76th 24 Hours of Le Mans

[MOTV8]

I tend to be a bit myopic in my race fanaticism...Corvette, Corvette, Corvette, but there will be several American teams in France that I'll be rooting for in their respective classes: American Teams

Official Test Day is this Sunday, and we'll see if anyone is sandbagging the lap times again...In GT1 there are four Astons, and four C6.Rs entered, throw in a Saleen S7R and some other euro-pretenders and then wonder how many will even finish. On average, half of the entire 55 car field will not. There is definitely an element of luck involved, so GOOD LUCK to the Corvettes and U.S. teams!

[Dianne]

Dean: Is this on television tomorrow or not televised at all?

[MOTV8]

Dianne, I don't believe the Test Day is televised, at least that I know of...but you can rest assured that I'll be posting up results when I get them. Tell Jay to go wipe down that Le Mans blue baby for good luck!

[MOTV8]

Well...Test Day results posted, one of the Gulf Oil powder-puff blue Astons uncorked a 3:53.531. The Corvettes only managed to run mid-3:55's. This is cut and paste from the Official Le Mans website

Pos N° Team Class Driver in Pit Ses. 1 Ses. 2 Gap LastLap Now

1 8 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 WURZ A. 3:22.222 5:13.363 Run

2 9 Peugeot Sport Total LMP1 KLEIN C. 3:26.641 4.419 6:37.099 Run

3 1 Audi Sport North America LMP1 BIELA F. 3:26.678 4.456 59:27.961 Run

4 7 Team Peugeot Total LMP1 GENE M. 3:27.248 5.026 50:18.451 Run

5 3 Audi Sport Team Joest LMP1 ROCKENFELLER M. 3:28.359 6.137 4:49.021 Run

6 17 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 TINSEAU C. 3:33.939 11.717 4:32.879 Run

7 16 Pescarolo Sport LMP1 DUMAS R. 3:35.443 13.221 24:14.567 Run

8 5 Team Oreca Matmut LMP1 AYARI S. 3:36.264 14.042 8:16.021 Run

9 10 Charouz Racing System LMP1 CHAROUZ J. 3:36.426 14.204 34:38.799 Run

10 2 Audi Sport North America LMP1 CAPELLO R. 3:37.011 14.789 11:10.547 Run

11 11 Dome Racing Team LMP1 ITO D. 3:38.773 16.551 4:46.980 Run

12 12 Charouz Racing System LMP1 GRAF K. 3:39.584 17.362 4:04.756 Run

13 18 Rollcentre Racing LMP1 BARBOSA J 3:40.214 17.992 4:07.375 Run

14 34 Van Merksteijn Motorsport LMP2 VERSTAPPEN J. 3:42.191 19.969 4:54.897 Run

15 31 Team Essex LMP2 NIELSEN J. 3:43.736 21.514 4:59.357 Run

16 32 Barazi Epsilon LMP2 MOSELEY S. 3:43.920 21.698 5:11.365 Run

17 45 Embassy Racing LMP2 FOSTER J. 3:44.166 21.944 4:48.737 Run

18 25 RML LMP2 NEWTON M. 3:44.678 22.456 21:38.222 Run

19 14 Creation AIM LMP1 HALL S. 3:45.049 22.827 13:22.847 Run

20 35 Saulnier Racing LMP2 LAHAYE M. 3:48.414 26.192 24:43.816 Run

21 6 Team Oreca Matmut LMP1 PANIS O. 3:49.304 27.082 22:14.395 Run

22 24 Terramos LMP1 KATOH H. 3:50.684 28.462 4:21.539 Run

23 19 Chamberlain Synergy LMP1 STRETON A. 3:51.551 29.329 6:16.399 Run

24 26 Bruichladdich Radical LMP2 DEVLIN B. 3:52.800 30.578 41:25.406 Run

25 009 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 GARCIA A. 3:53.531 31.309 4:19.485 Run

26 41 Trading Performance LMP2 GOSSELIN C.Y. 3:53.893 31.671 5:01.365 Run

27 50 Larbre Competition LMGT1 BORNHAUSER P. 3:55.383 33.161 14:04.645 Run

28 64 Corvette Racing LMGT1 3:55.520 33.298 4:15.260 Run

29 63 Corvette Racing LMGT1 OCONNELL J. 3:55.877 33.655 4:16.494 Run

30 007 Aston Martin Racing LMGT1 FRENZEN H-H. 3:58.817 36.595 5:38.461 Run

31 72 Luc Alphand Aventures LMGT1 POLICAND J. 4:00.633 38.411 24:57.467 Run

32 4 Saulnier Racing LMP1 NICOLET J. 4:00.907 38.685 20:55.438 Run

33 59 Team Modena LMGT1 BORCHELLER T. 4:01.021 38.799 5:22.025 Run

34 53 Vitaphone Racing Team LMGT1 LEVENTIS N. 4:01.065 38.843 5:57.550 Run

35 33 Speedy Racing Team Sebah LMP2 POMPIDOU X. 4:02.692 40.470 34:13.013 Run

36 55 IPB Spartak Racing LMGT1 KOX P. 4:03.404 41.182 4:45.827 Run

37 82 Risi Competizione LMGT2 MELO J. 4:05.561 43.339 24:52.820 Run

38 80 Flying Lizard Motorsports LMGT2 BERGMEISTER J. 4:05.590 43.368 16:39.494 Run

39 97 BMS Scuderia Italia LMGT2 BABINI F. 4:06.894 44.672 10:39.559 Run

40 96 Virgo Motorsport LMGT2 SUGDEN T. 4:07.090 44.868 7:16.064 Run

41 78 AF Corse SRL LMGT2 VILANDER T. 4:08.520 46.298 4:49.471 Run

42 76 Imsa Performance Matmut LMGT2 LONG P. 4:10.898 48.676 5:13.461 Run

43 73 Luc Alphand Aventures LMGT1 BLANCHEMAIN J.L. 4:11.258 49.036 54:52.912 Run

44 44 Kruse Schiller Motorsport LMP2 YVON JF. 4:11.830 49.608 26:24.848 Run

45 40 Quifel ASM Team LMP2 PLA O. 4:12.644 50.422 10:51.535 Run

46 77 Team Felbermayr-Proton LMGT2 DAVISON A. 4:12.879 50.657 4:57.822 Run

47 20 Epsilon Euskadi LMP1 GOUNON J.M. 4:13.409 51.187 59:04.471 Run

48 99 JMB Racing LMGT2 AUCOTT B. 4:16.572 54.350 5:34.258 Run

49 83 Risi Competizione LMGT2 KROHN T. 4:17.177 54.955 22:46.883 Run

50 30 Racing Box LMP2 CECCATO A. 4:24.058 1:01.836 5:53.453 Run

51 22 Tokai University YGK LMP1 KUROSAWA H. 4:24.300 1:02.078 6:10.922 Run

52 90 Farnbacher Racing LMGT2 KAFFER P. 4:26.756 1:04.534 5:00.674 Run

53 94 Speedy Racing Team LMGT2 CHIESA A. 4:28.882 1:06.660 4:42.914 Run

54 23 Autocon LMP1 McMURRY C. 4:33.168 1:10.946 5:12.697 Run

55 85 Snoras Spyker Squadron LMGT2 DUMBRECK P. 4:34.552 1:12.330 12:12.650 Run

[GRANDDAD]

Dean, she is all wiped down and shiny. Must be the price of gas keeping the Corvettes back.

[MOTV8]

Thanks Jay!

I think it might be the rain though. Sessions were also shortened by a couple red flags for wrecks, one of the LMP1 Peugots crashed hard, and so did one of the U.S.-based LMGT2 Risi Ferraris. Both drivers were sent to the hospital.

[MOTV8]

I went looking for any Corvette-related visual stimuli from Le Mans, but the effin frenchies won't even let you copy pix from the Le Mans website, let alone hot link 'em. But the rabid fanatics over at Bad Boy Vettes have hooked me up with some shots fresh from the track: Linkski

Here's what the Corvette entries are wearing this year, the white ones are Luc Alphand's...

[MOTV8]

Post-Test Day interviews are in:

Corvette Racing Test Day report

Racing series: LEMANS

Date: 2008-06-01

Corvette Racing Finds Silver Lining in Rainy Le Mans Test Day

Corvette C6.Rs Third and Fourth In Trouble-Free Le Mans Test

LE MANS, France -- Corvette Racing found the silver lining in the dark clouds that soaked the Circuit de la Sarthe in today's test for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Intermittent downpours, sporadic showers, and frequent red-flag periods punctuated the day as the Corvette Racing team tested a range of Michelin tires and evaluated chassis and gearbox setups. With the changeable weather in the Loire Valley, the knowledge gained today could prove valuable in the upcoming 24-hour endurance race.

The long day on the immense 8.481-mile circuit was virtually trouble-free for the Corvette Racing team. Max Papis set the fastest time between the two factory Corvettes at 3:55.520, turning his quick lap in the No. 64 Compuware Corvette C6.R in dry conditions at the start of the four-hour afternoon session. Johnny O'Connell posted the quickest time in the No. 63 Compuware Corvette C6.R at 3:55.877 during the same period. The Corvettes ended up third and fourth among the 10 entries in the GT1 class behind the No. 009 Aston Martin DBR9 (3:53.531) and the No. 50 Saleen S7R (3:55.383).

"I think we maximized the opportunities that we had today," said Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan. "It certainly wasn't the test plan we had laid out, but the conditions were the same for everybody. When it's all said and done, it may actually be to our advantage when a day like this happens because we're well prepared when we arrive, and more practice time tends to narrow the gap.

"The drivers are very satisfied with the development work we've done," Fehan continued. "When we briefly had a dry track this morning, the cars were very stable. I think this is probably the best start we've had at Le Mans from the standpoint of having cars that are really good out of the box, and everyone is very encouraged by that."

All six drivers rotated through the cars and evaluated tires, suspensions, and gearboxes. The No. 64 Corvette turned 39 laps, while the No. 63 completed 42 circuits. A sudden shower and a final red flag at 5:30 p.m. effectively ended the session 30 minutes before its scheduled conclusion.

"It was definitely an eye-opening experience in the beginning of my stint with the track half dry and half wet," said Papis. "It was fortunate that we could run today because we learned quite a lot. This test was really more a session for the drivers than anything else, an opportunity for us to get acquainted with different track conditions and different Michelin tires for wet weather. I feel confident about the race, and up to now it's been a great exercise."

The crew of the No. 63 car made a scheduled gearbox change during the one-hour lunch break, and O'Connell promptly posted his quickest lap time.

"We worked with ride heights and gear ratios a little, so hopefully the engineers can look at that data and decide where they want to start both cars," said O'Connell. "We were testing different setups on the two cars, and gathering as much information as we could. We had maybe eight laps on a dry track, so it's very difficult for a driver to run consistent times. It's a situation like this that shows the benefit of having a team that's been here for so many years and a driver lineup that doesn't need to learn the course. In conditions like we had today, about the only thing you can prove to the world is how stupid you can be if you fall off the track! We run a tight ship at Corvette Racing, and we keep our eyes on the big prize -- finishing first on the 15th of June."

Today's session was the only opportunity for teams to test on the Le Mans course, which includes stretches of public highways. The start of official practice and qualifying for the world's most prestigious sports car race begins on June 11.

There are four Corvettes among the 10 entries in the GT1 class, the premier division for production-based race cars. Joining the two factory entries is a pair of Corvette C6.Rs entered by Luc Alphand Aventures. The Corvettes will face a quartet of Aston Martin DBR9s, a Lamborghini Murcielago, and a Saleen S7R for the GT1 trophy.

CORVETTE RACING QUOTES:

Ron Fellows, No. 63 Corvette C6.R: "The track conditions were changing rapidly today, but we got some good data on the rain tires. Michelin has brought several combinations and it was quite useful. At the end of the morning session the wind picked up and the track was drying quickly and I made the wrong call for the tires -- it was time for slicks. In the race condition we certainly would have gone that direction, but we were being a little conservative today."

Oliver Gavin, No. 64 Corvette C6.R: "We did run through some wet, intermediate and slick tires that Michelin supplied to us, so it's good to get that experience. I'm delighted to be back at Le Mans, exorcising some of the demons that we had last year when we had that driveshaft failure. It's nice to be back out there, doing laps and getting back into it. It's a wonderful circuit, and Max, Olivier and I love driving here. We're focused and really want to get on with things."

Jan Magnussen, No. 63 Corvette C6.R: "In the few laps that I got in when there was a dry line, the feeling in the car was very good. Our lap time would have dropped immensely when the track came to us, and I don't think we would have had much difficulty running quicker times. Straight out of the box, the car is the best it's ever been."

[Guest racingchester]

Looks like they are ready to kick azz.......

[MOTV8]

Looks like they are ready to kick azz.......

Man, I sure hope so. There's some online chatter about the wing on the Aston Martin compared to the 'vette's. Take a look...

Check out the contours of the leading edge of the rear wing. Pretty sophisticated and different from the C6R design. Seen from the back you can catch the shape as well.

If not just a translation of the Aston Martin logo, then someone has been busy studying Ornithology aerodynamics, or has WAY TOO MUCH TIME on their hands in front of the CAD computer. Here's a good shot of the C6.R wing:

[MOTV8]

Qualifying sessions are Wed./Thurs.!!!

Set your TiVos, Speed TV has hours of coverage, beginning on Saturday at 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for the start, then resuming at 6:00 p.m. thru to 6:30 a.m. Sunday!

[ChadC]

nice...

[Desertdawg]

Looking at the Aston wing and the little bit of aeronautics I know, I think they are just after that little extra down force that comes sweeping over the roof. So instead if it slipping away under the wing it's now being captured and used.

There's no evidence that an odd shaped leading uneven edge will affect the down force of lift that a wing can produce.

[MOTV8]

Qualifying sessions report:

Peugeot have taken this years qualifying by storm and when the chequered flag fell they occupied a very impressive 1st, 2nd and 3rd in LM P1. The Audis did begin to speed up towards the end of the session but pole is safe for the #8 Team Peugeot Total, Peugeot 908 HDI FAP driven by Lamy, Sarrazin and Wurz. They never came under any threat all the way through two days of qualifying; however it is interesting to see that at one point when both Audi and Peugeot were running in ‘race trim’ they were both putting in steady 3:26/27 laps. So maybe they are in fact rather more evenly matched than it looks on the time sheets. Whatever the times might say there is no doubt that both teams have carefully worked out their race strategy, almost regardless of these qualifying performances. However Peugeot are facing some problems rebuilding the #9 Peugeot Sport Total, Peugeot 908 HDI FAP that crashed heavily. The team will now be under pressure to ship more spare parts down to Le Mans to virtually rebuild the car. After #7 Team Peugeot Total, Peugeot 908 HDI FAP was written off during testing the team are facing a tense build up to the race despite their tremendous outright speed advantage. The fastest petrol powered car was the #10 Charouz Racing System, Lola Aston Martin which was eventually 6th overall ahead of the #1 Audi Sport North America, Audi R10 driven by Biela, Pirro and Werner

In LMP2 the Porsche Spyders have been swapping times all the way through qualifying. It has been an impressive show and they are placed 14th and 16th overall. Next up in 19th place is the #32 Barazi Epsilon, Zytek 07S driven by Barazi, Vergers and Moseley. They are almost two seconds behind the two Porsches.

In LMGT1 The quickest car is the #63 Corvette Racing, Corvette C6.R of O'Connell, Magnussen and Fellows which has been at the top of the sheets most of the day. The surprise is seeing the #50 Larbre Competition, Saleen S7R of Bouchut, Bornhauser and Smet lying second ahead of the powerful line up in the #64 Corvette Racing, Corvette C6.R of Beretta Gavin and Papis. After a slow start the #009 Aston Martin Racing, Aston Martin DBR9 of Brabham,Garcia and Turner has moved into a more encouraging 4th in class. So there is a very interesting mix of cars in LMGT1 and they all seem pretty evenly matched.

In LMGT2 The Porsches have shown their strength and finally dominated the Ferraris with the #76 Imsa Performance Matmut, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR on pole driven by Narac, Longa and Lietz. Second in class was the #77 Team Felbermayr-Proton, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR driven by Davison, Henzler and Felbermayr sen. Third was the #96 Virgo Motorsport, Ferrari F430 GT driven by Bell,Sugden and Mullen. This was a bit of a surprise since the Ferraris were expected to be quicker than the Porsches.

How's that 3:47.6 taste Aston?

GT1 starting grid:

1 63 Corvette Racing MAGNUSSEN J. 3:47.668

2 50 Larbre Competition SMET D. 3:47.761

3 64 Corvette Racing GAVIN O. 3:48.539

4 009 Aston Martin Racing GARCIA A. 3:48.994

5 007 Aston Martin Racing PICCINI A. 3:49.060

6 55 IPB Spartak Racing RUSINOV R. 3:52.175

7 72 Luc Alphand Aventures POLICAND J. 3:52.993

8 59 Team Modena FITTIPALDI C. 3:53.031

9 53 Vitaphone Racing Team HARDMAN P. 3:53.475

10 73 Luc Alphand Aventures GOUESLARD P. 3:55.736

[Bigfoot]

Dean...when is this race???

and yahoo...go vettes!!!!

[MOTV8]

Dean...when is this race???

THIS WEEKEND! S-A-TURD-D-A-Y....the 14th....0530 soldier! Please refer to my post above for Speed TV coverage. That is all. You may now return to your math quiz grading and nitrous wet v. dry research!

[Bigfoot]

Dean...when is this race???

THIS WEEKEND! S-A-TURD-D-A-Y....the 14th....0530 soldier! Please refer to my post above for Speed TV coverage. That is all. You may now return to your math quiz grading and nitrous wet v. dry research!

I was being lazy...sue me.

No quizzes or tests...it's summer vacation...and I'm all done with research...I have 150 shot of WET...still waiting to go to the track.

[MOTV8]

The post-qualifying interviews are in:

Corvette Racing Claims First GT1 Pole for 24 Hours of Le Mans

Magnussen Qualifies First and Gavin Takes Third in Final Qualifying Session

LE MANS, France - Corvette Racing won the GT1 pole at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time as Jan Magnussen set the pace in tonight's final qualifying session. Magnussen's 3:47.669 lap time in the No. 63 Compuware Corvette C6.R was the quickest in the GT1 division, while Oliver Gavin qualified the No. 64 Compuware Corvette C6.R third in the category at 3:48.539.

"It was a really good lap," said Magnussen. "We've hit on something good, and we just need to work on the setup in small steps."

Predictions for evening showers in the Loire Valley proved to be inaccurate, but a flurry of red flags interrupted the first hours of qualifying and practice. The first session, scheduled to run from 7 to 9 p.m., lost a total of 52 minutes to two red flags. Magnussen and Gavin both turned their fast times on their first flying laps at the start of the night qualifying session at 9:45 p.m.

"It didn't start off too well because we were all packed together," Magnussen recalled. "I thought I'd be able to pass two GT2 cars in front of me on my out lap, but I didn't catch them until Tertre Rouge on my first flyer. I lost some time on the straightaway, but just as I was starting to get angry, a prototype whipped past me. I got into his slipstream and got back all of the time I'd lost!"

Magnussen's pole-winning time was 4.461 seconds faster than the C6.R's qualifying pace in 2007. Last year the top Corvette qualified at 3:52.130, putting it third in the GT1 field.

"Winning the pole at Le Mans is historic, but at some point in time it was also inevitable," said Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan. "It's a testament to the team's perseverance, dedication to the mission, flawless preparation, and most of all, to GM management's belief in the value of this program. That commitment has allowed Corvette Racing to compete here at Le Mans for nine consecutive years, and that continuity is what produces success.

"The Corvettes' improvement in performance is attributable not only to the guys who work on the cars, but also the engineers who develop the chassis and aerodynamics, our partners at Michelin, and Katech, which has been our partner on engine development since the program's inception. Everybody knew they had to put their shoulder to the wheel this year. We weren't happy with the outcome last year, and I think tonight we showed just how unhappy we were."

The last time Corvette won a class pole at Le Mans was in 1976 when John Greenwood set the fast time in the IMSA class with a 3:54-second lap. Chicanes were subsequently installed on the course to slow the cars.

"It's always great fun going out there and racing against Jan, trying to put a good lap down," said Gavin. "But we're not just racing the No. 63 Corvette ? there is some really strong competition here. It can't get any tighter at the top, and they are the cars that are going to be in contention for a win.

"Hats off to the crew at Corvette Racing," Gavin continued. "They've done a marvelous job of preparing the cars and finding a substantial amount of speed. Of course I'm disappointed to not be the fast qualifier, but we're going to look at the data with my engineers and see where the differences are. The car will be virtually brand new for the race."

The Le Mans regulations require that all drivers complete three laps in darkness during qualifying. After losing track time to red flags in yesterday's session, Johnny O'Connell and Olivier Beretta both completed their mandatory night qualifying laps.

"It was very important to complete three laps in darkness to qualify, and I was quite happy during my night test," said Beretta. "Jan did a very good lap, and both cars were very quick. The conditions were very good, the track was cool and clean.

"Le Mans qualifying is good for the ego, but it doesn't make the race," Beretta cautioned. "We still have 24 hours in front of us. We just have to stay cool and calm, and see what happens."

I'm actually more concerned with the Saleen than the Astons, that sucker flies. May not make it 24 hours, but it hauls ass. Their driver said he would have taken the pole (like CaHd?) except that one of the Corvettes blocked him on his "cleanest" or fastest lap....those big butts are hard to get around, eh?

[P51tj]

Big Butt!!!

[c7speed]

I'd be surprised if the Saleens finish. Kind of cool that we'll be on a cruise when the c6R's are on a cruise!

[Desertdawg]

Got the DVR set to catch it all, I'll have my afternoons next week to watch it...

[Grayeagle]

It would be so very cool to go there and actually hang out at the track for that race ..of course wearin a 'Vette' shirt

(prolly get beat up by some Aston Martin shirt wearin thugs the way I shoot my mouth off tho .. or .. not

-Frank

[dewey]

It would be so very cool to go there and actually hang out at the track for that race ..of course wearin a 'Vette' shirt

(prolly get beat up by some Aston Martin shirt wearin thugs the way I shoot my mouth off tho .. or .. not

-Frank

At least they wouldn't be Peugeot-shirt-wearing-cheese-eating-surrender-monkeys!

And my sincere apologies to surrender monkeys who don't eat cheese.

[Grayeagle]

wow.

Just saw the footage of one of the Mercedes cars launching into the air comin over a shallow rise at high speed ..went quite a ways into the air, ended up over in the trees. I dont know if that happened during this race or awhile ago .. driver was ok, and Mercedes closed up shop they said and went home.

Looks like the Vette's are workin hard in the rain atm .. what an amazin race

-Frank

[MOTV8]

Well, I watched it all in fast forward. Great race.

***SPOILER ALERT*** ***SPOILER ALERT***

If you plan on watching your TiVo'd race, do NOT read below...

Corvette Racing Finishes Second and Third in 24 Hours of Le Mans

American Team Scores 15th Podium Finish in France

LE MANS, France -- For the second consecutive year, Corvette Racing finished second in the GT1 class in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Johnny O'Connell, Jan Magnussen and Ron Fellows completed 344 laps in their No. 63 Compuware Corvette C6.R, finishing on the lead lap with the winning No. 009 Aston Martin DBR9 of David Brabham, Antonio Garcia, and Darren Turner. The No. 64 Compuware Corvette C6.R driven by Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta and Max Papis finished third with 341 laps completed.

The twice-around-the-clock race featured a hard-fought battle for the GT1 title between Corvette Racing and Aston Martin Racing. The No. 63 Corvette C6.R and the No. 009 Aston Martin DBR9 were in lockstep from the start, trading the lead and separated by less than a lap in the running order for hour after hour. Rain arrived at the Circuit de la Sarthe before sunrise and returned as the race drew to a close, compelling teams and drivers to develop new strategies and make difficult tire decisions in the rapidly changing conditions.

The turning point came in the 17th hour when the Corvette Racing crew had to replace the No. 63 Corvette's right front brake pads. Although the work was finished in less than 90 seconds, the Aston Martin gained valuable track position. After scoring five wins in seven years, Corvette finished second to Aston Martin Racing for the second year.

"Once again, we saw one of the epic battles in all of sports car racing," said Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan. "When you can take two cars, run them for 24 hours, and have them finish just minutes apart, it's an incredible achievement for both teams. We had a brake issue with the No. 63 Corvette and overcame a problem with the alternator in the No. 64 Corvette, and both cars finished on the podium. When we look at Corvette Racing's overall record and performance here at Le Mans, Chevrolet can be proud."

In the sixth hour, the No. 64 suffered a broken alternator connection that required six minutes to repair. Then at 19:24 into the race, the crew removed and replaced the engine compartment undertray. Papis rejoined the race five minutes later, losing one lap in the process. Both Corvettes made 29 pit stops during the 24-hour race.

"This has probably been the best we've been able to race for the entire distance," commented team manager Gary Pratt. "We had a good strategy to pick up a lap by running 14-lap fuel stints, but we got hung up by the safety car. In the night and in the rain, the Astons could pull away from us a little, and we couldn't seem to get it back. We started to catch up in the daylight, but then the rain returned. The Corvette Racing team worked hard, we never gave up, and we made it a close race."

"The effort that Chevrolet and Corvette Racing put into this event is gigantic," said Johnny O'Connell. "Ninety-nine percent of teams would be ecstatic to finish second at Le Mans two years in a row, but we have high expectations and lofty goals at Corvette Racing. Had the weather not gone the way it did, with our strategy of going 14 laps on a fuel stint, the race might have gone our way. The spectators saw the two best teams in sports car racing go toe-to-toe today, and I'm very proud of the effort that everyone put forth."

Corvette Racing's next event is the American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Conn., on July 12.

CORVETTE RACING QUOTES:

Olivier Beretta, No. 64 Corvette C6.R: "I'm already thinking about 2009 Le Mans. Everyone at Corvette Racing did a fantastic job preparing the cars. We just had bad luck on the No. 64 Corvette with the alternator and the safety car, and that was two laps gone. When it was raining, I pushed hard, I felt comfortable, and did four or five stints. At Le Mans, the last thing to do is to give up, so I just pushed and hoped that we would have better luck. It's a disappointment to finish second or third, so there is only one place to be -- in first. We did that three years in a row with Corvette, I did it five times in my career, and I hope that the sixth one will come next year with Corvette Racing."

Ron Fellows, No. 63 Corvette C6.R: "I felt that we had the opportunity to win this one. We were well prepared and both teams put up a hell of a fight -- and we were second best today."

Oliver Gavin, No. 64 Corvette C6.R: "This is a race that just sort of got away. I think we were fast enough and any one of the four cars from the Corvette and Aston Martin factory teams could have won today. It just came down to the one that had the cleaner race. We had bad luck with the alternator and then the floor issue. Maybe we were lacking some pace in the night, and got some unlucky breaks with the safety cars. It all adds up to the three laps that we were behind. That's Le Mans for you. We'll be back to fight them next year."

Jan Magnussen, No. 63 Corvette C6.R: "Standing on the podium at Le Mans is special, but second is not exactly the spot we wanted. We hoped to improve on last year, and we had a nearly flawless race -- but unfortunately, so did Aston Martin. In the night they had a little more speed than us, and it was tough to get back that gap. All of the guys worked so hard for this, they deserve a win. We'll just have to work even harder and get a victory next year."

Max Papis, No. 64 Corvette C6.R: "You need a perfect race to win Le Mans against Aston Martin, and my hat's off to them. Sometimes you win or lose over a small detail, and that's what happened to us. We tried every Michelin tire, from rain to dry to intermediates. I felt that everyone did everything they could. It's great to be able to count on your teammates, to know that everyone who gets in the car will contribute. We came up a little short, but a podium finish at Le Mans is always something special.

Off and on rain made this one really hairy. The euro-vettes of Luc Alphand finished 5th and 6th behind the other 'team' Aston in 4th. The LMP1 battle between the diesel Audis and Peugots was epic, with Audi using fewer, more efficient pit stops to overcome the superior speed of the Frenchie cars.