This will be the first time these exotic road racers have graced an American track since the Mobil One Sebring Twelve Hours in March.
The turbocharged, diesel-powered Peugeots nearly won at Sebring, defeated by a late-race flat tire, and beat all competition soundly at Le Mans, finishing first, second, and sixth. Now they would like to add another jewel to their crown, winning the prestigious MAZDA6 Petit Le Mans, beating the American teams that they did not face in Europe, as well as any European teams who make the trip to Georgia.
“It would be hard for us to imagine a stronger end to 2009 than with Peugeot sending not one but two clean diesel-powered prototypes for an event that truly has become a spectacle on the landscape of global motorsport,” said Series President and CEO Scott Atherton on the ALMS website.
“With the Le Mans trophy already in hand, the potential of adding yet another significant honor to close out the year would wrap up a season for the ages … especially if the rumor mill is indeed accurate and other world-class teams and manufacturers who are no strangers to Road Atlanta, Petit Le Mans powered by MAZDA6 and Peugeot confirm their entries in the near future.”
Atherton is referring to rumors that Sebring winner Audi might show up at Petit Le Mans with its brand new R15 turbo-diesels. Audi won the 2008 Petit le Mans, finishing first and third with a Peugeot second, and also finished first and third at Sebring, again sandwiching a Peugeot.
Prior to 2009, Audi had dominated Le Mans, winning eight times since 2000. However, Peugeot out-performed and outlasted Audi at Le Mans in 2009. Many have speculated that Audi would return to Petit Le Mans to avenge this latest loss.
With the Acura LMP1 cars, the Intersport and Autocon Lolas, and the new Ginetta/Zytek hybrid all facing off against the Peugeot, Petit Le Mans in 2009 is shaping up to be a phenomenal race. The Acuras have dominated the ALMS P1 class since Sebring. Sebring was the Acuras’ first outing and though they captured the pole, they were plagued by problems during the race. Now, having worked out all their reliability issues, the Acuras are poised to do battle against the Europeans.
Tickets for the 12th annual Petit Le Mans powered by MAZDA6 are available by calling (800) 849-RACE or online at roadatlanta.com.
The next round of the American Le Mans Series will be the Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio. Please visit the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course website for ticket information.
