Cadillac Returns to Racing
15 February 2000
Cadillac Division of General Motors Returns to Racing with Northstar Engine Systems Prepared and Managed by McLaren Engines
LIVONIA, Mich Feb. 15, 2000--McLaren Engines Inc., a division of McLaren Automotive Group, was contracted by General Motors Racing to assist in the engine development and system management for Cadillac's first venture into racing after 50 years.
Cadillac will compete with the Cadillac Le Mans Prototype (LMP) against some of the most sophisticated sports racers in the world. A three-year commitment has been announced by Cadillac to win Le Mans!
McLaren Engines has race prepared a 4.0-liter version of Cadillac's 32 valve Northstar V-8 engine with dual turbochargers. The new engines develop in excess of 550 horsepower and are tuned for very broad torque curves.
The new cars are designed and built in Indianapolis by the internationally known firm of Riley & Scott. The firm also designs and builds chassis for the Indy Racing League.
This was the first outing for the two Cadillac Northstar LMP sports cars. "I have to say that the Cadillac is the most solid car I have ever driven right out of the box," said Cadillac co-driver Butch Leitzinger.
With the two Cadillacs running 1st and 2nd at one time in the race (later having wheel and transmission problems) the race ended at the 24 hour mark with the two Cadillac LMP entries finishing 13th and 14th over-all and 2nd and 3rd in their Sports Racer class. "You need to get the experience and have everything really gel together, it will take time," continued Leitzinger.
"The Rolex 24 hour at Daytona was Cadillac's first test, however the focus will be on a competitive showing at Le Mans this June. All of us on the McLaren Engines team are excited to see how potent and reliable the Northstar Engine System is," remarked Wiley R. McCoy, chief operating officer for McLaren Automotive Group.
2000 Cadillac Racing Schedule (Tentative) March 18 Sebring, FL 12 Hour Race (America Le Mans Series) April 29-30 France Qualifying Race for 24 Hour of Le Mans June 17-18 France 24 Hour of Le Mans Race Sept. 16-17 Atlanta, GA Le Petite Le Mans - 10 Hour Race
McLaren Engines and McLaren Traction Technologies are divisions of McLaren Automotive Group. The stock is traded on the NASDAQ Small Cap Market .
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