Aston Martin Debuts at ALMS WDW Test
01-31-2005, 10:55 AM
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Aston Martin Debuts at ALMS WDW Test
Aston Martin Debuts at ALMS "Wheels Down Winter Test"
Braselton, Ga. - The American Le Mans Series opens its first "Wheels Down Winter Test" Monday (Jan. 31) amidst much fanfare over the debut of the Aston Martin DBR9. Many are calling the Aston Martin one of the best engineered and potentially most competitive race cars to emerge in years.
"It's really quite a significant moment for Aston Martin to make its return to international racing at a North America circuit," said Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Bez. "There has always been something very special for the company about racing in North America. We have always had a loyal customer following, and I'm sure that enthusiasts around the world are going to watch our first race at Sebring in the American Le Mans Series with a lot of interest and excitement."
Aston Martin's challenge will be mounted by Aston Martin Racing's joint venture of Prodrive and manufacturer Aston Martin Lagonda. Prodrive was the same entity that brought the Ferrari 550 Maranello to the ALMS GTS class in 2002 and 2003, winning the last four races of the 2003 season and falling a mere one point short of Corvette Racing for the manufacturers' title. Aston Martin will test one car at Sebring this week but is expected to enter two cars for the inaugural race at Sebring and several other ALMS races in 2005 before embarking on a full schedule in 2006.
Competing in the GT1 class, the Aston Martin could prove a formidable foe to the newly announced Corvette Racing's C6-R two-car team and champions Ron Fellows and Johnny O'Connell. Aston Martin is expected to announce all six of its drivers this week at the ALMS "Wheels Down Winter Test."
Braselton, Ga. - The American Le Mans Series opens its first "Wheels Down Winter Test" Monday (Jan. 31) amidst much fanfare over the debut of the Aston Martin DBR9. Many are calling the Aston Martin one of the best engineered and potentially most competitive race cars to emerge in years.
"It's really quite a significant moment for Aston Martin to make its return to international racing at a North America circuit," said Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Bez. "There has always been something very special for the company about racing in North America. We have always had a loyal customer following, and I'm sure that enthusiasts around the world are going to watch our first race at Sebring in the American Le Mans Series with a lot of interest and excitement."
Aston Martin's challenge will be mounted by Aston Martin Racing's joint venture of Prodrive and manufacturer Aston Martin Lagonda. Prodrive was the same entity that brought the Ferrari 550 Maranello to the ALMS GTS class in 2002 and 2003, winning the last four races of the 2003 season and falling a mere one point short of Corvette Racing for the manufacturers' title. Aston Martin will test one car at Sebring this week but is expected to enter two cars for the inaugural race at Sebring and several other ALMS races in 2005 before embarking on a full schedule in 2006.
Competing in the GT1 class, the Aston Martin could prove a formidable foe to the newly announced Corvette Racing's C6-R two-car team and champions Ron Fellows and Johnny O'Connell. Aston Martin is expected to announce all six of its drivers this week at the ALMS "Wheels Down Winter Test."
01-31-2005, 11:30 AM
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Doesn't say much for Ferrari: Prodrive ditched it for an Aston Martin.
<center><img src="http://www.sportscarpros.com/images/0114/itc.captio-2530.jpg"></center><p>I wonder if they'll be much competition for the C6R?<ul><li><a href="http://www.sportscarpros.com/cottonballs-features-by-a-m-cotton/features/5th-november-gosh-was-that-another-old-banger/default.htm">Link to a similar story</a></li></ul>
02-15-2005, 04:27 PM
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Nah, the contract was sooo huge that he couldn't turn it down. Money is money.
He's building not just the factory cars, but 120 customer cars (yes, Aston ordered 120 to sell!).
Not nearly as much money in 3-6 Ferrari's.
Mike S
Not nearly as much money in 3-6 Ferrari's.
Mike S
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