Written by:
Marshall Pruett
08/16/2008 - 11:54 AM
Oakland, CA
Farnbacher-Loles driver Richard Westbrook passes no less than 3 cars in twenty seconds as seen here from his roof-cam. » More Photos
Dirk Werner and his Farnbacher-Loles American Le Mans GT2 team finally broke through into victory circle at Elkhart Lake after threatening to do so at the previous two round.
Led by F-B regular Dirk Werner, he and co-drivers Richard Westbrook and Bryce Miller turned a drama-filled race for the Danbury, Connecticut team into a well deserved win at the 4.0mi Wisconsin track.
With Bryce Miller tasked with starting the race, the young American pilot would drop two places before handing over in 6th place to Westbrook. The Englishman’s race would start poorly as just moments after pulling out of the pits he was assessed a speeding violation by IMSA officials. He’d pit moments later to serve his stop-and-go penalty.
Led by Dirk Werner, the F-B team has been knocking on the door of their first win since May. At Elkhart Lake they finally broke through. (Photo: Marshall Pruett) » More Photos
Through deft driving and smart strategy calls by the F-B crew, Westbrook would hand the car over to Werner at the half-way point of the race. The German ace would return to the track without the lead but had two hours to claw his way back to the front of the GT2 class.
Another epic drive from Werner followed with his pass of Mika Salo in the final moments of the 4hr race acting as the realization of the team’s potential. Crossing the finish line first in his Porsche 911 GT3 RSR could just be the tonic the team needs to continue the streak into the next round at Mosport.
(0-1:24) Interesting to watch the opening half-lap of the race from inside the car looking at Miller.
(00:21) Is Bryce upset?
(2:03) The high-pitched whine of 6th gear must be brutal to encounter inside the car for long periods of time.
(2:45-4:40) Swivel cam! Very cool. Alex Figge is starting to get a hang of his Tafel Ferrari.
(4:42) Re-start time.
(5:21) The Panoz is obviously improving.
(7:22) Bryce is having a very impressive stint.
(7:44-8:15) Clean stop by the Farnbacher-Loles crew. Now it’s Westbrook’s turn.
(8:37-8:56) Richard passes 3 GT2 cars in 20 seconds. That must be a record of some sort.
(9:15) A minor off by a Risi Ferrari.
(9:52) A veteran move—a wise choice, no contact.
(11:06) That’s two Flying Lizard Porsche’s he’s passed under braking into turn 5 while coming from quite a ways back.
(11:46) Dirk’s behind the wheel and pushing like h*ll.
(13:36) Same pass, same corner, same Flying Lizard. The Farnbacher-Loles trio is making this look far too easy. Congrats on your first win.
Click Here to watch ALMS: In-Car Theater Elkhart Lake, Dirk Werner Porsche GT2
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