Flying Lizard race report

Flying Lizard Sixth in GT2 at 24 Heures du Mans

Le Mans, France -- The Flying Lizard No. 80 Porsche crossed the finish line today to take sixth in GT2 at the team's fourth consecutive 24 Heures du Mans. It was a tough, long race for the American team, who saw their hopes for a top finish vanish just two hours into the race after a series of incidents took the Porsche out of the race for a total of 3 hours for repairs. The crew effectively rebuilt the car twice during the race - all before hour 4! The crew and drivers Joerg Bergmeister, Johannes van Overbeek and Seth Neiman took the challenges in stride and stayed consistent over the 24 hours, which included several hours of rain Sunday early morning. In fact, Bergmeister set the fastest GT2 race lap after the first repair, which included the replacement of nearly every piece of bodywork, two radiators, rear suspension and the undertray.

Just before race end, the ACO presented the team with the "Prix ESCRA" for 2008. This prestigious award is given by the French Academy of the Automobile Trade and the ACO for the "best technical performance" by a team during the 24 Heures du Mans race. The award is given to the team which ranks the highest in five areas, all weighted equally:

* Presentation of the car at scrutineering
* Pit Garage presentation
* Organization of work
* Quality of work during the race
* Quality/efficiency of repair work

Crew chief Tommy Sadler commented, "We are very honored to have received the Prix ESCRA award this year at one of the most challenging endurance events in the world. Although we didn't have the result that we had hoped for at the outset, we are proud of what we achieved this weekend in overcoming every challenge thrown our way to complete the race."

No. 82 Risi Competizione took the checkered in GT2 this year. Congratulations to Risi for a well deserved win. A full race report will be available tomorrow, June 16.

-credit: lizardms.com