NRG Racing is one of the older and larger racing outfits competing in the Le Mans Endurance Series' GT1 category. Well aware of the challenges facing them their previous experience in the class and professionalism when it comes to car building, setups and teamwork should hold them in good stead against the Ford GT challenge from the 2 smaller teams.
One of the greatest achievements for the team and especially team owner and driver Mitch is the winning of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the very GT1 Corvette he is set to drive in the LMES.
So tell us, how did you accomplish that victory?
Up against the LMP cars we looked to have absolutely no chance but the weather smiled upon us that day and it rained for about 14 odd hours of the race from the start. I've had alot of experience in the rain with this car having spent 7 hours in the rain competing and winning the Suzuka 1000 so I took it as our best opportunity to push ahead of everyone else. By the time the rain eased off and eventually stopped I had a lead of something like 40 or 50 laps over the rest and from there just had to keep pace and run a good strategy.
The Suzuka 1000 is quite a feat but how did you hold off the faster LMP's in the dieing stages of the race?
We decided around 7 laps per stint for tyres and we could carry just enough fuel to last. This helped keep a fair amount of weight off the car so I could just push and push to the end. By the final lap however one of the LMP's had gotten onto the same lap as me and I had to hold him off thru the Porsche curves to hold onto the win. The adrenaline rush was intense and I was so amazed and relieved to have won, that'll go down in the history books of NRGR as the greatest feat to have been accomplished.
Turning to the LMES, your teammate Flyin looks to be quite a good match for yourself.
Yeah he loves the car and it didnt take much to lure him to NRGR. We had to run a few practice sessions with him to get used to each other and go thru the pitstop strategies etc but in the end its worked out brilliantly.
Your also the organiser behind this series, what are your expectations not only on yourself and NRGR but also the LMES as a whole?
The LMES started off as an idea I had after running the 24 hour. 15 cars split into 3 classes running on the same track was quite a tasty proposition and whilst I'd like to have even more cars, say 30 with 3x classes of 10 each we've got to make do with what we can from the broadcaster Sony. LMP is stacking up to be a battle between grandfathered cars whilst GT1 will be a tight battle between myself and Flyin and the single driver teams of Tower Turn Competition and Posimosh Motorsports. GT2 may not be the fastest on track but by no means will they be 'mobile chicanes', the class is looking like another fierce battle not just within but for the faster cars trying to get past.
Can we expect to see any surprises this season?
From NRGR? No.
From the LMES? Yes I can assure you during the preseason we will be running on a number of tracks that will surprise everyone.
Any hints?
You'll have to wait and see...
Gooduck to all involved and we hope to see you on the podium.
Thats the plan!
Hopefully the PSN is up for preseason Round 1 at Madrid, stay tuned!
eugeot 908 HDi FAP - Matmut
