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MANUFACTURERS: Reynard 2KQ-LM shines at Le Mans test day

2 May 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
The Reynard 2KQ-LM recorded 6th fastest (unofficial) time at the Le Mans circuit yesterday in official testing for the Le Mans 24 Hour race next month with the Johannson Matthews Racing team Judd powered car. The team was also 2nd fastest in a straight line (unofficial time). ROC Auto, running the Reynard Volkswagen 2KQ-LM in the LMP675 class produced good times and the ORECA team with the Mopar powered 2KQ-LM posted 18th and 20th fastest (unofficial) times overall. The five Reynard cars represented by the three teams were all selected for entry to the event on the weekend of 17th - 18th June.

The Reynard customers expressed enthusiasm for the evolution 2KQ-LM, with its new aerodynamic package and design features, developed to optimise the car for the Le Mans 24 Hour race. Improvements to the gearbox were tested successfully with all the customers reporting trouble-free running.

Kieron Salter, Technical Manager, Reynard Special Projects, summed up the day, "Overall we're pleased with the performance of the 2KQ-LM this weekend on its first real test. Over the course of four hours running for each of the five cars, there have only been minor problems reported by the teams. ROC Auto had a couple of teething problems, but apart from these, all the teams ran well - quickly and reliably. The new aerodynamic package has proved to be efficient, which is so important at Le Mans. But our work hasn't stopped. We'll continue to develop the car right up until the race."

Salter adds, "Most of the teams were working on set ups for the race, so times can be deceptive, but all the early indications are that the Reynard 2KQ-LM will be a strong contender in the race next month. We're also very proud to have all 5 Reynard 2KQ-LM sports racing cars selected for the race - the first time that the Reynard marque will be represented at this eponymous event."

The Cadillac Northstar LMP, a sports racing car built by Riley and Scott, a Reynard-owned company, was also represented at the test session, with two factory entries and two DAMS customer cars. All four cars produced good times, ran well, and were selected for the race next month.

Text provided By Alison Hill

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