An epic battle, a defining moment

What can I say? After 12 hours and 1346 miles the excitement of Sebring comes down to a heated battle between Ferrari and Porsche. Historically speaking it was inevitable that these two would once again lock horns in fierce competition, though no one expected that it would be in the oft-overlooked GT2 class.

In the closing hours of the race a battle developed between the #45 Flying Lizard Porsche GT3 RSR and the #62 Ferrari F430 GT of Risi Competizione. Darkness fell along with the track temperature much to the advantage of the Ferrari piloted by Mika Salo. Salo chased down the Porsche and eventually accumulated a significant lead. Fortunes would change however after the next pit stop when a safety violation and a fateful decision would turn the tables once again. A twenty second penalty combined with a choice to double stint the tires left the Ferrari with a smaller lead and a fleeting advantage. The Porsche was now in striking distance and it was only a mater of time before the two cars would meet again.

With less than twenty minutes remaining the Porsche driven by Joerg Bergmeister caught the Ferrari and after several attempts managed to pass the rival car. But the as the pair headed into the final turn at Sunset Bend the Ferrari piloted by Jaime Melo made a banzai pass on the inside and bumped the Porsche. Bermeister was forced to back off the throttle lest he wreck the car and the Ferrari slipped ahead by two-tenths of a second at the finish line.

Though it was a record-breaking day for the Audi team, an unexpected victory for Acura, and a bittersweet farewell for Corvette, talk around the paddock was of the phenomenal finish in GT2. Bergmeister was noticeably hot over the incident but fans and drivers alike were in awe of one of the most exciting finishes in Sebring history.

While the finish was good for the fans, it will create an uncomfortable position for race officials. While a close race is good for the series it's also a dangerous proposition. Had Melo wrecked Bergmeister the #45 car could have been seriously damaged and potentially unable to race at the next event in two weeks. While rare, it has happened and the conundrum for the sanctioning body is whether or not the close "beating and banging" is worth the risk of a full time team missing the next race.

Of course there is also the more philosophical question of whether this type of behavior is appropriate in world of sports car racing. Sports car racing is typically referred to as a "gentleman sport" or more despairingly as a "wine and cheese affair". Regardless this type of racing is considered a more reserved and polite form of motorsport. Much of the reputation derives from the fact competitors are either private driver/owner entries or one of a kind prototype factory entries. As such great care is taken with these often one of a kind cars so as to not destroy them.

The ALMS has taken great care to both embody the spirit of sports car racing as well as to maintain relevance for car manufacturers. For these reasons an ALMS racecar is more "street" than many other series and as such is much more expensive and more difficult to repair. While I enjoy a close, competitive race I'd caution series management from caving to pressure to tolerate a more NASCAR like atmosphere. It not only complicates the logistical challenge for teams but it dilutes the purism of the sports car faithful that the ALMS so widely acknowledges as its roots.

In consideration of this I believe that a penalty is in order for the Risi Competizione team. On one hand I believe that despite the contact the Ferrari could have easily overtaken the Porsche and won the event, thus the win should not be taken away. However given that the race could have been won without contact I feel that the rough driving tactic sets a bad precedent for the rest of the season. Thus I'd like to see the car start from the rear or pit lane at the next event. Anything more would be excessive and to do nothing would be an endorsement of roughing up your opponent for the win. Regardless of what action the officials take this could well be a defining moment for the future of the series and the behavior of its competitors.

Read more about the prospects of ALMS this season including my original predictions for Sebring