Gentelozzi: Develop... Test... Race

“Everyday we are motivated to make a better race car,” proclaims Paul Gentilozzi, owner and driver for RSR.

After receiving feedback following the solo run of the team’s Jaguar XKR during the 2009 season finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, RSR has an aggressive program in place to test its car, drivers and team during the offseason. The ultimate goal is preparation for the 58th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida on March 20. The team will test on the 12-hour circuit at Sebring later this month.

“We are making many changes to our original designs now that we have been on track” Gentilozzi continued.

“I won at Sebring as a driver in ’92 (Oldsmobile Cutlass/GTS) and had a great pole there in ’94 (with a Nissan 300ZX). Without looking back, I think we have raced there more than 12 times. We understand how difficult the race is and how preparation plays a vital and fundamental part of success at Sebring.”

WHAT IS NEXT FOR AUTOCON?: Autocon Motorsports’ 2010 American Le Mans Series season already was going to have a different look with longtime competitor Chris McMurry stepping out of the cockpit. Team owner Michael Lewis said there may be more changes afoot.

This much is certain: Autocon will be back in the Series for 2010 with its Lola B06/10 prototype. Aside from that, Lewis is exploring a potential engine change – going to a Judd normally aspirated powerplant versus the current AER twin-turbo – a driver to replace McMurry and a potential return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“We haven’t made a call on the engine package yet,” Lewis confirmed. “We certainly like what we have with the Lola. We certainly know more about what we prefer and learned more about developing mechanical and aero grip throughout this year, our first full season with it. The car was pretty well sorted when we got it, and we actually made some great strides going into next year. So we’re looking forward to some continuity there.”

Part of Autocon's 2010 program could include a return trip to Le Mans, Lewis added. The team’s exact program for 2010 is still under discussion as well; Lewis says he has a plan with Le Mans on the schedule and one without the 24 Hours. He also hinted that the annual Winter Test being February 22-23 rather than late January is a huge plus as far as participation goes.

“Being a team from the west coast, it definitely helps our chances with the new date,” he said.