Krohn-Barbour Racing discontinues Lamborghini program

Krohn-Barbour Racing has made the decision not to enter its two Lamborghini Murcielago R-GTs in the next round of the American Le Mans Series, the season finale at Laguna Seca, California, on October 14-16.

Krohn-Barbour Racing was established this year by successful businessman Tracy Krohn and sports car legend Dick Barbour, and has contested most rounds of the ALMS since taking delivery of the two Lamborghinis in mid-June, shortly before the second of the series' nine races. The team's two cars have been driven by David Brabham/Peter Kox and Tracy Krohn/Scott Maxwell.

Krohn explained: "With regret we've decided to say no to going to Laguna Seca, and to discontinue our racing program with the Lamborghinis. We always knew the Lamborghini would need some development work, being a new race car, but we went into this program having been promised a level of factory support that in my opinion was not delivered.

"Krohn-Barbour negotiated with Lamborghini ahead of the season and reached an agreement in good faith. Krohn-Barbour has honored all of its commitments. Unfortunately Lamborghini didn't provide the draft contract until the day before delivery of the second car, and in my opinion this failed to reflect the original agreement. Discussions with Lamborghini at Petit Le Mans last weekend failed to resolve this.

"This is a disappointment, but it's also an opportunity. There are other race cars and other types of race cars out there. Krohn-Barbour Racing has set very high standards in preparation, engineering, and presentation, and is evaluating options with a view to a new program in 2005 and beyond."

"Looking back on 2004, I'd like to make special mention of our technical partner Pirelli. In particular, I'd like to thank Peter Tyson [Vice President, Advertising, Public Relations and Motorsports] and Guy Mannino [President and CEO of Pirelli Tires North America] for their commitment and support."

-kbr-