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All Forums > 2001 Bentley EXP Speed 8 > Re: What do you think of it? > Post Reply
Post #1 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
kenmclaren
Senior Member - 892

 Champion Racing's Audi R8 was a steady third-fastest overall after Wednesday's
first Practice/Qualifying sessions in preparation for the 2001 Le Mans 24 Hours.
Early in the first of Wednesday's pair of two-hour sessions the Champion crew
did a precautionary gearbox change on the car after receiving fault indications.
The car ran flawlessly afterwards, with all three drivers getting substantial
seat time.

Ralf Kelleners drove the entire first session, held from 1900-2100 local time
(six hours ahead of US Eastern time). Kelleners also started the second session,
held after a one-hour break from 2200 till midnight, followed by Didier Theys,
with Johnny Herbert finishing up the second session. Champion's fastest time
of the day's two sessions was set by Kelleners early in the second session.


All was well in Thursday's second qualifying, with the team choosing to concentrate
on setup and driver practice than on fast times. The Thursday sessions were
run in considerably different weather conditions from Wednesday's, with sunshine
giving way to heavy clouds and the threat of rain, which thankfully held off
until after Thursday night's track action was complete.

24 Hours of LeMans
Post #2 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
kenmclaren
Senior Member - 892

 2002 News

Of course the star of the show here is the super-fast MG/Lola EX257 (LMP 675), having its first-ever run in America. According to Lola Chief Engineer, Frank Dernie, "We are here to conduct durability testing of the chassis and motor in preparation for Le Mans. We could have economized and tested at Estoril, but with weather there very questionable we decided to bring it where we knew we would be relatively sure of favorable weather." And favorable it it, too, with partly cloudy skies, temp near 80degF and low humidity.

MG-regular Johnny Kane is here doing all driving chores in the Lola, which is painted all-black for the tests. I spoke with Kane, who says although he had tested at Sebring previously in his former Indy Lights car, this is the first time he had ever run the full Sebring circuit (the CART-type cars typically only run the short "back" course at Sebring). So when he knocked off a 1:49.7 after maybe less than two dozen laps on this first day of testing, it was most impressive indeed - a time that would have put the MG third on the starting grid for this year's 12 Hours!

The MG seems to have gotten its 2-liter turbo's reliability problems worked out too, as the car had very little down time during a full day's testing on the very challenging Sebring track surface. At mid-afternoon Kane reported, "The car can go a good bit faster. The brakes are good and it changes direction well. Though our only previous test since Le Mans (a four-day Michelin tire test at Estoril) was primarily to test tires, we've managed to solve our reliability problems and we're very confident." Kane and car alike looked very smooth at all the most difficult parts of the circuit. Michelin is also here supporting the MG testing.

I asked Dernie if they had considered running the MG's at Sebring next March, but he said, "There is no budget for Sebring, or anything but Le Mans at this point. Although we would love to race here, our program is primarily geared to Le Mans, and the car is in low-downforce configuration, as it runs at Le Mans." Kane echoed Dernie's comments, saying he would love to race the MG in the ALMS if such a possibility were to develop.

Grand-Am SRPII champs, Archangel Motorsports, actually brought the car here to Sebring, and are supplying the crew to support the car during the tests. Archangel Technical Director Brian Anderson says Archangel is not here because they intend to purchase MG's, but merely to support Lola's testing. Asked about his team's intentions for the 2002 season, Anderson said, "Right now, the only confirmed event for us is the Daytona 24 Hours. We would like to do more; would like to run races in both series, but for now everything is up in the air."

Asked if Lola were trying to entice potential customers for their promising LMP 675 car by testing here, he said "No, we're here to do durability testing for Le Mans. But of course any and all potential customers are welcome, and we could certainly speed the development process for the car if more than one team were running them." He also said that although the MG is not suitable for Grand-Am SRPII, it may be possible to run in SRPI, but of course only for the 2002 season. After that it would not be legal, and so it seems unlikely that anyone would make the considerable investment for a single season in Grand-Am.

With the MG/Lola being this fast, and reliable as well (at least so far), we can only hope that they'll somehow find the funding to race at the 50th Anniversary Sebring 12 Hours, where they would surely be one of the highlights of the show. The Sebring testing concludes Tuesday.
24 Hours of LeMans
Post #3 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
VMIFerrari
Supercar Messi - 2251

 What if Rolls Royce decided to make a Le Mans racer to take on Bentley? It would be VERY unusual and HIGHLY unlikely but it would be neat to see too! A racing Rolls Royce at Le Mans? That would be something to see.
"Being politically correct is like trying to pick up a piece of sh!t from the clean end"
Post #4 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
tiger005
Supercar Guru - 1556

 you could drive it in the US, and only put 100 miles on it, or call it a custom car, but you'd have to get a muffler
Vector W8
Post #5 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
250GTO
Supercar Guru - 3038
Quote from CrashedF40
#rd place is pretty good for a car in it's first year @ le mans. That reminds me of the 1995 Le Mans when McLaren got 1st place in it's first year @ le mans.
sad!
FERRARI 250GTO
Post #6 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
northeast nebraskan
New Member - 25

 this is a wonderful race car, though it looks suspiciously alike the toyota gt-one, though it evidently wasn't for naught. it especially looks good with the british racing green paint. being tightly tied to audi and borrowing some of their technology, i'd say bently is one of the best matches for audi this year. if all goes well, they may come out on top.
Post #7 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
550WOLVES
Senior Member - 673

 What do i think of this car? I think that this should be legalized so i can buy it.
Post #8 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
psyched psycho 77
New Member - 13

 people ... give me some more information about the bentley haunandaires or however its spelled =)~.. anybody know any significant stats?
made in england
Post #9 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
kenmclaren
Senior Member - 892

 Said newly announced chairman-elect Franz-Josef Paefgen: "I am thrilled that my first announcement as chairman-elect of Bentley Motors is to confirm that Team Bentley and the Bentley Boys will be back at Le Mans next year. Within the current regulations we have not been able to reach the full potential of the EXP Speed 8 and are now developing, in conjunction with Audi, a new and exclusive Bentley engine with increased capacity. In addition we will further optimize the performance of the car".

He added: "As the new engine will not be ready before March, we believe that the real title challenge for Bentley will come in 2003. The team gained invaluable experience this year and we will be doing everything in our power to ensure Bentley is back on the podium next year, but we know we will face some very tough competition".

Team Bentley confirmed that they are reviewing the driver line-up for the Bentley EXP Speed 8. Confirmation of the drivers is not expected until the New Year.

Design and development of the EXP Speed 8 continues under the stewardship of rtn (Racing Technology Norfolk) while Richard Lloyd and John Wickham will once again manage the test and development programme under the Team Bentley banner. Other personnel details will be confirmed in the New Year.

Bentley and Le Mans put each other on the map during the 1920s. At the time of the first Le Mans in 1923, Bentley had been selling cars for less than two years while, had it not been for John Duff’s 3 Litre, Le Mans would have been an entirely French national event.

But by the time of Bentley’s last win in 1930; it was one of the most prestigious marques and Le Mans a race with a profile rivalled only by the Indianapolis 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix. Bentley went on to win Le Mans five times out of eight starts in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 (finishing first, second, third and fourth), and 1930. Famous ‘Bentley Boy’ and one time Bentley Motors Chairman Woolf Barnato drove the winning cars for three consecutive years (1928, 1929 and 1930), a record that was to remain unbeaten for many years. The two names, Bentley and Le Mans, went hand in hand in the 1920s, they are now back together - where they still belong over 70 years down the road.

Being faithful to the marque’s heritage provides the platform from which the company can move forward. "We plan to transform the Bentley business over the coming years and in order to do so we must not only retain our existing customers, but also attract a younger audience with yet more sporting aspirations. The car charged with this task, the GT coupé due for launch in 2003, will be one of the most exciting Bentleys ever built. In the meantime this January will see the launch of the fastest series production saloon in the world, in the new Arnage T. Both these Bentleys will be built on foundations of speed and durability achieved through precision engineering, precisely the qualities required to succeed at Le Mans," concluded Paefgen.
24 Hours of LeMans
Post #10 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
kenmclaren
Senior Member - 892

 2002

Bentley Confirms Return to Le Mans in 2002 - Team Bentley confirmed today that it will return to the famous Circuit International du Mans for the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 2002. Said newly announced chairman-elect Franz-Josef Paefgen: I am thrilled that my first announcement as chairman-elect of Bentley Motors is to confirm that Team Bentley and the Bentley Boys will be back at Le Mans next year. Within the current regulations we have not been able to reach the full potential of the EXP Speed 8 and are now developing, in conjunction with Audi, a new and exclusive Bentley engine with increased capacity. In addition we will further optimize the performance of the car. He added: As the new engine will not be ready before March, we believe that the real title challenge for Bentley will come in 2003. The team gained invaluable experience this year and we will be doing everything in our power to ensure Bentley is back on the podium next year, but we know we will face some very tough competition. Team Bentley confirmed that they are reviewing the driver line-up for the Bentley EXP Speed 8. Confirmation of the drivers is not expected until the New Year. Design and development of the EXP Speed 8 continues under the stewardship of rtn (Racing Technology Norfolk) while Richard Lloyd and John Wickham will once again manage the test and development programme under the Team Bentley banner. Other personnel details will be confirmed in the New Year.
24 Hours of LeMans
Post #11 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
RacingManiac
0.27 C of D.... - 18696
Quote from IvanKaramazov
I just wonder why the use the Audi engine?


With their first year program, the emphasis was on developing a working platform. So they went for a proven engine inorder to have maximum time to develop the chassis and the packaging. 2002 will definetely see Bentley with it's own engine if they do decide to continue the program.
"Any suspension will work if you don't let it" - Colin Chapman
Post #12 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
IvanKaramazov
Supercar Guru - 1312

 I just wonder why the use the Audi engine?
Post #13 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
CrashedF40
Supercar Messiah - 1624

 #rd place is pretty good for a car in it's first year @ le mans. That reminds me of the 1995 Le Mans when McLaren got 1st place in it's first year @ le mans.
Been around since the Green forum days. Proud member of the Ferrari Clan. hehe, it was b/c of me that HTML was not allowed in sigs. pages were cut off after my posts, b/c of the HTML for some reason.
Post #14 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
RacingManiac
0.27 C of D.... - 18696

 I'd agree with you 3 years ago, but not now. LMP car of today IMO are better looking than ever, sure they might not look as exotic, but they are plenty nice in their own way.....The car that changed my mind about the LMP was the BMW V12 LMR, and then the Audi came along and boy does it look sweet.....
"Any suspension will work if you don't let it" - Colin Chapman
Post #15 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
kenmclaren
Senior Member - 892
Quote from RacingManiac
Quote from kenmclaren
Well I think it looks great, cause of its roof, more like a car. I like the GT1s better than the LM900s, cause this race should only be about cars, and cars should have the roof, which represents a logic of a car. Right?


Not necessarily, a lot of the past great P cars are without roof. The 50s 250TR, Jaguar D-type, the Aston Martin, and then you have the Porsche 936s. Infact, the open top car got more victory at Le Mans than close top cars.....most Closed car victory came in the 60s and 80s with the GT Sportscar like GT40 and 917 and Group C cars like the Porsche 956/962....


Well, I was mention the GT-1s with the roof, I think they look much much better, than the prototypes today. The Toyota, Mercedes, this Bentley, and the Audi R8C, those looks better, than the open cockpit cars. What do you think?
24 Hours of LeMans
Post #16 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
383roadrunner
Member - 72

 i think that bently should have gone it alone instead of using somone elses design...dont get me wrong now i love this car but thats not the most original approach to racing now is it.........
ELIMINATE GLOBAL WARMING , EXTINGUISH THE SUN !!
Post #17 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
RacingManiac
0.27 C of D.... - 18696
Quote from kenmclaren
Well I think it looks great, cause of its roof, more like a car. I like the GT1s better than the LM900s, cause this race should only be about cars, and cars should have the roof, which represents a logic of a car. Right?


Not necessarily, a lot of the past great P cars are without roof. The 50s 250TR, Jaguar D-type, the Aston Martin, and then you have the Porsche 936s. Infact, the open top car got more victory at Le Mans than close top cars.....most Closed car victory came in the 60s and 80s with the GT Sportscar like GT40 and 917 and Group C cars like the Porsche 956/962....
"Any suspension will work if you don't let it" - Colin Chapman
Post #18 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
kenmclaren
Senior Member - 892

 Well I think it looks great, cause of its roof, more like a car. I like the GT1s better than the LM900s, cause this race should only be about cars, and cars should have the roof, which represents a logic of a car. Right?
24 Hours of LeMans
Post #19 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
cardude
New Member - 32

 with out a doubt, the best looking car in this years 24 hours.
Post #20 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
SpecGen
Member - 87

 VW Competing against themselves, again

I like it better than the R8 though. Looks nicer.
Post #21 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
donthateonvipers
New Member - 1

 It's a sweet looking car. But, oh well, you can't have it on the streets.
WHO SMOKIN THAT CHRONIC TONIGHT
Post #22 Fri, Aug 9, 9:43 PM
kenmclaren
Senior Member - 892

 English Fighter

With a 3rd place finish at the 2001 LeMans 24 Hours, the Speed 8 is one definite fighter from Britain. With a proven motor of an updated version of last year's winning Audi R8, and a chassis reminiscent of the Toyota GT-one and the Audi R8c, and ace drivers such as Martin Brundle, Andy Wallace, and Guy Smith, its sure is confident both to the team and drivers to go for a win.

For the fans, expect a better package at 2002...
24 Hours of LeMans
Post #23 Wed, Sep 4, 8:56 PM
Riatanas
Member - 61

 Pretty cool, why an audi engine though?
love list-
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Post #24 Mon, Feb 17, 3:23 PM
Nissan Lamans Racer
Senior Member - 286

 I agree with 550WOLVES!:P
I'm a FAG
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All Forums > 2001 Bentley EXP Speed 8 > Re: What do you think of it? > Post Reply
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