 59 Team Modena LMGT1 MENTEN J
21 97 Risi Competizione LMGT2 MELO J
22 35 Saulnier Racing LMP2 FILHOL A
23 93 Autorlando Sport LMGT2 SIMONSEN A
24 67 Convers Menx Team LMGT1 KOSTKA T
25 73 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 ANDRE D
26 87 Scuderia Ecosse LMGT2 KIRKALDY A
27 76 Imsa Performance LMGT2 NARAC R
28 70 PSI Experience LMGT1 PETER Ph
29 80 Flying Lizard Motorsport LMGT2 van OVERBEEK J
30 99 Risi Competizione LMGT2 JONSSON N
31 13 Courage Competition LMP1 GOUNON J-M
32 85 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 BELICCHI A
33 40 Quifel ASM Team LMP2 HUGHES W
34 14 Racing For Holland LMP1 HART D
35 78 AF Corse LMGT2 AUCOTT B
36 83 GPC Sport LMGT2 ROSENBLAD C.
37 32 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 VERGERS M
38 82 Team LNT LMGT2 DEAN R
39 6 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 BERVILLE R
40 19 Chamberlain Synergy LMP1 EVANS G
41 25 RML LMP2 ERDOS T
42 17 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 TINSEAU C
43 44 Kruse Motorsport LMP2 DE POURTALES J
44 20 Pierre Bruneau LMP2 MACALLISTER CH
45 86 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 JANIS J
46 71 Seikel Motorsport LMGT2 COLLIN P
47 5 Swiss Spirit LMP1 ALEXANDER I
48 9 Creation Autosportif Ltd LMP1 CAMPBELL-WALTER J
D.N.F. 3 Audi Sport Team Joest LMP1 LUHR L
D.N.F. 5 Swiss Spirit LMP1 DELETRAZ J-D
D.N.F. 9 Creation Autosportif Ltd LMP1 CAMPBELL-WALTER J
D.N.F. 21 Bruichladdich Radical LMP2 GREAVES T
D.N.F. 29 T2M Motorsport LMP2 LONGECHAL R
D.N.F. 53 JLOC Isao Noritake LMGT1 APICELLA M
D.N.F. 64 Corvette Racing LMGT1 BERETTA O
D.N.F. 71 Seikel Motorsport LMGT2 COLLIN P
D.N.F. 81 Team LNT LMGT2 KIMBER-SMITH T
D.N.F. 86 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 JANIS J
Current results:
1 2 Audi Sport North America LMP1 CAPELLO R
2 1 Audi Sport North America LMP1 BIELA F
3 7 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 MINASSIAN N
4 16 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 COLLARD E
5 15 Charouz Racing LMP1 MUCKE S
6 8 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 BOURDAIS S
7 18 Rollcentre Racing LMP1 HALL S
8 7 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 ENGE T
9 9 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 TURNER D
10 12 Courage Competition LMP1 COCHET J
11 63 Corvette Racing LMGT1 O'CONNELL J
12 8 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 BOUCHUT C
13 33 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 KUROZAWA H
14 100 AMR BMS LMGT1 MALUCELLI M
15 55 Team Oreca LMGT1 ORTELLI S
16 54 Team Oreca LMGT1 PROST N
17 31 Binnie Motorsports LMP2 TIMPANY A
18 72 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 POLICAND J
19 24 Noel Del Bello LMP2 PETROV V
20 59 Team Modena LMGT1 MENTEN J
21 97 Risi Competizione LMGT2 MELO J
22 35 Saulnier Racing LMP2 FILHOL A
23 93 Autorlando Sport LMGT2 SIMONSEN A
24 67 Convers Menx Team LMGT1 KOSTKA T
25 73 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 ANDRE D
26 87 Scuderia Ecosse LMGT2 KIRKALDY A
27 76 Imsa Performance LMGT2 NARAC R
28 70 PSI Experience LMGT1 PETER Ph
29 80 Flying Lizard Motorsport LMGT2 van OVERBEEK J
30 99 Risi Competizione LMGT2 JONSSON N
31 13 Courage Competition LMP1 GOUNON J-M
32 85 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 BELICCHI A
33 40 Quifel ASM Team LMP2 HUGHES W
34 14 Racing For Holland LMP1 HART D
35 78 AF Corse LMGT2 AUCOTT B
36 83 GPC Sport LMGT2 ROSENBLAD C.
37 32 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 VERGERS M
38 82 Team LNT LMGT2 DEAN R
39 6 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 BERVILLE R
40 19 Chamberlain Synergy LMP1 EVANS G
41 25 RML LMP2 ERDOS T
42 17 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 TINSEAU C
43 44 Kruse Motorsport LMP2 DE POURTALES J
44 20 Pierre Bruneau LMP2 MACALLISTER CH
45 86 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 JANIS J
46 71 Seikel Motorsport LMGT2 COLLIN P
47 5 Swiss Spirit LMP1 ALEXANDER I
48 9 Creation Autosportif Ltd LMP1 CAMPBELL-WALTER J
D.N.F. 3 Audi Sport Team Joest LMP1 LUHR L
D.N.F. 5 Swiss Spirit LMP1 DELETRAZ J-D
D.N.F. 9 Creation Autosportif Ltd LMP1 CAMPBELL-WALTER J
D.N.F. 21 Bruichladdich Radical LMP2 GREAVES T
D.N.F. 29 T2M Motorsport LMP2 LONGECHAL R
D.N.F. 53 JLOC Isao Noritake LMGT1 APICELLA M
D.N.F. 64 Corvette Racing LMGT1 BERETTA O
D.N.F. 71 Seikel Motorsport LMGT2 COLLIN P
D.N.F. 81 Team LNT LMGT2 KIMBER-SMITH T
D.N.F. 86 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 JANIS J
16:58 Full course Corvette hits #2 R10 Driven by McNish
As the sun is setting at the Circuit De La Sarthe, One of the Corvettes cut through a corner sand trap, nearly taking out the number 1 position, Audi R10 driven by Allan McNish. Slight contact was made, causing the R10 and Corvette to both have to pit. The #2 R10 had to have the rear engine cowl replaced after loosing part of the rear air diffuser in the collision. The final bit of sun is just now dipping out of sight, but the crazy fans have gone nowhere. Helicopters continue to strafe the circuit. Things on the track seem rather calm, however the tension is high in the paddock, with crews running too and fro getting the next batch of tires ready for the cars, moving spare parts to the pits, and trying not to run the spectators over with their golf carts.
Current running order as of 16:41 is:
1 2 Audi Sport North America LMP1 CAPELLO R
2 1 Audi Sport North America LMP1 BIELA F
3 7 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 MINASSIAN N
4 16 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 DUMAS R
5 15 Charouz Racing LMP1 MUCKE S
6 18 Rollcentre Racing LMP1 BARBOSA J
7 8 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 BOURDAIS S
8 33 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 FERNANDEZ A
9 7 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 KOX P
10 9 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 BRABHAM D
11 40 Quifel ASM Team LMP2 HUGHES W
12 12 Courage Competition LMP1 FREI A
13 63 Corvette Racing LMGT1 MAGNUSSEN J
14 100 AMR BMS LMGT1 BABINI F
15 8 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 GOLLIN F
16 31 Binnie Motorsports LMP2 BINNIE B
17 55 Team Oreca LMGT1 ORTELLI S
18 54 Team Oreca LMGT1 BELLOC J-P
19 72 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 POLICAND J
20 59 Team Modena LMGT1 GARCIA A
21 24 Noel Del Bello LMP2 HALLIDAY L
22 97 Risi Competizione LMGT2 MELO J
23 35 Saulnier Racing LMP2 NICOLET J
24 17 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 TINSEAU C
25 73 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 BLANCHEMAIN J-L
26 87 Scuderia Ecosse LMGT2 MULLEN T
27 93 Autorlando Sport LMGT2 SIMONSEN A
28 67 Convers Menx Team LMGT1 VASILIEV A
29 80 Flying Lizard Motorsport LMGT2 NEIMAN S
30 76 Imsa Performance LMGT2 LIETZ R
31 99 Risi Competizione LMGT2 KROHN T
32 70 PSI Experience LMGT1 SMET D
33 85 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 BELICCHI A
34 78 AF Corse LMGT2 AUCOTT B
35 6 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 BORNHAUSER P
36 44 Kruse Motorsport LMP2 BURGESS T
37 83 GPC Sport LMGT2 VILLAROEL J.
38 13 Courage Competition LMP1 GOUNON J-M
39 14 Racing For Holland LMP1 LAMMERS J
40 82 Team LNT LMGT2 BELL R
41 32 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 VERGERS M
42 19 Chamberlain Synergy LMP1 BERRIDGE B
43 25 RML LMP2 ERDOS T
44 20 Pierre Bruneau LMP2 MACALLISTER CH
45 86 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 JANIS J
46 71 Seikel Motorsport LMGT2 FELBERMAYR H Jr
47 81 Team LNT LMGT2 KIMBER-SMITH T
48 29 T2M Motorsport LMP2 LONGECHAL R
49 9 Creation Autosportif Ltd LMP1 NAKANO S
50 5 Swiss Spirit LMP1 DELETRAZ J-D
D.N.F. 3 Audi Sport Team Joest LMP1 LUHR L
D.N.F. 21 Bruichladdich Radical LMP2 GREAVES T
D.N.F. 29 T2M Motorsport LMP2 LONGECHAL R
D.N.F. 53 JLOC Isao Noritake LMGT1 APICELLA M
D.N.F. 64 Corvette Racing LMGT1 BERETTA O
D.N.F. 81 Team LNT LMGT2 KIMBER-SMITH T
18:49 The best track conditions since Wednesday
A little over five hours into the 75th running of the 24 Heures Du Mans. The clouds have broken, and we are seeing the best track conditions since Wednesdays sessions. With the improving track conditions, speeds have gone up dramatically with the #2 Audi lapping at 3:29.219 just a few seconds off of the pole qualifying times, and faster then last years fastest racing lap times of 3:31.116. There have been a number of cars that have withdrawn from the competition for mechanical reasons.
Peugeot driver Sabastein Bordais is quoted as saying "I am very disappointed I didn't make the most out my pole position. I couldn't do anything when I had to brake at the Dunlop corner. Peugeot is currently under pressure by Audi. They are 3 to 4 seconds quicker than us, which is unexpected. Audi must have bluffed during qualifying. Our car has a lot of oversteer, so I hope things will improve."
It would seem by the running order that Sabastien's comment is true, however when you look at the history Audi has at Le Mans, one could also chaulk it up to experience. Recently the #8 Peugeot 908 HDI was pulled into the pit garage to replace a blown right rear wheel bearing.
The #64 Corvette Racing C6.R reports that their retirement comes from a broken carbon fiber drive shaft. Driver Oliver Gavin believes that it was shaken apart under the extremely long caution flag, when the team switched to a special fuel saving mode where the engine cuts a number of cylinders. It appears to have created a vibration that caused the damage.
Current standings are after 5 hours are:
1 2 Audi Sport North America LMP1 McNISH A
2 1 Audi Sport North America LMP1 WERNER M
3 7 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 VILLENEUVE J
4 16 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 BOULLION JC
5 15 Charouz Racing LMP1 CHAROUZ J
6 17 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 TRELUYER B
7 18 Rollcentre Racing LMP1 SHORT M
8 8 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 SARRAZIN S
9 12 Courage Competition LMP1 FREI A
10 7 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 HERBERT J
11 9 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 RYDELL R
12 33 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 FERNANDEZ A
13 63 Corvette Racing LMGT1 FELLOWS R
14 40 Quifel ASM Team LMP2 DE CASTRO MA
15 100 AMR BMS LMGT1 DAVIES J
16 8 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 ELGAARD C
17 59 Team Modena LMGT1 MENTEN J
18 31 Binnie Motorsports LMP2 TIMPANY A
19 55 Team Oreca LMGT1 ORTELLI S
20 54 Team Oreca LMGT1 PROST N
21 24 Noel Del Bello LMP2 IANETTA R
22 72 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 GOUESLARD P
23 97 Risi Competizione LMGT2 MOWLEM J
24 76 Imsa Performance LMGT2 LONG P
25 87 Scuderia Ecosse LMGT2 KIRKALDY A
26 93 Autorlando Sport LMGT2 NIELSEN L.E.
27 6 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 FISKEN G
28 35 Saulnier Racing LMP2 JOUANNY B
29 80 Flying Lizard Motorsport LMGT2 BERGMEISTER J
30 67 Convers Menx Team LMGT1 PERGL R
31 86 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 JANIS J
32 73 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 VOSSE V
33 70 PSI Experience LMGT1 PETER Ph
34 82 Team LNT LMGT2 TOMLINSON L
35 99 Risi Competizione LMGT2 BRAUN C
36 71 Seikel Motorsport LMGT2 FELBERMAYR H Jr
37 85 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 CHIESA A
38 78 AF Corse LMGT2 NEWEY A
39 44 Kruse Motorsport LMP2 SIEDLER N
40 83 GPC Sport LMGT2 ROSENBLAD C.
41 13 Courage Competition LMP1 MOREAU G
42 81 Team LNT LMGT2 MILNER T
43 20 Pierre Bruneau LMP2 PICKERING G
44 14 Racing For Holland LMP1 BLEEKEMOLEN J
45 19 Chamberlain Synergy LMP1 EVANS G
46 32 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 OJJEH K
47 29 T2M Motorsport LMP2 LONGECHAL R
48 25 RML LMP2 NEWTON M
49 5 Swiss Spirit LMP1 ALEXANDER I
50 9 Creation Autosportif Ltd LMP1 ORTIZ F
D.N.F. 3 Audi Sport Team Joest LMP1 LUHR L
D.N.F. 21 Bruichladdich Radical LMP2 GREAVES T
D.N.F. 53 JLOC Isao Noritake LMGT1 APICELLA M
D.N.F. 64 Corvette Racing LMGT1 BERETTA O
The #64 Corvette Racing C6.R reports that their retirement comes from a broken carbon fiber drive shaft. Driver Oliver Gavin believes that it was shaken apart under the extremely long caution flag, when the team switched to a special fuel saving mode where the engine cuts a number of cylinders. It appears to have created a vibration that caused the damage.
Current standings are after 5 hours are:
1 2 Audi Sport North America LMP1 McNISH A
2 1 Audi Sport North America LMP1 WERNER M
3 7 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 VILLENEUVE J
4 16 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 BOULLION JC
5 15 Charouz Racing LMP1 CHAROUZ J
6 17 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 TRELUYER B
7 18 Rollcentre Racing LMP1 SHORT M
8 8 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 SARRAZIN S
9 12 Courage Competition LMP1 FREI A
10 7 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 HERBERT J
11 9 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 RYDELL R
12 33 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 FERNANDEZ A
13 63 Corvette Racing LMGT1 FELLOWS R
14 40 Quifel ASM Team LMP2 DE CASTRO MA
15 100 AMR BMS LMGT1 DAVIES J
16 8 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 ELGAARD C
17 59 Team Modena LMGT1 MENTEN J
18 31 Binnie Motorsports LMP2 TIMPANY A
19 55 Team Oreca LMGT1 ORTELLI S
20 54 Team Oreca LMGT1 PROST N
21 24 Noel Del Bello LMP2 IANETTA R
22 72 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 GOUESLARD P
23 97 Risi Competizione LMGT2 MOWLEM J
24 76 Imsa Performance LMGT2 LONG P
25 87 Scuderia Ecosse LMGT2 KIRKALDY A
26 93 Autorlando Sport LMGT2 NIELSEN L.E.
27 6 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 FISKEN G
28 35 Saulnier Racing LMP2 JOUANNY B
29 80 Flying Lizard Motorsport LMGT2 BERGMEISTER J
30 67 Convers Menx Team LMGT1 PERGL R
31 86 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 JANIS J
32 73 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 VOSSE V
33 70 PSI Experience LMGT1 PETER Ph
34 82 Team LNT LMGT2 TOMLINSON L
35 99 Risi Competizione LMGT2 BRAUN C
36 71 Seikel Motorsport LMGT2 FELBERMAYR H Jr
37 85 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 CHIESA A
38 78 AF Corse LMGT2 NEWEY A
39 44 Kruse Motorsport LMP2 SIEDLER N
40 83 GPC Sport LMGT2 ROSENBLAD C.
41 13 Courage Competition LMP1 MOREAU G
42 81 Team LNT LMGT2 MILNER T
43 20 Pierre Bruneau LMP2 PICKERING G
44 14 Racing For Holland LMP1 BLEEKEMOLEN J
45 19 Chamberlain Synergy LMP1 EVANS G
46 32 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 OJJEH K
47 29 T2M Motorsport LMP2 LONGECHAL R
48 25 RML LMP2 NEWTON M
49 5 Swiss Spirit LMP1 ALEXANDER I
50 9 Creation Autosportif Ltd LMP1 ORTIZ F
D.N.F. 3 Audi Sport Team Joest LMP1 LUHR L
D.N.F. 21 Bruichladdich Radical LMP2 GREAVES T
D.N.F. 53 JLOC Isao Noritake LMGT1 APICELLA M
D.N.F. 64 Corvette Racing LMGT1 BERETTA O
21:03:42 The sun peaks out....
The last couple hours have been quite interestig here at the Circuit de La Sarthe, with many cautions due to rain. #3 Audi R10 was involved in a very bad accident at Tertre Rouge right before the long Mulsanne straight. The driver, Mike Rockenfeller was unhurt in the accident, however the car had to be pushed off the track. Rockenfeller worked frantically on the R10 trying to get it mobile to limp back to the pits, however in the end it was towed off the course ending its day. Currently the sun is peaking through the clouds and the track is drying, slowly. My bet is as soon as they switch to the dry tires, it will start to rain again.
Current standings after 3 hours are:
1 2 Audi Sport North America LMP1 KRISTENSEN T
2 8 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 LAMY P
3 7 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 GENE M
4 16 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 BOULLION JC
5 1 Audi Sport North America LMP1 PIRRO E
6 18 Rollcentre Racing LMP1 HALL S
7 13 Courage Competition LMP1 GOUNON J-M
8 12 Courage Competition LMP1 BESSON B
9 15 Charouz Racing LMP1 MUCKE S
10 14 Racing For Holland LMP1 HART D
11 40 Quifel ASM Team LMP2 HUGHES W
12 17 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 PRIMAT H
13 9 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 TURNER D
14 63 Corvette Racing LMGT1 MAGNUSSEN J
15 59 Team Modena LMGT1 FITTIPALDI C
16 7 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 ENGE T
17 72 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 POLICAND J
18 100 AMR BMS LMGT1 MALUCELLI M
19 8 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 GOLLIN F
20 5 Swiss Spirit LMP1 DELETRAZ J-D
21 31 Binnie Motorsports LMP2 BINNIE B
22 54 Team Oreca LMGT1 BELLOC J-P
23 55 Team Oreca LMGT1 LAPIERRE N
24 33 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 KUROZAWA H
25 6 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 BERVILLE R
26 24 Noel Del Bello LMP2 PETROV V
27 93 Autorlando Sport LMGT2 SIMONSEN A
28 70 PSI Experience LMGT1 SMET D
29 35 Saulnier Racing LMP2 NICOLET J
30 25 RML LMP2 WALLACE A
31 82 Team LNT LMGT2 TOMLINSON L
32 87 Scuderia Ecosse LMGT2 MULLEN T
33 81 Team LNT LMGT2 WATTS D
34 67 Convers Menx Team LMGT1 KOSTKA T
35 97 Risi Competizione LMGT2 SALO M
36 86 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 HEZEMANS M
37 85 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 BELICCHI A
38 76 Imsa Performance LMGT2 LIETZ R
39 80 Flying Lizard Motorsport LMGT2 NEIMAN S
40 71 Seikel Motorsport LMGT2 FELBERMAYR H
41 83 GPC Sport LMGT2 MARSH M.
42 99 Risi Competizione LMGT2 JONSSON N
43 73 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 ANDRE D
44 78 AF Corse LMGT2 AUCOTT B
45 29 T2M Motorsport LMP2 TERADA Y
46 44 Kruse Motorsport LMP2 DE POURTALES J
47 19 Chamberlain Synergy LMP1 EVANS G
48 20 Pierre Bruneau LMP2 PICKERING G
49 3 Audi Sport Team Joest LMP1 LUHR L
50 64 Corvette Racing LMGT1 BERETTA O
51 9 Creation Autosportif Ltd LMP1 CAMPBELL-WALTER J
52 32 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 VERGERS M
OUT 21 Bruichladdich Radical LMP2 GREAVES T
OUT 53 JLOC Isao Noritake LMGT1 APICELLA M
Current standings after 3 hours are:
1 2 Audi Sport North America LMP1 KRISTENSEN T
2 8 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 LAMY P
3 7 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 GENE M
4 16 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 BOULLION JC
5 1 Audi Sport North America LMP1 PIRRO E
6 18 Rollcentre Racing LMP1 HALL S
7 13 Courage Competition LMP1 GOUNON J-M
8 12 Courage Competition LMP1 BESSON B
9 15 Charouz Racing LMP1 MUCKE S
10 14 Racing For Holland LMP1 HART D
11 40 Quifel ASM Team LMP2 HUGHES W
12 17 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 PRIMAT H
13 9 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 TURNER D
14 63 Corvette Racing LMGT1 MAGNUSSEN J
15 59 Team Modena LMGT1 FITTIPALDI C
16 7 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 ENGE T
17 72 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 POLICAND J
18 100 AMR BMS LMGT1 MALUCELLI M
19 8 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 GOLLIN F
20 5 Swiss Spirit LMP1 DELETRAZ J-D
21 31 Binnie Motorsports LMP2 BINNIE B
22 54 Team Oreca LMGT1 BELLOC J-P
23 55 Team Oreca LMGT1 LAPIERRE N
24 33 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 KUROZAWA H
25 6 AMR Larbre Comp. LMGT1 BERVILLE R
26 24 Noel Del Bello LMP2 PETROV V
27 93 Autorlando Sport LMGT2 SIMONSEN A
28 70 PSI Experience LMGT1 SMET D
29 35 Saulnier Racing LMP2 NICOLET J
30 25 RML LMP2 WALLACE A
31 82 Team LNT LMGT2 TOMLINSON L
32 87 Scuderia Ecosse LMGT2 MULLEN T
33 81 Team LNT LMGT2 WATTS D
34 67 Convers Menx Team LMGT1 KOSTKA T
35 97 Risi Competizione LMGT2 SALO M
36 86 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 HEZEMANS M
37 85 Spyker Squadron LMGT2 BELICCHI A
38 76 Imsa Performance LMGT2 LIETZ R
39 80 Flying Lizard Motorsport LMGT2 NEIMAN S
40 71 Seikel Motorsport LMGT2 FELBERMAYR H
41 83 GPC Sport LMGT2 MARSH M.
42 99 Risi Competizione LMGT2 JONSSON N
43 73 Alphand Aventures LMGT1 ANDRE D
44 78 AF Corse LMGT2 AUCOTT B
45 29 T2M Motorsport LMP2 TERADA Y
46 44 Kruse Motorsport LMP2 DE POURTALES J
47 19 Chamberlain Synergy LMP1 EVANS G
48 20 Pierre Bruneau LMP2 PICKERING G
49 3 Audi Sport Team Joest LMP1 LUHR L
50 64 Corvette Racing LMGT1 BERETTA O
51 9 Creation Autosportif Ltd LMP1 CAMPBELL-WALTER J
52 32 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 VERGERS M
OUT 21 Bruichladdich Radical LMP2 GREAVES T
OUT 53 JLOC Isao Noritake LMGT1 APICELLA M
22:30:00: Audi Sport Team Joest Out
LE MANS, France -- After only an hour and a half of racing at Le Mans, the #3 Audi Sport Team Joest R10 has impacted the wall, and took heavy damage to the rear of the car. Unfortunately breaking what appeared to be both rear axle and transmission. The Circuit de La Sarthe went to full caution.
At the end of one hour...
Le Mans, France -- Mother nature dealt race teams a sunny start with for the 75th running of the 24 Hours of LeMans, but as the first hour of the race ended, the hole of blue sky and sunshine was closed by rain clouds and a light sprinkle. With 23 hours of the race left, it is Audi running one, two, three with the number seven Puegeot in fourth.Rinaldo Capello in Audi 2 passed the the number 8 Peugeot driven by Sebastien Bordais as they raced through the first turn of the race and never looked back.
There was some conjecture amongst pit wizards as to whether Audi tipped its hand for its strategy sending Capello to the front of the class as a "rabbit" to force the Peugeot to follow and possibly break. Further conjecture was that the Audi team perhaps "sandbagged" during the qualification period and then have brought its full force to bear on the French team in the early goings. Indeed it appears as if the Audi seem to be running stronger around the race track in the early goings.
However, with but 1/24th of the race complete anything can, and probably will happen, with the weather factor playing the joker. Thus far nearly one-and-a-half hours into the race there has been no wholesale dump of rain on the track. But the track is ringed by rain clouds and if one was playing weather forecast it would seem that there will be at least one good dump of rain.
23:59:00 And they are off...
With a roar of the engines, and crazy French crowds the 75th Running of the 24 Heures Du Mans is officially underway. Starting running order lasted until turn 2 where the Pole setting Peugeot slid wide, going off a little over two turns, and allowing the #2 R10 to sneak through. Current running order is:
1 #2 Audi Sport North America LMP1 CAPELLO R
2 #8 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 BOURDAIS S
3 #7 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 MINASSIAN
4 #1 Audi Sport North America LMP1 BIELA F 2
5 #3 Audi Sport Team Joest LMP1 LUHR L 2
6 #16 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 COLLARD E
7 #14 Racing For Holland LMP1 LAMMERS J
8 #13 Courage Competition LMP1 GOUNON J-M
9 #18 Rollcentre Racing LMP1 BARBOSA J
10 #15 Charouz Racing LMP1 YOONG A
1 #2 Audi Sport North America LMP1 CAPELLO R
2 #8 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 BOURDAIS S
3 #7 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 MINASSIAN
4 #1 Audi Sport North America LMP1 BIELA F 2
5 #3 Audi Sport Team Joest LMP1 LUHR L 2
6 #16 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 COLLARD E
7 #14 Racing For Holland LMP1 LAMMERS J
8 #13 Courage Competition LMP1 GOUNON J-M
9 #18 Rollcentre Racing LMP1 BARBOSA J
10 #15 Charouz Racing LMP1 YOONG A
NPS: A photographer's best friend
Le Mans, France -- Imagine that you are a photographer on assignment at Le Mans, having arrived here from one of many locations around the world. Saturday afternoon your camera goes on the frizt. What do you do?If you are using a Nikon camera the answer is easy -- call on Nikon Professional Services -- known as NPS. NPS offers to professional photographers complimentary repair of equipment (when possible) and the ability for photographers to be able to borrow equipment at major events.
This program, started in the US more than 30 years ago, and copied by many other camera manufacturers who are competiting for users in the professional photography market, is another example of of Nikon's continuing support of professional photographers around the world.
At Le Mans the service is managed by Nello Zoppe' (at left) and also staffed by Phillipe Moreau (at right, below), who lists his title as technician, but who is much more than that. He is able to take apart, repair, and put back together a pranged Nikon as well members of the Audi, Puegeot, or Porche teams can repair a pranged race car.These two Nikon knights in shinning armor have saved the bacon of many photographers and have also helped many with a loan of equipment get shots that perhaps thehy otherwise would not have been able to make.
They do not go to every event -- only the most important and Le Mans with what seems like 500 photographers registered, is one of those races.
Photographers around the world say "Merci" to Nello and Philippe and other members of the NPS staff for their service.
Two to for the show
Le Mans, France -- All that is left now is the waiting for the start of the race at 3 pm today. That is three hoours away and while fans are still waking from the early morning partying, there are a number of pre-race events going on that include the a vintage race and several opportunities for various club enthusiasts to take a lap on the fabled track.
It is all a part of the show to give fans something to do while they are waiting for the race to start and to help them keep warm while the sun plays hide and seek with the clouds and the rain is driven through the crowd by a cool wind.
One of the activities is pictures of everyone and anything of any importance. Cars, teams with
cars, and of course a variety of lovely ladies who certainly bring color to the race track (above). At right Frank Biela, of the star Audi drivers, poses with a fan.
cars, and of course a variety of lovely ladies who certainly bring color to the race track (above). At right Frank Biela, of the star Audi drivers, poses with a fan.There is of course much pomp and circumstance as each sponsor gets his time in the sun -- or the rain as the case might be.
Including inthe festivities is introduction virtually anyone who is anyone, the playing of all national anthems of teams who are participating, and presentation of the colors of each country in the race.
During this time the weather continues to tease race crews and fans alike with sunshine and blue sky, grey skies and overcast, and blowing rain. The track with just over an hour to go before the start has nearly dried out from the morning rain and the showers are lessoning.
It is a very nervous time for many who are waiting for the show to start.
One for the money!
Le Mans, France -- Race teams, courseworkers, members of the media and fans here awoke to grey skies and rain. The question everyone's mind is how long will this depression last and will if ultimately affect the final results of the 75th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The weather forecast is for the "Seattle" weather to reamin with 
the track until 8 pm this evening and then it will change -- but whether it will change for the better or the worse is yet to be determined.
the track until 8 pm this evening and then it will change -- but whether it will change for the better or the worse is yet to be determined. As of 9 am a patch of blue sky opened over the track and 15 minutes later there was sunshine -- but no sooner had the sun come out then the clouds returned the track to overcast. Weather will most likely deal the race a wild card and teams with the best weather guesser may have an advantage when it comes to dealing with the all important tire changes.
Teams will have their choice of three different kinds of tires (or as they say in the UK tyres): Standard tires for dry pavement, rain tyres for a wet track, and an intermediate tire that is a crossover between the two. Making the change at the right time in the race is tmay be the difference between winning and first runner-up.There is the air of months and months of preparation in the air since yesterday evening as teams take care of critical last minute adjustments and put together their strategies for the 24 hours of competition still to come. 
In the big shoot out of the day it will be defending champ Audi against the up and coming French Peugeot team. The Peugeot has won the first two endurance type races of the year and has set fast time at Le Mans to hold the pole position for today's event.
In the big shoot out of the day it will be defending champ Audi against the up and coming French Peugeot team. The Peugeot has won the first two endurance type races of the year and has set fast time at Le Mans to hold the pole position for today's event.
At 9 a.m. the track was opened for practice cars took the track spewing roostertails off their wheels that when cars are at speed together provide a spectacular image and a difficult driving conditions.
One of the amazing things to see this morning on the way to the track is the massive number of fans who camped out last night -- many of them partying into the morning. Field upon field of motorhomes and thousands of tents, many of them flying the colors of their favorite team. More than 200,000 fans are expected for the race today and fans here do not let a little rain keep them from their motor racing.
This is a far cry from the wussie-boy Champ cCar racing of the United States where a little rain 
caused the the Indy 500 to be stopped. As Herodotus wrote in 500 BC (which was rewritten by William Kendall in 1927) and which we further tweaked for Le Mans: "Neither rain nor hail nor sleet nor snow nor heat of day nor dark of night shall keep this these drivers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.
caused the the Indy 500 to be stopped. As Herodotus wrote in 500 BC (which was rewritten by William Kendall in 1927) and which we further tweaked for Le Mans: "Neither rain nor hail nor sleet nor snow nor heat of day nor dark of night shall keep this these drivers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.
As practice ends, the sun sprinkles for an obligatory 15 seconds, giving us hope for the future, and then the grey skies return, to remind everyone to be prepared for Mother Nature to play her hand.Friday, June 15, 2007
An open letter to Allan Mulally:
Le Mans, France -- Dear Mr. Mulally:
I am writing to you as President and CEO of the Ford Motor Company because you are someone who I believe understands the value of competition. I believe this because of what I saw you do to help the Boeing company achieve success when it was in a down cycle against European competition.
This afternoon at the 24 Hours of LeMans, one of the greatest automotive events in the world of motor racing, I walked through the pit area and wondered to myself where are the Americans. I do not wish to belittle the efforts of the American teams who are here -- but virtually none of them represent an American brand. Corvette is here, but not backed by General Motors in the states. There are several other American teams here but not in the LMP 1 class where Audi and Peugeot will do battle tomorrow and not representing an American brand.
I am writing this to you as the "new guy" at Ford -- someone who should also be looking to the roots of Ford to inspire both the members of the Ford team who will rebuild the company, and also inspire American consummers who would love for Ford to return its winning form.
When I say roots, I am speaking first of namesake of the company, Henry Ford, who virtually established the company on the premise of racing.
I am also speaking of the Ford Team who came to LeMans in 1967 with the GT40 to leave an indellable mark by topping Ferarri and carving for Ford a legendary mark in the annals of racing. The car under other leadership also won in 1968 and 1969. (Note: Ford also won in 1966, but not with a true Ford car.)
That first team included folks who would write their name in the pages of motor racing history their entire careers in the sport. Caroll Shelby, A. J. Foyt, and Dan Gurney to name a few.
I realize that Ford is hemmoraging money right now; I realize that your focus is on rebuilding the company; I realize that timing seems all wrong for any American brand to enter into the fray at LeMans -- and in other venues as well.
But I also believe that Americans want a winner.
Leadership requires boldness. I know that like me, you remember JFK saying, " We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too. '
That in a nutshell sums up the reasons to remake Ford into an international brand which people look at and say "Winner".
Can they say that today?
I hope that you will choose to make the same decision that President Kennedy made in the early 1960s, and choose to put the full force and might of Ford Motor Company into going to Le Mans and returning to the shores of the United States as the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Let's go racing
Le Mans, France -- So I am officially ready for the race to start. At about noon today, they played The Star Spangled Banner over the PA system. It was a guitar rendition that could have been Jimi Hendrix -- and sent goose bumps up and down my back. A nice applause by the large crowd that is on hand at the end.
Of course another thing that got the blood pumping was the ride to the track (at left) -- we rode on a part of the track -- and it was really a thrill to think of cars rolling along this very road at nearly 200 mph -- and then hitting the chicane's and going to around 60 mph. WOW!
So let's look at what is going on here -- as is the norm -- who is going to win. First, let me note that I am not up to speed on the smaller classes -- but only on the LMP1 where Audi and Peugeot are going head to head with diesel cars.
Peugeot has stolen a little of Audi's thunder by grabbbing the pole position with the best time in qualification but even Peugeot still thinks that Audi is the favorite to win the overall title again -- at least that is what they are intimating by speaking to their three-year plan. Of course Peugeot would love to to win the race and it is not like they won't be trying with all their might -- but there is an underlying thought that they are "just testing" this year. Still they are fast -- but can they last for whole 24 hours.
I chatted with a French fan yesterday over a beer and he thought that the Peugeot was definitely faster than the Audi -- and thought that they might lead for the first eight hours or so of the race but would never last. As an old friend of mine has said often "To finish first, first you must finish."
The pits here are nothing like any of you boat racers have every seen. The Audi and Peugeot
teams make our unlimited teams look like back yard racers. The Peugeot work area (seen at right and located behind the pit wall work area.) is completely hidden from the public and the Audi area is even more the picture of secrecy. Of course cubic dollars allow them to do that but still the presentation is really unbelieveable and there is very little that is seen by the fans or the competition unless the teams want them to be seen. Of course another thing that differs this race from any boat race is that they will have 200,000 plus paying fans tomorrow.
The thought that I have had is that perhaps Audi is laying back in the weeds and letting Peugeot have a little glory prior to the race -- after all Audi has dominated the event since 2000 -- and then drop the boom on Saturday and show Peugeot that they still have a ways to go.
Last night from our room we could hear racers getting their night practice laps in -- much of the time in the rain -- and it was a sweet lulaby to fall asleep to. It is just 1 pm here at the track and there has yet to be any action on the track. I guess that is one of the downsides of racing on public highways -- you can't have the track open 24 by 7.
There is plenty of action on the paddock (at left) which is open to all of the race fans at this time. Interestingly enough for the photographers in the crowd, on race day you can not be in the paddock area making pictures unless you are wearing a driver's fire suit.
The weather here is Seattle-styled -- with rain on the way to the track this morning and clouds and blue sky currently -- and always it seems the threat of rain. If you don't have a rain suit you will definitely get wet zat sometime during the day -- and even with a rain suit the chances that you will get wet are pretty high.
More on the other classes a little later.
Stay tuned.
Of course another thing that got the blood pumping was the ride to the track (at left) -- we rode on a part of the track -- and it was really a thrill to think of cars rolling along this very road at nearly 200 mph -- and then hitting the chicane's and going to around 60 mph. WOW!So let's look at what is going on here -- as is the norm -- who is going to win. First, let me note that I am not up to speed on the smaller classes -- but only on the LMP1 where Audi and Peugeot are going head to head with diesel cars.
Peugeot has stolen a little of Audi's thunder by grabbbing the pole position with the best time in qualification but even Peugeot still thinks that Audi is the favorite to win the overall title again -- at least that is what they are intimating by speaking to their three-year plan. Of course Peugeot would love to to win the race and it is not like they won't be trying with all their might -- but there is an underlying thought that they are "just testing" this year. Still they are fast -- but can they last for whole 24 hours.
I chatted with a French fan yesterday over a beer and he thought that the Peugeot was definitely faster than the Audi -- and thought that they might lead for the first eight hours or so of the race but would never last. As an old friend of mine has said often "To finish first, first you must finish."
The pits here are nothing like any of you boat racers have every seen. The Audi and Peugeot
teams make our unlimited teams look like back yard racers. The Peugeot work area (seen at right and located behind the pit wall work area.) is completely hidden from the public and the Audi area is even more the picture of secrecy. Of course cubic dollars allow them to do that but still the presentation is really unbelieveable and there is very little that is seen by the fans or the competition unless the teams want them to be seen. Of course another thing that differs this race from any boat race is that they will have 200,000 plus paying fans tomorrow.The thought that I have had is that perhaps Audi is laying back in the weeds and letting Peugeot have a little glory prior to the race -- after all Audi has dominated the event since 2000 -- and then drop the boom on Saturday and show Peugeot that they still have a ways to go.
Last night from our room we could hear racers getting their night practice laps in -- much of the time in the rain -- and it was a sweet lulaby to fall asleep to. It is just 1 pm here at the track and there has yet to be any action on the track. I guess that is one of the downsides of racing on public highways -- you can't have the track open 24 by 7.
There is plenty of action on the paddock (at left) which is open to all of the race fans at this time. Interestingly enough for the photographers in the crowd, on race day you can not be in the paddock area making pictures unless you are wearing a driver's fire suit.The weather here is Seattle-styled -- with rain on the way to the track this morning and clouds and blue sky currently -- and always it seems the threat of rain. If you don't have a rain suit you will definitely get wet zat sometime during the day -- and even with a rain suit the chances that you will get wet are pretty high.
More on the other classes a little later.
Stay tuned.
LeMans at last!
Le Mans, France -- Well after 48 hours of travel I finally got to the destination. The flight from Houston went without incident, except for one small hiccup -- we were an hour late leaving the airport due to weather -- so instead of getting to Paris at 11:20 am I did not arrive until about 12:30 pm.
Of course the interesting thing is that one piece of luggage came from Newark and one came from Houston. So much for Continental rubric that your luggage will follow your ticket.
The train ride (at left) from the airport (CDG -- Charles De Gaulle) was an easy two hours or thereabouts but since I had been up for about two days straight with a couple of cat naps here and there I was a little worried that I might sleep through the Le Mans stop.
So once to Le Mans (at right), I had a short wait until Joe showed up at the train station and then it was off for dinner and to our bed and breakfast.
We will post some pictures of the bed and breakfast a little later but for now it is zoom zoom time.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Changes in Le Mans racing
In a press confrence held today at the Musee automobile de la Sarthe, Mr. Jean-Cleade Plassart President of the Automobile club de l'Ouest (A.C.O) announced some of the changes we will see in the future of the 24 heures du mans.
Safety at the track for the drivers, continued addition of sand traps, and revamping of corners.
Further work on fuel consumption Diesel vs. petrol vs. hybrid technology. In 2008 Bio-fuels will be used for the first time. Further research into Hybrid and regenerative technology is also an ongoing plan.
Continuing of The Michelin Energy Challenge which rewards reward those teams that make the best use of the fuel they consume, expressed as an Energy Performance Index (EPI) calculated after each event.
Prizes will be awarded to the best-performing teams in all four categories (LM P1, LMP2, GT1, GT2).
The Energy Performance Index is based on the following parameters:
- The vehicle’s average speed over the total distance covered,
- The vehicles weight,
- The actual fuel consumption of each vehicle (litres/100km)
Reduction of costs in the sport for the GT2 and LM2 Categories, along with more manufactures, like Porsche offering turn key race cars.
Current cars are eligible only up to 2011
Closed roof LM1 and LM2 cars.
Things that Mr. Plassart would like to see, are more diversity in car designs, He stated that historically manufactures have used colors (Ferrari Red). As I see it he would like to see more "production looking" cars, so that someone car easily tell that was a Audi, Porsche, Panoz, Etc..
Continuation of an International strategy with more races all over the world.
Safety at the track for the drivers, continued addition of sand traps, and revamping of corners.
Further work on fuel consumption Diesel vs. petrol vs. hybrid technology. In 2008 Bio-fuels will be used for the first time. Further research into Hybrid and regenerative technology is also an ongoing plan.
Continuing of The Michelin Energy Challenge which rewards reward those teams that make the best use of the fuel they consume, expressed as an Energy Performance Index (EPI) calculated after each event.
Prizes will be awarded to the best-performing teams in all four categories (LM P1, LMP2, GT1, GT2).
The Energy Performance Index is based on the following parameters:
- The vehicle’s average speed over the total distance covered,
- The vehicles weight,
- The actual fuel consumption of each vehicle (litres/100km)
Reduction of costs in the sport for the GT2 and LM2 Categories, along with more manufactures, like Porsche offering turn key race cars.
Current cars are eligible only up to 2011
Closed roof LM1 and LM2 cars.
Things that Mr. Plassart would like to see, are more diversity in car designs, He stated that historically manufactures have used colors (Ferrari Red). As I see it he would like to see more "production looking" cars, so that someone car easily tell that was a Audi, Porsche, Panoz, Etc..
Continuation of an International strategy with more races all over the world.
Spirit of Le Mans Awards
Since 2001 the Automobile club de l'Ouest has been giving this award yearly to individuals who's work has made a significant contribution to the 24 hours of Le Mans. This year two presentations were made, the first being to Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich Manager of Audisport Competition. Dr Ullrich was chosen this year for his success at Le Mans over the past 8 years, creating one of the most winning est teams in the history of the sport. A second an almost more important Spirit of Le Mans award was given to French journalist Jacques Issautier who is reporting on Le Mans this year for the 58th time, the first being in 1948, only taking a year off due to health conditions. Mr Issautier has spent more then a year, in weeks at his home away from home here at the Circuit De La Sarthe. Each Spirit of Le Mans award winner was presented with a Rolex watch.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
The joys of international travel
Houston, TX -- I was suppose to be able to enjoy the first sounds of Le Mans today -- but with the help of a tropical depression that hit the New York City yesterday and the total ineptitude of Continental Airline management, I missed the flight out of Newark Liberty Airport.
It was not just me, but many, many, travellers and so I stood in line at the Continental Customer Service Center last night while a myriad of other travellers slept on the floor while waiting for server from what I will really call the no service center. That is really a story for another time -- but you can see the results in this picture.Had I remained in Newark, I would have had to wait until 10 pm Eastern time and then fly to Manchester in the UK, and then hop another flight to Paris. By taking the morning flight to Houston, I jump on a 5:50 flight and get into Paris only a day later.
But such is life in the world of international travel. I am a bit heart broken that I lost a day with Joe at Le Man -- but I could not help but think of the masses that were corralled in a variety of places after Katrina -- compared to them we had a picnic.
Tomorrow is a new day and I am looking forward to the roar of Le Mans.
Caen
Well I made it to Caen, unfortunately Caen does not equal Normandy Beaches, which were another 45 minutes by car. Since I was lacking a car, and renting a car or motorcycle would probably break the bank I decided to go to the Memorial de Caen, which is a WWII memorial plus a memorial to peace. It was a very interesting experience, but it was lacking on D-Day information, which was a bummer. Finding a taxi to the memorial was easy as most of the taxis tend to hover around the train stations. Getting a taxi from the memorial was another question all together... So what did I do, I began walking.... well due to boy scouts I am pretty good at land navigation, even in a foriegn country, because I didn't see a taxi until I had walked nearly back to the Gare de Caen.... a mere 4.6km. From there a beer at a small pub outside the station, a cafe and sandwich in the station, and I was off to Le Mans, where I checked into out Bed and Breakfast, and then took a taxi to the track, where after a bit of wandering around, and some help from a very nice lady I was pointed in the correct direction of the Media tent.
Public transportation in France is second to none, however public transportation at a racetrack is usually hectic at best. I called a taxi, and after 20 minutes I never say it, though I suspect it was hijacked by another group. So I took the bus
spécial 24 du mans, back to the Gare Le Mans, to grab a taxi, about 45 minutes in total.
Public transportation in France is second to none, however public transportation at a racetrack is usually hectic at best. I called a taxi, and after 20 minutes I never say it, though I suspect it was hijacked by another group. So I took the bus
spécial 24 du mans, back to the Gare Le Mans, to grab a taxi, about 45 minutes in total.
Rouen "the city of a hundred spires
I made it to Rouen today. I walked from my hotel in Paris, along the Haussmann Boulevard to the Gare St. Lazare, where after much searching I figured out how to buy a ticket to Rouen. Boarded the train, and with a little hesitation, was off. The trains in France, are pretty cool, but as far as I can see are not very intuitive. I did manage to get my ticket punched before entering the train, however I am still unsure if the 18.90 Euros I payed for a ticket is a round trip. I do not see "retour" or anything like that stamped on the ticket. It seems like it is only good for one way, however I could have sworn that I saw Paris-Rouen 9,50E on the window... then again it could be the Jet Lag talking.
Rouen is pretty neat, although quite touristy. My Hotel is about 900 meters from the train station, and about 2000 from where Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc) was held before and during her trial.
From there I saw a huge spire, off in the distance, and with little trouble I found my way to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen (Rouen Cathedral) only stopping once at an "Irish Pub" to grab a beer.
Upon entering the Cathedral, you can't help be simply blown away. The Cathedral was the tallest building in the world from 1876 until 1880, and was bombed several times in 1944.
It contains the tomb of Richard the Lionheart, which only contains his head. From there I walked around looking at the shops, and people, and finally back to my Hotel, where I got cleaned up, and went out for dinner at an Indian restaurant around the corner from my Hotel.
Tomorrow it is off to Le Mans, however I am going to try and take an early morning train to Caen, and to the Normandy beaches, as there wasn't any sort of tour bus from Rouen. I would upload pictures, but since I am using my cellphone as a modem, and I feel it would severely overwhelm the sensitive French cellular network here in Rouen, I will try and post pictures tomorrow.
Some things on my mind: Is there a difference between un café svp and un espresso svp, both seem to taste the same, and are in the same size cup.
More from Le Mans, and maybe Caen tomorrow
Rouen is pretty neat, although quite touristy. My Hotel is about 900 meters from the train station, and about 2000 from where Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc) was held before and during her trial.
From there I saw a huge spire, off in the distance, and with little trouble I found my way to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen (Rouen Cathedral) only stopping once at an "Irish Pub" to grab a beer.Upon entering the Cathedral, you can't help be simply blown away. The Cathedral was the tallest building in the world from 1876 until 1880, and was bombed several times in 1944.
It contains the tomb of Richard the Lionheart, which only contains his head. From there I walked around looking at the shops, and people, and finally back to my Hotel, where I got cleaned up, and went out for dinner at an Indian restaurant around the corner from my Hotel.
Tomorrow it is off to Le Mans, however I am going to try and take an early morning train to Caen, and to the Normandy beaches, as there wasn't any sort of tour bus from Rouen. I would upload pictures, but since I am using my cellphone as a modem, and I feel it would severely overwhelm the sensitive French cellular network here in Rouen, I will try and post pictures tomorrow.
Some things on my mind: Is there a difference between un café svp and un espresso svp, both seem to taste the same, and are in the same size cup.
More from Le Mans, and maybe Caen tomorrow
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Paris
Well I made it, Paris France. The weather was far more humid then I figured it would be, with 94% humidity. My plane landed at Paris - CDG International airport, and from there I took a cab to my hotel. Traffic in Paris is crazy... Stop signs and lights seem to be taken as suggestions. Motorcycles and Mopeds split lanes with reckless abandon. Zigging and Zagging in front of cars, onto sidewalks, and anywhere else that will put them ahead of the next person on the way to their destination.
Unfortunately my plans for Paris was to check into the Hotel, grab a quick Lunch and then hit The louvre. Well that didn't end up happening, I grabbed lunch, then went back to my room to look up the best way to get to the museum, when I was attacked by jet lag, being awake mostly for the last 24 hours with only a couple hours of sleep, I closed my eyes for a few minutes and woke up a few hours later.
So I did what anyone would do... I went for a walk from my hotel at 36 Rue De L'Echiquier and must have walked about 5 or so Miles. Walked up all around managing to get lost 3 or 4 times. Paris is one of the only places that I have been too that 4 left turns puts you in a completely different spot then you started. I had a lot of fun walking around the area I am staying. In the evening I spotted a bunch of lights from my hotel, and walked up to it, about 8 city blocks, and found Paroisse St Vincent de Paul. Tomorrow if all goes well and I can figure out where to catch my train, I will go to Rouen, check into my hotel, and then find a way to get up to the Normandy beaches, and see some of the WWII Memorials.
Unfortunately my plans for Paris was to check into the Hotel, grab a quick Lunch and then hit The louvre. Well that didn't end up happening, I grabbed lunch, then went back to my room to look up the best way to get to the museum, when I was attacked by jet lag, being awake mostly for the last 24 hours with only a couple hours of sleep, I closed my eyes for a few minutes and woke up a few hours later.
So I did what anyone would do... I went for a walk from my hotel at 36 Rue De L'Echiquier and must have walked about 5 or so Miles. Walked up all around managing to get lost 3 or 4 times. Paris is one of the only places that I have been too that 4 left turns puts you in a completely different spot then you started. I had a lot of fun walking around the area I am staying. In the evening I spotted a bunch of lights from my hotel, and walked up to it, about 8 city blocks, and found Paroisse St Vincent de Paul. Tomorrow if all goes well and I can figure out where to catch my train, I will go to Rouen, check into my hotel, and then find a way to get up to the Normandy beaches, and see some of the WWII Memorials.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Houston, Joe has arrived
Houston, TX -- Joe arrived in Houston to 89 degrees and humidity that he does not remember -- though I am not sure if you ever get use to that kind of mugginess. His mother and I dropped him at the airport last night around 11 and it was actually pretty easy -- no lines at the ticket counter and no lines for security (at left). He got into Minneapolis around two am (we asked him not to call, thank you very much) but he did send an email to let us know he arrived ok.
I thought he might be to Houston by the time we awoke -- but he was still in the air. Today it is pretty cool to be able to track the flight in real time. I used Flytecomm which is a pretty good tool for flights within the United States and Canada. For his flight to Paris, which leaves in a couple of hours, I will use Flightstats.com (the link should give you Joe's progress, if you care.) The image below is from Flytecomm and shows show about 30 minutes out from Houston. Click on it to see the larger version.
St. Paul, MN : Leg 2 of the trip
Playing the waiting game has never been one of my strong points. Maybe it is the A.D.D but just sitting around doing nothing has always been a particularly difficult thing for me to do. Saturday June 9th was one busy day for me, trying to get packed for my trip while juggling work and last minute errands. Seattle to St. Paul was a blur, and I think I slept about an hour of the two hour and 25 minute flight. The plane arrived early in St. Paul, with a local time of 5:15am (3:15am PST) June 10th. It is now 8:29 local time (6:29 PST) and I was just informed that my flight to Houston is running late.
I honestly don't care that the plane is late, as I have another 3 hour layover in Houston before going the final leg to Paris. Of course my mind is now racing with all of the possibilities that can now go wrong, will my flight ever show up? Will the pilots show up. Will my bag make the Paris transfer? I guess only time can tell.
I will probably post next from Houston, unless things get frantic, then next dispatch Paris France.
I honestly don't care that the plane is late, as I have another 3 hour layover in Houston before going the final leg to Paris. Of course my mind is now racing with all of the possibilities that can now go wrong, will my flight ever show up? Will the pilots show up. Will my bag make the Paris transfer? I guess only time can tell.
I will probably post next from Houston, unless things get frantic, then next dispatch Paris France.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
We are off to LeMans!
North Bend, WA -- Well the dream of Father's Day at Le Mans, France for the 75th Running of the 24 hours of Le Mans will get its official start early Sunday morning when son Joseph gets on an airplane for his three-legged trip to Paris.
Flying on air miles, he had to take an itinerary to get to France that will take him from Seattle to Minneapolis, from Minneapolis to Houston, and then finally a direct flight from Houston to Paris. On the way back, however, he gets a straight shot on Air France, Paris to Seattle.
So far he is nervous as a bride on her wedding day, with a number of issues from his job looming over his head as well as trying to get packed for his first trip -- his first off the North American continent.
The plan is for him to spend a day in Paris and see the Louvre and then take a day and see Rouen and Normandy. Rouen is a very historic city, and the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. It is also the home of a 24 Hour boat race.
Wednesday he will head to LeMans and I will meet him there and we will officially be race bums for the rest of the week -- making pictures and filing stories to amaze and delight you.
Stay tuned.
Flying on air miles, he had to take an itinerary to get to France that will take him from Seattle to Minneapolis, from Minneapolis to Houston, and then finally a direct flight from Houston to Paris. On the way back, however, he gets a straight shot on Air France, Paris to Seattle.
So far he is nervous as a bride on her wedding day, with a number of issues from his job looming over his head as well as trying to get packed for his first trip -- his first off the North American continent.
The plan is for him to spend a day in Paris and see the Louvre and then take a day and see Rouen and Normandy. Rouen is a very historic city, and the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. It is also the home of a 24 Hour boat race.
Wednesday he will head to LeMans and I will meet him there and we will officially be race bums for the rest of the week -- making pictures and filing stories to amaze and delight you.
Stay tuned.
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