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The American Le Mans Series Race, Club Weekend
The ALMS race in Salt Lake City was attended by 16 members of our club. Dave
Strong Porsche sponsored the Porscheplatz tent where many of our club members
spent much of their time.
On Friday, May 18, everyone had special invitations to
tour three different team garages. Our group first visited the Tafel Porsche race
team where we had a close look at the new 997 RSR and a chance to ask questions
to their media relations manager as well as watch the mechanics prepare the cars
for the race. Their team went on to finish 3rd in the GT2 class the following day.
Next we visited the garage of the Petersen/White Lightning Ferrari Team (they
went on to win the GT2 class-congratulations to them). Unfortunately, the car was
headed to inspection when we arrived but we still had a chance to ask questions
about the team & car and what their plans were for the future. This team has
previously won Le Mans twice in a Porsche and this year they decided to switch to
Ferrari (traitors-one day they will return to Porsche). Next, we had a rare visit to
the Porsche Motorsports Transport where everything that the Porsche teams may
require during a race is kept ready for their use. Finally, we had a tour of the Dyson
RS Spyder’s team garage. Team principal, Peter Dyson, conducted the tour
personally for us. He answered questions, showed us around the car and allowed
us into the pit area. Peter was most generous with his time during his hectic race
week. It was a rare opportunity to get that close to the RS Spyder since it is still a
highly secretive car for Porsche. Jeff Kismet also got a chance to sit in Peter’s
Carrera GT (dream on Jeff).
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Friday evening most of our members attended a group dinner at the Little
America Hotel restaurant (14 in total). Everyone there was looking for some time
to wind down with friends and have an enjoyable dinner after a long afternoon
spent at the track. On Saturday (race day) we had a chance to meet members from
the surrounding regions and we were provided with a nice lunch in the Porsche
tent. Several Porsche teams along with Michelin, Mobil 1, VP race fuels and two
Porsche engineers from Germany stopped by for a Q&A session. Some good
questions were asked, so it was informative for all who attended. Most of us had a
chance to take some slow speed laps on the track. Driving in our own cars gave us
a chance to see what it would be like to race on such a beautiful circuit. We then
prepared for the real show. Porsche race teams did not disappoint us. The RS
Spyder finished 1, 3, 4 and 5 overall; 1, 2, 3, 4 in the very tough LMP2 class; and 2
& 3 in the GT2 class. We couldn’t have asked for better results-well maybe first in
the GT2 class. There is always next year!
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