Penske Prevails!

Though I've followed Le Mans racing closely for several years, one concept that I've never really understood is the idea of a second prototype class. In theory the LMP2 class is a stripped down version of LMP1. The P1 class is typically the realm of factory efforts such as Audi, Cadillac, Nissan, and Mercedes while the lighter less powerful P2 class usually fields more "privateer" teams. In spite of the obvious differences in R&D spending, the P2 class is designed to be the great equalizer. In a manner of speaking LMP2 cars should be able to win the race overall, though that typically is not the case.

The problem is that endurance racing prototypes rarely make the end of the race without some sort of mechanical failure. In recent years the Audi R8 prototypes have been unstoppable, with relatively few mechanical failures, and no critical (race ending) failures. This hasn't given the LMP2 class, or the rest of the LMP1s for that matter, many opportunities to contest the overall win. Though they have been penalized, restricted, and otherwise held back, the Audi R8s have managed to clutch victory more often than any other prototype.

Though it could quite possibly be the greatest sports prototype ever created, the Audi R8 is an aging platform and this year the ACO (the sanctioning body behind the Le Mans 24) has retired the car. This has created an opportunity for many in both prototype classes, but ultimately it has served to benefit the one factory team in LMP2, Porsche. Last year the Penske Porsche was debut with great fanfare, as it was Porsche's return to prototype racing. However, early teething problems have lead to a number of defeats at the hands of lesser funded teams as well as a brand new Audi R10 diesel prototype which was not without problems it's self.

But in spite of its rough start, many in the ALMS series could see the potential of the LMP2 Porsche. Rumors were heard of a possible withdrawal by privateer teams if the ACO and IMSA didn't force the Porsche works team into LMP1. And while that is still a possibility today, the fact that an LMP2 car has lived up to its design and bested a venerable if not hobbled Audi R8 is none the less spectacular. A smooth, permanent racing surface and a cautious group of competitors helped the Penske Porsche to find its way to victory lane at Mid-Ohio.

In spite of the many circumstances that helped the LMP2 prevail, the win was not only a sweet victory for the Penske team, but for all sports car racing fans. Though not a true underdog in the classical sense, the Porsche LMP2 car did in fact have many odds set against it. Without a doubt, the return of the Audi R10 will likely end the Porsche's reign as top dog in ALMS, but for a brief period of time it's nice to see other than the R8 in victory lane, even if it is another German factory team.

And though the P2 Porsche won't be at Le Mans this year, it's still great to know that the team is out there trying to refine and develop their car. It's also great for American race fans who long to see more competition in the prototype classes of ALMS. The important thing is that IMSA sticks to the original design of the ACO's prototype classes and doesn't try to artificially level the playing field between classes. Not only will it force the series to stay true to form, it will also force Porsche to step up their game and make the P2 car even better. If they can indeed pull this off it's likely that we'll see the team at Le Mans in 2007, which would be an even sweeter victory for Penske and American racing fans.