| Date/Time: | 2008-12-29 12:41 |
| Race: | Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring |
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An unexpected snow storm in Southern California was enough to shorten but not cancel a much anticipated test of Autocon Motorports as they began preparations for the 2009 season of competition in the American Le Mans Series in the top category of Prototype 1. Autocon's planned two day test was shortened to just one after the team was stuck on I-5 for almost a full day enroute to Buttonwillow Raceway. "We had a big agenda for this test, so the delay in arrival was not welcome at all," stated team owner Michael Lewis. "We introduced the Lola mid-season in 2008 with little opportunity to learn the car except on two race weekends. This test was to allow a more studied approach to gaining the most from this package." "The new Lola fits our needs very well. This test allowed us to find out just how responsive the car is to engineering changes and we are impressed with the results. Lola is demonstrating an outstanding ability to support our effort, including availability of spares, so we are pleased." "We do face a big challenge however due to the very late change in aero rules for 2009. The ACO, followed by ALMS, have changed the regulations governing the rear wing in an effort to reduce speed. We don't have the new wing nor do we know when we will get it so much of the test potential was lost. We do not support this regulation change and have made our position clear." Autocon veterans Bryan Willman and Tony Burgess handled the on-track activities and went through a long checklist of activities to prepare for Sebring and beyond into the year. "It felt great to get back to work in the Lola," said Willman. "We only had two races last season with this car. We needed to get the most from this test and the upcoming Sebring test to be ready for the season opener. Fortunately the car performed flawlessly and allowed us to complete most of our agenda, as well as kick the cobwebs off from the offseason." In order to achieve the most from the test, Lewis worked with Buttonwillow track management and chose a new configuration focusing on high speed turns. It may have been the first time this configuration has ever been used and it served the purposed very well. Next up for Autocon is the annual winter test at Sebring, January 26-28 followed by the season opener, the 2009 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, March 18-21. Stay in touch for updates of all the Autocon activities throughout the 2009 season. |
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