Written by:
Kevin Krefting
The Intersport team is stepping up from LMP2. (LAT photo)
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Eager to step up and face a new challenge in the American Le Mans Series, Intersport Racing has officially announced its move to the LMP1 class for 2007. The Dublin, Ohio-based team will field a Judd-powered Creation CA06H prototype for all 12 rounds starting at next month's Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
Team owner Clint Field made the announcement Wednesday. Intersport won the series' 2005 LMP2 championship and the LMP675 title in 2003. The team also won the P675 championship at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2004 and owns 20 class victories in the American Le Mans Series, fourth most among entrants regardless of class.
"We've thought long and hard about the team direction and have said for the past few years that we'd like to be in LMP1," said Field, the 2005 class drivers champion and part of the winning effort at Le Mans. "Granted, the numbers in LMP1 are down right now, but long-term we felt the class will see renewed growth. This is as good a time as any for us to develop our program. We know we can make the car fast; that's never been a problem for us. The focus is going to be on making sure were durable and reliable. I think our guys are very much up to the challenge."
The Intersport team is stepping up from LMP2. (LAT photo)
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The Creation chassis is a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive machine utilizing a carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb monocoque chassis. The Judd GV5 is a 5-liter normally aspirated V-10 and generates approximately 600+hp at 9,000 RPM.
"We chose the Creation after a lot of soul searching and study of last year's performance and lap times," Field added. "All in all, the car was very fast under most conditions. I think what really tipped the scales in favor of the Creation was the car has excellent mechanical grip. Looking at the schedule and the types of tracks we encounter in the American Le Mans Series, we feel that will be an advantage for us."
The team will take delivery of the car in next few days and begin its preparation for the season opener at Sebring. Clint will be joined in the car for the 2007 Twelve Hours of Sebring by his father Jon Field and Richard Berry.
