The Mean Streets of Houston
The car designation was different, but the outcome was the same, an Audi R8 survived the Lone Star Grand Prix. After their win at Sebring in an R-10 turbo diesel, Audi dusted off their venerable R8 and smoked the field with Allan McNise and Dino Capello at the controls. The rough surface played havoc on the Dyson Racing Lolas and Team Penske’s RS Spyders, and the rock solid Audi dominated the field. Common thought was that the race would be played out in pit stop stages, however it came down to the reliability of the R-8 over the Penske Porsches that suffered drive train problems late in the race.
It seems the production cars faired better of this bumpy course, which Corvette finished second and third overall, and top two spots in class. The Corvettes have been unbelievable in the consistent performances winning 11 times since Sebring last year. Even with an increase of weight rewards the Corvette we are able to dominate. Finishing third was the Astro Martin 007 of Turner and Enge.
The Lola of Liz Halliday and Clint Field, who nursed the car over the last 20 minutes with a cracked header, ultimately won LMP 2. B-K MotorSports placed second in class, piloted by James Back and Guy Cosmo. Wrapping up third place was the #6 RS Spyder since they completed 70% of the race time.
Alex Job won the hotly contested GT2 battle with Mike Rockenfeller and Kaus Graff earned a hard funfilled victory. Coming from dead last Rockenfeller and Graf posted a one-lap victory in the #23 Porsche 911 GTRSR. Long driving stats requiring only 1 pit stop all night, which aided Henzler and Van Overbeek, the second place to the #45 Flying Lizard. The hometown team Risi Competizione Ferrari finished a disappointing third place after getting a tire puncture when they got into contact with one of the Porsche Spyders.
The American Le Mans Series heads to the newly repaved Mid Ohio Sports Car Course next weekend. Teams will see less abuse for the cars that have fought through the hard streets of the Grand Prix of Houston. Continue to watch PitJournal.com for all the latest news from the American Le Mans Series at Ohio.
Joe Martin Sr.
PitJournal.com
Previous Story:
Things to Look For — American Le Mans at Mid-Ohio
Next Story:
Corvette Rockets to 1-2 Finish in Houston