Orbit Racing - Le Mans 6h
2003 24 Heures du Mans
race 6h - 14 June
first quarter
Orbit Racing stayed in the top three GT positions for most of the first
quarter of the 24 Heures du Mans. Marc Lieb started the No. 87 YES Network Porsche
911 GT3 RS third on the GT grid, but moved to second on the second lap. Leo
Hindery took the second stint but fell victim to a slick track, losing several
positions after a spin. Peter Baron followed, holding fifth place.
Lieb then charged to within 16 seconds of second place before handing off to
Hindery, who was delayed 10 minutes while the crew replaced the car's damaged
left radiator. The car was sixth at the six-hour mark of the 24-hour race.
"We've been at it for one six-hour race already, so it's hard to believe
we're only 25 per cent into it," Hindery said. "It's unfortunate we had to change
the radiator, but it was the fastest we've ever changed one. The car is in
great shape, the tires were well-picked for the temperature and track
conditions and the mechanics have done a spectacular job. We're optimistic, but
there's a long way to go between here and there."
rookie run
Le Mans rookie Marc Lieb drove two strong stints, twice moving up through the
GT field. He's ready for the double night stints planned by the team.
"My last stint was very good," he said. "I let Lucas [Luhr] past me because
he was running newer tires than mine in the beginning. But in the end I could
catch up. It's unlucky the radiator broke - it's a bit frustrating. But so
far the car and the team are doing great. It's cooling down, so the track is
getting better for the tires."
sexy stuff
Peter Baron entertained the huge crowd at Le Mans by pitching Orbit Racing
t-shirts across pit lane, using a giant slingshot. He engaged an entire
grandstand, trading team shirts for fan shirts and stickers, before getting into race
mode.
After six hours in hot (29C / 85F) and humid conditions, he joked, "I feel
sexy, I look sexy and the car is sexy - but I don't smell too sexy!"