RE: TVR at Le Mans?
Thursday 22nd August 2002
TVR at Le Mans?
TVR have confirmed to us that serious thought is being given to a Le Mans challenge next year. The recent success in the Spa 24 hours with the Speed 6 Cerbera has heightened interest in endurance racing, but TVR stress that although they're keen, no firm decision has yet been made regarding Le Mans.
Discussion
No one has a confirmed drive until after prequalifying (unless a class winner from previous year?). So first need to find the money, be invited, then qualify, turnup for the race and finally qualify again!
I think an invite will be forthcoming seeing as TVR were a major part of the Parade de Pilotes this year and it would swell the crowd at LeMans!
I think an invite will be forthcoming seeing as TVR were a major part of the Parade de Pilotes this year and it would swell the crowd at LeMans!
Latest Update: TVR Publicity chief Ben Samuelson tells us that the news has been blown out of all proportion. He admits that the factory are thinking about it more seriously than before but says that no decision has been made and that Peter was merely thinking aloud. So that's still not a NO then! - From www.tvrcc.com
quote:
Latest Update: TVR Publicity chief Ben Samuelson tells us that the news has been blown out of all proportion. He admits that the factory are thinking about it more seriously than before but says that no decision has been made and that Peter was merely thinking aloud. So that's still not a NO then! - From www.tvrcc.com
Isn't that what I said earlier?
After reading all this and thinking carefully there is not much left of my "good morning" enthusiasm. Mmhh, still not sure what to think about it. Is it just loose words and nothing more than a black on white rumour ? Or did PW perhaps escape more ? Is LM his new toy ? Without doubt, he must be impressed by what Dominiek and Martin and his troops have achieved at Spa. What comes next ? I feel a bit cheated at the moment. Who is the author, BTW ? Ted, Graham, I need more input... you have just 10 months to clear the mess.
According to the front page story on this weeks Motorsport News, they ahve plans to build 2 Tuscan R's and send them to Le Mans.
Back pedalling after a high profile story like that would only damage their reputation. I think they've got themselves into a situation where they'll have to put their money where their mouth is.
James
Back pedalling after a high profile story like that would only damage their reputation. I think they've got themselves into a situation where they'll have to put their money where their mouth is.
James
quote:
quote:
Latest Update: TVR Publicity chief Ben Samuelson tells us that the news has been blown out of all proportion. He admits that the factory are thinking about it more seriously than before but says that no decision has been made and that Peter was merely thinking aloud. So that's still not a NO then! - From www.tvrcc.com
I'm just impressed that you got a response at all from him!!
Good to see a response ... Pity they didnt take the initiative and do Spa as a works team...
TVR in Le-Mans .... Been hearing that for the last 6 years ..... Dont think I'll be holding my breath though.
I think I'll stay supporting the British, its more realistic that Morgan will Finish, Bently will knock Audi off the podium, MG will continue to be a serious threat, and that Pro-Drive 550 Maranello will kick some more GTS ass.
TVR .. well, they will be there ( in the camp sites and car parks ).
TVR in Le-Mans .... Been hearing that for the last 6 years ..... Dont think I'll be holding my breath though.
I think I'll stay supporting the British, its more realistic that Morgan will Finish, Bently will knock Audi off the podium, MG will continue to be a serious threat, and that Pro-Drive 550 Maranello will kick some more GTS ass.
TVR .. well, they will be there ( in the camp sites and car parks ).
...depends how you defne a works effort.
The Freisinger cars at Spa were for all intent "works" Porsche - but didn't shout it from the hilltops. Chamberlain ran the "factory" MG's at LeMans etc etc.
TVR put an awful lot of input into the Spa event - both in terms of people provided, backup from the engine shop and ultimately all of "their" contacts - be that Dominick, Rollcentre, Martin/Rob/Simon or all of the other people "on the inside".
Perssonally, I think it is all upside for TVR to "sub-contract" a race effort - it makes no sense to necessarily have full-time costs for a 7 month race season....if it goes badly, they don't get pasted and if it goes well, they can bask in reserved glory.
But, read the old EVO interview with Wheeler and Bulgin (RIP) - TVR don't 'do' what people expect - but good old PW for saying aloud what everyone thinks....Ben has a real job to do now.
James' response above is probably nearest reality now - they will look rather daft if they now completely turn about-face - and they need to escalate their profile beyond the domestic series.
The Freisinger cars at Spa were for all intent "works" Porsche - but didn't shout it from the hilltops. Chamberlain ran the "factory" MG's at LeMans etc etc.
TVR put an awful lot of input into the Spa event - both in terms of people provided, backup from the engine shop and ultimately all of "their" contacts - be that Dominick, Rollcentre, Martin/Rob/Simon or all of the other people "on the inside".
Perssonally, I think it is all upside for TVR to "sub-contract" a race effort - it makes no sense to necessarily have full-time costs for a 7 month race season....if it goes badly, they don't get pasted and if it goes well, they can bask in reserved glory.
But, read the old EVO interview with Wheeler and Bulgin (RIP) - TVR don't 'do' what people expect - but good old PW for saying aloud what everyone thinks....Ben has a real job to do now.
James' response above is probably nearest reality now - they will look rather daft if they now completely turn about-face - and they need to escalate their profile beyond the domestic series.
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