Quote:
95jersey said:
CORVETTE RACING SEEKS REVENGE IN SEBRING

Sebring, Fla. - It's the only blemish in an otherwise spotless record. In Corvette Racing's last 21 races, only once have Corvette drivers not been standing on the top step of the victory podium.

Corvette Racing's C6.R race cars finished second and third in last year's Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in their competition debut, the team's only loss since the start of the 2004 season. Now with a pair of new Corvette C6.Rs ready for their racing baptism on March 18 in this year's edition of the classic 12-hour endurance contest, Corvette Racing is aiming to avenge the one that got away.

The bottom line: The new Corvette C6.Rs must weigh 1180 kilograms (2601 pounds), a 176-pound increase over last year. Consequently the yellow Corvettes are now 121 pounds heavier than their Aston Martin and Saleen competitors. Adjustments to engine intake air restrictors have also benefited Corvette Racing's rivals.

"We've demonstrated over the last 12 months our willingness to work with the sanctioning body to help teams that don't have the technology available to them that we have at Corvette Racing," said Fehan. "In the interest of great racing, sometimes adjustments have to be made for those whose car, technology and engineering are not the equal of the Corvette. Providing some rules concessions will help them to be competitive. This will strengthen the Series and ultimately add to the enjoyment of the fans."

"I learned in the test that the additional weight has had an effect on the braking and handling of the car. The braking points have been backed up a little, and the corner exit speed is slightly slower. We're going to have to be more disciplined in our driving style to conserve the tires and brakes though a long run.

"In spite of the extra weight, the Corvette C6.R is still a fantastic machine," Gavin declared. "The team is constantly improving each little part, and that's reflected in the results on the race track. Even though we have won a lot of races, they never sit back and think they've done enough. They're always pushing, always striving to make the car better."

Ron Fellows, a three-time Sebring 12-hour winner with Corvette Racing, agreed: "The new car handles well, but we have to be conscious of brake and tire wear carrying that additional weight. The engineers have found ways to make improvements by fine tuning the chassis."



Looks like they got their revenge...with 120lbs more than their competitors and a smaller intake restrictor. What a great race. I love endurance racing because strategy has so much more to do with it than a quick qualifying laps.