CHAMPION MOTORSPORT
Photo Coutersy:Grand-Am
A strong combination of veteran road racers, and young drivers will compete in one special prototype racer as sports cars' most successful marque at Daytona prepares for the 40th running of the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona February 2-3.
Leading the Porsche charge in the prototype class for the checkered flag for America's most famous endurance race is the #38 Champion Racing Porsche/Lola, driven by Andy Wallace/Lucas Luhr/Hurley Haywood/Sascha Maassen. The car, which debuted at Sebring a lmost two years ago, has gone through an extensive development program leading up to its outstanding performance at Daytona test days January 3-5, where the car was third fastest overall. Haywood, from nearby Jacksonville, has won the 24 Hours at Dayton a a record five times dating back to 1973, while Luhr, a German Porsche factory driver, was in the winning GT Class Porsche which also finished second overall last year. Maassen, also a German Porsche factory driver, and the veteran Andy Wallace -- drove the Champion Porsche at Daytona last year, when it was running second before retiring at the nine-hour mark.
Powered by the 3.2-liter, Le Mans winning Porsche GT-1 motor with twin turbochargers, the #38 Porsche Lola is now capable of winning the race overall, according to Champion team officials.
"We have successfully mated two reluctant -- in terms of fitting together easily - titans of the auto racing world, Lola chassis and Porsche drivetrain, into a unique race car which can now contend for the overall victory at America's most well-known sports car event," said Brad Kettler, Champion's crew chief. "Even with all the success Champion Racing has achieved with both Porsche and Audi race cars, a victory at Daytona would be the greatest success for us and our Pompano Beach, Florida-based dealership. "
Back to 2002 Rolex 24 Index
Created and Designed by John Favata
Last updated Jan.30,2002
