- 7,177
- Lisboa
- FLAT_TWELVE
It seems (just read it in www.planetlemans.com ) that JLOC can participate if they can finish the car in time!
24 Hours of Le Mans - 2007
- Thread starter JohnBM01
- 196 comments
- 12,217 views
- 150
- thebtspecial
- 1,044
- GTP_KARTRACER
- why waste the money
VCR is set,alarm is set for 5:30 am.I'm all set for this year.Only 7 hrs to go before the pre race show.Is this the last year for open tops in P1 & P2?
- 26,911
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
National Weather Service for Houston: scattered showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Looks like my chances of seeing as much of Le Mans as possible may be altered. Hopefully not real bad, though. This is the second successive year that bad weather's going to impact my watching of this event. That is great news for the JLOC team to possibly have a chance to get into this year's Le Mans. I'm sure a lot of details will be available once Le Mans hits the airwaves.
Now for some random comments on Le Mans. Some of my more recent posts about Le Mans have regarded my most intimate feelings regarding the Le Mans endurance. Whether you regard this race as being not as good as some other favorite race of yours, this is MY favorite race event. "Greatest Race in the World" can be a cliché to many people. Same goes for "Greatest Drivers in the World." Something I usually can't comprehend is how teams sort of want to treat a 24-hour race like it's a sprint race. That's not usually the case often times in endurance racing. Sure, you want to put in as best of an effort as possible along with effort from the pit crew and other drivers. However, everyone needs to be on top of their game to win. I remember from the 2004 Le Mans that I taped in which Derek Daly made this comment during Hour One: (indirect quote) "...teams are advised to push the car as hard as they can, just don't abuse it." It was in response to one of the Team Veloqx(?) Audi R8s (silver with faded purple paintscheme) took a wheel or two off the road at the Ford Chicane. I really don't know how you'd plan your attack around Le Mans. I generally think of Le Mans as a high-speed playground, only that there are those corners that will remind you that this is no French Autobahn. The Dunlop Chicane is the first pet peeve. You can get it right a lot of times, or you could get it wrong (as I've done in "Le Mans 24 Hours" and "Gran Turismo 4" at times). Tetre Rouge is another pet peeve. It's tricky because there are a number of ways to attack it and come out clean. If I'm running a steady line into that corner, I could just let off the throttle a bit and turn just enough so that I don't go off course to the left. My true challenge around Le Mans has to be Arnage. It's an acute angle turn leading to the tricky Porsche Curves. The final pet peeves are the final two chicanes. As I've said before, this is sportscar racing. It isn't about one driver from one team. EVERY driver on the team has to keep the car in great shape to navigate around the course and win. Drivers will have to come out later and do another round of driving. Hopefully you'll make it to the end to savor one of the most beautiful racing moments- watching the cars form up in rows of two or three as they cross the line. I think this formation the drivers do at Le Mans is classy and gentleman-like. It's a great gesture after a grueling 24-hour race. It isn't necessarily about "why aren't they racing each other to the line like men late?" Well, unless the Le Mans endurance sees Audi vs. Peugeot seperated by less than 0.5 seconds on the final lap, then it might be a race! ^_^
I'll end this post with some final thoughts before I make ready to see as much Le Mans as possible.
John's Final Thoughts...
...for the competitors:
I wish all of you the very best. You worked a long while to make it to this point. I always say here on GTPlanet that by virtue of being invited to compete in this race, you're already a winner regardless of where you place at the end. Think of it like the NCAA Men's basketball tournament. Sixty-five teams will have earned (unless there's some snubs. Remember when DePaul got shafted this past season and Air Force getting in the season before?) their way to compete for a grand prize. Well, you teams span four different classes. This should be a fun experience. This has been a great race since 1923. Continue showcasing yourselves as some of the finest racers in the world at Le Mans. Lots of time and money have been invested to make the trek to Le Mans. So go forth and battle time as well as the almost 8.5 mile course. In case some people may experience their very first Le Mans (my very first was 2001), I'm hopeful you all can introduce people to Le Mans with great racing and purely exotic racing machines. And remember- go hard or go home. May God be with all of you in your 24-hour journey.
...for the fans:
You all help make Le Mans what it is. You love it as a showcase of the world's finest racers competiting in a grueling race of time and energy. It's usually said (especially here in America) that most of us sportscar racing fans are of a selective audience different from other popular mainstream motorsports. Le Mans happens only once a year. We anticipate the race for months on end. It is a weekend celebration of speed to be enjoyed by all racing fans. As much of sportscar racing (or just racing) fans as we are, I sometimes wish more people can at least appreciate this style of racing and not just write it off as some boring deal. I'd love to one day go to Le Mans, but my usual excuse is that I'm pre-occupied with school and don't really want to travel about now. You people who'll be in person at Le Mans, hope you have a great time and maybe talk about what the experience is like. If you happen to be on camera, why not just shamely promote gtplanet.net while you're at it? ^_^ The Speed Channel coverage goes off into the Radio Le Mans coverage late in the morning here in America. I had the honor in last year's race to direct an E-Mail question to RLM. I asked about air conditioning in cars. They said that it was probably going to be too tough to explain while the race was going on, but at least I've put Southeast Texas briefly on the map when most of us are either clubbing, sleeping, or actually watching the race on TV or online. Felt so giddy when I heard one of the announcers say: "John Marine of Houston, Texas writes..." That's my name and my hometown. I was a happy boy. Anyhow, enjoy this race. The Audi/Peugeot match has been the key headline since this racing deal got off the ground. I'd love to savor every moment of this juggernaut vs. upstart match. However you plan on enjoying Le Mans, enjoy it nonetheless.
Keep this thread busy, people! I will add comments on GTPlanet if I'm able to get online late Saturday morning or early Sunday morning (usually between 12AM - 3AM CDT). Enjoy Le Mans 2007. I'll come by in a future post and offer my thoughts and opinions. I'll even offer debate and discussion questions to keep the topic of Le Mans fresh in our minds. Enjoy Le Mans! Au revoir!
Now for some random comments on Le Mans. Some of my more recent posts about Le Mans have regarded my most intimate feelings regarding the Le Mans endurance. Whether you regard this race as being not as good as some other favorite race of yours, this is MY favorite race event. "Greatest Race in the World" can be a cliché to many people. Same goes for "Greatest Drivers in the World." Something I usually can't comprehend is how teams sort of want to treat a 24-hour race like it's a sprint race. That's not usually the case often times in endurance racing. Sure, you want to put in as best of an effort as possible along with effort from the pit crew and other drivers. However, everyone needs to be on top of their game to win. I remember from the 2004 Le Mans that I taped in which Derek Daly made this comment during Hour One: (indirect quote) "...teams are advised to push the car as hard as they can, just don't abuse it." It was in response to one of the Team Veloqx(?) Audi R8s (silver with faded purple paintscheme) took a wheel or two off the road at the Ford Chicane. I really don't know how you'd plan your attack around Le Mans. I generally think of Le Mans as a high-speed playground, only that there are those corners that will remind you that this is no French Autobahn. The Dunlop Chicane is the first pet peeve. You can get it right a lot of times, or you could get it wrong (as I've done in "Le Mans 24 Hours" and "Gran Turismo 4" at times). Tetre Rouge is another pet peeve. It's tricky because there are a number of ways to attack it and come out clean. If I'm running a steady line into that corner, I could just let off the throttle a bit and turn just enough so that I don't go off course to the left. My true challenge around Le Mans has to be Arnage. It's an acute angle turn leading to the tricky Porsche Curves. The final pet peeves are the final two chicanes. As I've said before, this is sportscar racing. It isn't about one driver from one team. EVERY driver on the team has to keep the car in great shape to navigate around the course and win. Drivers will have to come out later and do another round of driving. Hopefully you'll make it to the end to savor one of the most beautiful racing moments- watching the cars form up in rows of two or three as they cross the line. I think this formation the drivers do at Le Mans is classy and gentleman-like. It's a great gesture after a grueling 24-hour race. It isn't necessarily about "why aren't they racing each other to the line like men late?" Well, unless the Le Mans endurance sees Audi vs. Peugeot seperated by less than 0.5 seconds on the final lap, then it might be a race! ^_^
I'll end this post with some final thoughts before I make ready to see as much Le Mans as possible.
John's Final Thoughts...
...for the competitors:
I wish all of you the very best. You worked a long while to make it to this point. I always say here on GTPlanet that by virtue of being invited to compete in this race, you're already a winner regardless of where you place at the end. Think of it like the NCAA Men's basketball tournament. Sixty-five teams will have earned (unless there's some snubs. Remember when DePaul got shafted this past season and Air Force getting in the season before?) their way to compete for a grand prize. Well, you teams span four different classes. This should be a fun experience. This has been a great race since 1923. Continue showcasing yourselves as some of the finest racers in the world at Le Mans. Lots of time and money have been invested to make the trek to Le Mans. So go forth and battle time as well as the almost 8.5 mile course. In case some people may experience their very first Le Mans (my very first was 2001), I'm hopeful you all can introduce people to Le Mans with great racing and purely exotic racing machines. And remember- go hard or go home. May God be with all of you in your 24-hour journey.
...for the fans:
You all help make Le Mans what it is. You love it as a showcase of the world's finest racers competiting in a grueling race of time and energy. It's usually said (especially here in America) that most of us sportscar racing fans are of a selective audience different from other popular mainstream motorsports. Le Mans happens only once a year. We anticipate the race for months on end. It is a weekend celebration of speed to be enjoyed by all racing fans. As much of sportscar racing (or just racing) fans as we are, I sometimes wish more people can at least appreciate this style of racing and not just write it off as some boring deal. I'd love to one day go to Le Mans, but my usual excuse is that I'm pre-occupied with school and don't really want to travel about now. You people who'll be in person at Le Mans, hope you have a great time and maybe talk about what the experience is like. If you happen to be on camera, why not just shamely promote gtplanet.net while you're at it? ^_^ The Speed Channel coverage goes off into the Radio Le Mans coverage late in the morning here in America. I had the honor in last year's race to direct an E-Mail question to RLM. I asked about air conditioning in cars. They said that it was probably going to be too tough to explain while the race was going on, but at least I've put Southeast Texas briefly on the map when most of us are either clubbing, sleeping, or actually watching the race on TV or online. Felt so giddy when I heard one of the announcers say: "John Marine of Houston, Texas writes..." That's my name and my hometown. I was a happy boy. Anyhow, enjoy this race. The Audi/Peugeot match has been the key headline since this racing deal got off the ground. I'd love to savor every moment of this juggernaut vs. upstart match. However you plan on enjoying Le Mans, enjoy it nonetheless.
Keep this thread busy, people! I will add comments on GTPlanet if I'm able to get online late Saturday morning or early Sunday morning (usually between 12AM - 3AM CDT). Enjoy Le Mans 2007. I'll come by in a future post and offer my thoughts and opinions. I'll even offer debate and discussion questions to keep the topic of Le Mans fresh in our minds. Enjoy Le Mans! Au revoir!
- 1,499
- Darkest Kent....
- Slackbladder
- DarkSideDaMoon
Goddammit.. There's no terrestrial coverage of Le Mans in the UK. Bloody hell. 
One of the most prestigious events of the year and not one channel can be arsed to provide any coverage. Bunch of toss***s!🤬
At least there's F1 this weekend... But I'm still
as hell!!
One of the most prestigious events of the year and not one channel can be arsed to provide any coverage. Bunch of toss***s!🤬 At least there's F1 this weekend... But I'm still
as hell!!Listening to Radio Le Mans & keeping up with live timing. There's been a bit of rain near the curves & everyone went to the pits...Apparently it's not raining enough for everyone to put on full wets!
the first 4 positions are 2, 1, 8, 7.
P1: To clarify, Capello is leading with Pirro by 1:12.365. Peugeot is about a second behind Pirro.
P2: Lola AER leads
GT1: Astons are doing very well, at times 3 Astons leading the category.
GT2: Scuderia just took the lead from the Porsches.
I don't know why you guys are so fascinated about the JLOC Murcielago, but just to update you guys they're bringing up the rear.
the first 4 positions are 2, 1, 8, 7.
P1: To clarify, Capello is leading with Pirro by 1:12.365. Peugeot is about a second behind Pirro.
P2: Lola AER leads
GT1: Astons are doing very well, at times 3 Astons leading the category.
GT2: Scuderia just took the lead from the Porsches.
I don't know why you guys are so fascinated about the JLOC Murcielago, but just to update you guys they're bringing up the rear.
- 10,838
- Belgium
- bramturismo
Too bad I missed that moment...Anyway, I'm not surprised to see the Audis leading the Peugeot's. The second place Audi doesn't get too far ahead of the Peugeots but the first place Audi really shows why they're the best. At the moment, the Pescarolo is in 3rd as I'm speaking...Best thing is, Motors TV is following the race the whole 24 hours, incredible effort 
On that, I'd like to talk about the qualifying times. Peugeot set the fastest time, a 3'26.344. What amazes me is that for all of you who remeber Le Mans 1999, one the Toyota's set a 3:29.930. That's less than 4 seconds slower, yet it's 8 years older. I'm beginning to wonder where the GT-One would've been would it still be active in Le Mans races...1999 is still my favourit year, despite Toyota being cursed by Michelin (all three cars had a tyre blow which cost them the lead). Also, should that third Toyota not have had that blown tyre, we could well have the chance to see an enormous battle between Toyota and BMW as the Toyota was incredibly fast. I've found some footage, but I'll post that later, first this race
On that, I'd like to talk about the qualifying times. Peugeot set the fastest time, a 3'26.344. What amazes me is that for all of you who remeber Le Mans 1999, one the Toyota's set a 3:29.930. That's less than 4 seconds slower, yet it's 8 years older. I'm beginning to wonder where the GT-One would've been would it still be active in Le Mans races...1999 is still my favourit year, despite Toyota being cursed by Michelin (all three cars had a tyre blow which cost them the lead). Also, should that third Toyota not have had that blown tyre, we could well have the chance to see an enormous battle between Toyota and BMW as the Toyota was incredibly fast. I've found some footage, but I'll post that later, first this race
- 21,286
- GR-MI-USA
- YSSMAN
- YSSMAN
I thought the 009 Aston was leading the Corvette by a bit?
I know the #64 Corvette is out with a broken driveshaft, which is the first Corvette in eight years to not complete a LeMans race. Thats too bad.
Radio LeMans has a live feed for those of us who can't watch it (damn you Comcast!), so its about as good as it gets.
...I hear the Peugeot 908 was having some problems, which is a shame. I was hoping for a French upset this year...
I know the #64 Corvette is out with a broken driveshaft, which is the first Corvette in eight years to not complete a LeMans race. Thats too bad.
Radio LeMans has a live feed for those of us who can't watch it (damn you Comcast!), so its about as good as it gets.
...I hear the Peugeot 908 was having some problems, which is a shame. I was hoping for a French upset this year...
- 5,632
- Malaysia
- MuzaffarMusa
Hey,i got the link to the radio for the Le Mans race.it was http://www.radiolemans.com/(its the same radio link from Nurburgring 24 hours thread).Sure its not as good as a internet tv,but it will do enough to tell you something.Sorry if this was not helpful or anything 
- 68
SpeedTV is now showing NASCAR truck races instead of Le Mans. What the hell is wrong with these people? NASCAR truck has to be about the most pointless racing ever.
SPEED is a mere shell of what it used to be...But that's another topic altogether.
Anyways, I'm quite impressed with the Astons, which have now cracked the top 10. I'm also surprised that the Oreca Saleens have not really been competitive...
I'm hoping for a French win also, but there's still a lot of racing left!
Anyways, I'm quite impressed with the Astons, which have now cracked the top 10. I'm also surprised that the Oreca Saleens have not really been competitive...
I'm hoping for a French win also, but there's still a lot of racing left!
- 21,286
- GR-MI-USA
- YSSMAN
- YSSMAN
...Keep in mind SPEED is still showing more than 17 hours of the race, so thats about as good as it gets. Its still the semi-official/official NASCAR channel, so its going to show the races.
I'm loving listening to it. The Corvettes are soooooo easy to hear, it really isn't funny. Everything sounds like its coming through a tin can until you get the "BAAAAWWWWWWW" flying by. Just simple, raw, American power.
...Shame they aren't up front like I had hoped. The 006 and 009 Astons are leading the Vettes now (I believe the Fellows #63 is in third), but there is still a bit of racing left. Lets hope the Astons can hold together...
I'm loving listening to it. The Corvettes are soooooo easy to hear, it really isn't funny. Everything sounds like its coming through a tin can until you get the "BAAAAWWWWWWW" flying by. Just simple, raw, American power.
...Shame they aren't up front like I had hoped. The 006 and 009 Astons are leading the Vettes now (I believe the Fellows #63 is in third), but there is still a bit of racing left. Lets hope the Astons can hold together...
- 68
Whats with Saleens? I havent heard anything about them. I was expecting more from them after they qualified so well.
- 10,838
- Belgium
- bramturismo
This race is just evolving as I was expecting. Audi showing great speed, yet very consistent at the same time as well while Peugeot suffers from troubles (This is what you get when not doing Sebring!). The Pescarolos are eating from the same cookie as last year again; Taking positions there where other teams have bad luck (Referring to last years overtaking when the number 7 Audi had troubles). The race is not over, but I think we have an image of how the race will end...
YSSMAN: About the Vettes, I agree with the awesome sound, but no car this year defeats the Astons in terms of noise IMO
YSSMAN: About the Vettes, I agree with the awesome sound, but no car this year defeats the Astons in terms of noise IMO
- 512
W00t! Radio LeMans, has cured my fix so far! I missed the start this morning( I overslept) and now I got to wait for SPEED to put it back on at 5:30. Glad to here that the 'vettes are losing. I'm not a big vette fan....... I have a question to ask, do you think when Ford was running the GT, they should've ran the GT in the ALMS and LeMans race?
And yes, SPEED is slowly turning to the NASCAR Channel. I mean I love NASCAR, but that was the place I went to go watch all the international/Sportscar races.
And yes, SPEED is slowly turning to the NASCAR Channel. I mean I love NASCAR, but that was the place I went to go watch all the international/Sportscar races.
It's now about 2:40 am in France.
P1: Peugeot 5 laps behind the 2 Audis
GT1: Astons 8 & 9 overall, Vette still trails...positions 8-15 are all GT1 cars!
GT2: Ferrari still leads Porsche. The Salo car has proven to be very fast.
TT94 - When did Ford ran the GT? Anyways, I think the best outlet for this car is in FIA GT. I'm not sure how well this car would fare in the GT1 category...
P1: Peugeot 5 laps behind the 2 Audis
GT1: Astons 8 & 9 overall, Vette still trails...positions 8-15 are all GT1 cars!
GT2: Ferrari still leads Porsche. The Salo car has proven to be very fast.
TT94 - When did Ford ran the GT? Anyways, I think the best outlet for this car is in FIA GT. I'm not sure how well this car would fare in the GT1 category...
- 9,089
- Scotland
and the skoda has entered the pits!! 
- 512
- 21,286
- GR-MI-USA
- YSSMAN
- YSSMAN
Thats too bad on the Vette opinion, as at least where I stand, the impressive performance of the C5.R and C6.R models are both stunning examples of showing how Americans can do it, and indeed do it right. The Astons have always ran closely to the Vettes, although previous tire choices (as well as mechanical failures) have shut them out.
...On the Ford situation, there were a few privateers that campaigned the GT here in North America, but I'm unaware of any being ran in Europe. Ford is running the FR500GT program, based on the Shelby Cobra GT500. If I'm not mistaken, that is a GT3 car?
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