Orbit Racing final report

podium finish

Orbit Racing finished the 24 Heures du Mans second in the GT class after a grueling race that gave the young team several charges to the front, punctuated by two mechanical issues. German Porsche factory driver Marc Lieb and Americans Leo Hindery and Peter Baron combined for the podium finish in the No. 87 YES Network Porsche 911 GT3 RS. They were slowed by two radiator punctures and a loose left-front fender, but returned to the GT top three each time.

Hindery started the final quarter of the race, taking the wheel at 18h25. He returned to the garage at 18h40 with a punctured radiator, which was replaced in a fast seven minutes. Baron drove the next stint, starting at 19h40, Lieb took over at 20h50 and Hindery drove his final stint at 21h55. Lieb was honored with the final stint.

Leo Hindery
"You don't believe it. It's so much work, such a combination of diligence, luck and teamwork - everything has to come together. When it does, it's unbelievable, Orbit number two in only its second year! This is just so special to me."

Peter Baron
"It's tremendous to finish second with the field that was here. It's also very special to be leading the race after 10 hours. The whole week went absolutely perfect - the car ran flawlessly with the exception of the two rocks through the radiator. It's always a treat to be around the special fans at Le Mans. I just hope we can improve one position next year."

Marc Lieb
"I'm very happy to manage second with the problems we had with two broken radiators and the bodywork. It's so unbelievable, I don't have any words ..."

[team owner] Rodger Hawley
"I met and exceeded my goal to return to Le Mans with our team and finish the race. Beyond that, to reach the podium in the class and be in the top 20 among the best in the world - in a foreign country - is no easy feat."

tattoo time

Leo Hindery said the Orbit Racing drivers agreed to have Le Mans tattoos if they finished on the podium. He said the second-place finish ensures all three will sport shoulder art with 24 Heures du Mans, 2003, 2nd GT.

-or/sp-