The official story of the end of the +Nissan deltawing run at Le Mans
Embedded Link
deltawing – News – NISSAN DELTAWING THRILLS LE MANS FANS DESPITE EARLY FINISH
The Nissan DeltaWing may be listed on the results sheet as a retirement, but after being forced ou…
Google+: Reshared 1 times
Google+: View post on Google+
Post imported by Google+Blog. Created By Daniel Treadwell.
One-third of the way through the race, it's dark in France and the competition for overall victory is for all intents and purposes over at the 2012 Hours of Le Mans.
Both of the +TOYOTA TS030 hybrids are out after accidents and the two flywheel hybrid +Audi International R18 e-tron quattros lead the first of the diesel-only R18 Ultras. The fourth Audi is running 6th behind the two Rebellion Racing Lola-Toyotas. Anything can happen in the next 16 hours and it often does at Le Mans. If the Audis falter, the Rebellion Lolas or any other P1 car could take the checkered flag.
The competition is a bit tighter in the P2 class where any of several cars could win.
GT Pro is the race to watch now where they currently run Corvette-Ferrari-Corvette-Ferrari-Porsche-Aston Martin all within a lap of the leader.
#lemans
Google+: View post on Google+
Post imported by Google+Blog. Created By Daniel Treadwell.
Unfortunately the +Nissan DeltaWing has succumbed to its injuries. Driver Satoshi Motoyama tried to get it going and get back to the pits for repairs but to no avail. Good try +Highcroft Racing !
Hopefully, Scott Atherton and the team at the American Le Mans Series will find a place for the DeltaWing at Petit Le Mans this year and permanent place for it next year.
#lemans #deltawing
Google+: View post on Google+
Post imported by Google+Blog. Created By Daniel Treadwell.
This is what happens when race cars make even the lightest contact at very high speeds. Fortunately the strength of the cars and the energy absorbing barrier allowed both drivers to climb out under their own power and walk away
#lemans
Google+: Reshared 2 times
Google+: View post on Google+
Post imported by Google+Blog. Created By Daniel Treadwell.
It looks like the DeltaWing got pushed into the wall by a Toyota and now driver Sitoshi Motoyama is trying to get it going again to get back to the pits for repairs.
Update: Looks like the remaining +TOYOTA TS030 is in the pits dropping back, currently 4 laps down on the leading Audis.
Embedded Link
Twitter / highcroftracing: 6h15m: Race goes green and
Instantly connect to what's most important to you. Follow your friends, experts, favorite celebrities, and breaking news.
Google+: View post on Google+
Post imported by Google+Blog. Created By Daniel Treadwell.
At the 5 hour mark, after the Toyotas had taken over the lead from the Audis, Anthony Davidson in the #8 Toyota made contact with one of the GT Ferraris at the end of the Mulsanne straight taking out both cars. The drivers were fine, a testament to the strength of these modern racing cars.
One of the riskiest aspects of this sort of racing is when the faster prototypes attempt to pass the slower GT cars. While the prototypes have more absolute speed on the straights, the GTs often corner nearly as fast making it difficult for drivers to judge their passing maneuvers sometimes.
Following a yellow flag period, the Audis moved back up to the front with the hybrid R18s now leading the remaining Toyota and the first non-hybrid R18.
Meanwhile the +Nissan DeltaWing is still running well, 48th overall but going consistently after it's earlier problems.
The Aston Martin Vantage has fallen back a couple of laps from the leading Corvette in GT with a couple of Ferraris, a Porsche and a Corvette between.
#lemans
Google+: View post on Google+
Post imported by Google+Blog. Created By Daniel Treadwell.
4.5 hours down and the +TOYOTA s closed to within 4 seconds of the lead Audi. However, the two Japanese brand hybrids are battling each other almost as much as the German car, something that doesn't sound too smart at this stage of the race.
All of the leading cars are due for pit stops shortly so the battle for first may have to wait a bit longer!
#lemans
Google+: View post on Google+
Post imported by Google+Blog. Created By Daniel Treadwell.
Check out this video to learn more about TechShop Detroit http://www.techshop.ws/ts_detroit.html
Google+: View post on Google+
Post imported by Google+Blog. Created By Daniel Treadwell.
Taking a break from the action in France, I'd like to point you to a cool story from +MAKE about one of the two new maker spaces that have opened recently in southeast Michigan.
MakerWorks http://maker-works.com/ is located in Ann Arbor, MI and has a close relationship with the +Zingerman's Deli group of companies. Besides just providing a work shop space for people that want to create stuff, Tom Root and Dale Grover provide guidance and support to aspiring entrepeneurs.
It's a similar model to what is happening about 25 miles east in Allen Park at TechShop Detroit http://www.techshop.ws/ts_detroit.html and the Motor City Innovation Exchange. Bill Ford recently announced the Innovation Exchange program to provide affordable working space to inventors and innovators near the +Ford Motor Company product development campus. http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=36572
Embedded Link
MAKE | Maker Works – A Makerspace with a Social Purpose
DIY projects, how-tos, and inspiration from the workshops and minds of geeks, makers, and hackers @ Make: magazine
Google+: View post on Google+
Post imported by Google+Blog. Created By Daniel Treadwell.
4 hours in and it's a real race at Le Mans! The +TOYOTA s are hunting down the leading +Audi USA R18 e-tron. Will the TS030's last?
Down in GT, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Corvette are still on the lead lap with more Ferraris, Porsches and Corvettes chasing.
#lemans
Google+: View post on Google+
Post imported by Google+Blog. Created By Daniel Treadwell.
