The JeanRichard backed Lola/AER Autocon Motorsports entry of Mike Lewis, Bryan Willman and Chris McMurry impressed a lot of fans at the 54th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. In spite of being forced to start the event at the rear of the field due to insufficient laps in manditory night practice, the team moved up quickly into the top ten and were in a position to challenge for a P1 class podium. Unfortunately the effort was cut short by a gearbox failure and subsequent fire on lap 121, about four and a half hours into the event. At the time of the fire McMurry had moved the #12 car into 4th place in the top class of prototypes.

"We have endured a fair share of obstacles this week in preparation for this race, some self-induced and some from outside forces," stated owner/driver Lewis. "But once the green fell we put our heads down and drove according to our race plan, quick but steady. The plan was working and we worked from the back of the field to 7th overall and fourth in class in our first stint."

In fact, the Autocon entry held 7th overall until getting a tire puncture on lap 24. The resulting slow lap back to the pits and driver change dropped the entry to 23rd overall and 5th in class. McMurry took over and put in an impressive stint, moving all the way back into the top ten overall, fourth in class, and a quick time less than a second off the team's qualifying time.

"That was one of the better sessions of my career," said McMurry. "I didn't get many laps before the race but I came to the car quickly during my first stint. I really like this car and feel very much at home with this team."

The Autocon entry only dropped one position in the next driver change to install Willman, who held position throughout his session until contact with a Porsche caused a spin and off-course excursion. That incident and the following pit stop dropped five positions.

Lewis got strapped in again and began the climb back up the ladder. During his stint, Lewis actually bested his qualifying time and regained five positions before returing the car to McMurry, who put in another terrific session and had just regained 4th in class when the gearbox failed, igniting a fire in the engine compartment and ending a stellar effort by the Autocon group. Of the 36 cars starting the grueling race, 22 finished. Even the biggest name in sports car racing, Audi, had a retirement.

"It is hard to accept a DNF, but Sebring is a tough event," said Willman. "On reflection, we have a lot to be proud of and a lot to look forward to this season. The Lola is a rocketship. The acceleration out of the hairpin is awesome and feels like an F16. I've driven a few protoypes and this sets a new standard for me."

McMurry was equally enthusiastic for the season ahead. "I think we'll be right in the running at many events, and that we'll turn some heads at certain tracks that are best-suited to the Lola. We should be on the podium for sure, thanks to a great team, great car, and supporters like JeanRichard."

"We were thrown a few curves today, with a puncture, a spin, a radio failure and still were very competitive until our gear box let go. We proved we are capable of competing against the best the world has to offer and will just move forward at each event this year," added Lewis. "We learned a lot about the car this weekend, found good set ups, and gelled as a team. It all bodes well for the balance of the season."  

The American Le Mans Series will next appear at the new Houston street circuit venue May 12, an event which will be televised by CBS.