BREAKING: Audi withdraws from 2009 American Le Mans Series

[EJ25RUN]

The self proclaimed leader in "green racing", the American Le Mans Series, will be losing one of its premier teams for 2009. After winning nine consecutive LMP1 championships with the R8 and then the R10 TDI, Audi will no longer have a works team in the ALMS in 2009. The only official Audi appearance in North America will be the debut run of the new R15 TDI at Sebring in March. After that, the R15 will go to Le Mans and Audi will be represented by the new A4 in DTM and the R8 LMS in GT3 racing.

Audi hasn't indicated whether it will make the R10s available to Champion Racing or any other team. Champion has been operating the Audi Sport North America program for several years. The current economic conditions have been cited by Audi racing boss Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich as part of the reason for withdrawing from ALMS and also the European Le Mans Series.

[seanrg1116]

damn that sux

[SampaGuy]

seriously wtf

[EJ25RUN]

seriously wtf

I dont understand myself. Why would they leave as soon as they have confirmed the R15 will be ready for Sebring? The usually have their 3 year cycles but their hedging their bets from the get go this time.

I'd also want to know if this is the same story for the Le Mans series in Europe.

This is definitely not the way let Peugoet win Le Mans.

[EJ25RUN]

Endurance live confirmes this is a global ending. Only Sebring and LeMans remain.

Wolfgang Ullrich, head of the motorsports division at Audi, has declared that the German manufacturer will not attempt to defend its crown in the Le Mans Series next year.

"We will not participate in the LMS," he said in an interview with Autosport where he also explained that the decision emanated from a willingness to reduce expenses.

"We all have to face that the economy is moving and everyone has to put something into their pocket to save money," Ullrich stated.

"The LMS has grown quite significantly but you have to face the fact that to make the best out of less money, there is no choice but to cut parts of the programme," Ullrich added.

The news comes only a few days after the team announced the introduction next year of its new car, the R15 TDi, in replacement of the successful R10 TDi in which Alexandre Premat and Mike Rockenfeller gained the Le Mans Series title this year.


It appears that for the time being, Audi's next diesel-powered machine has been confirmed at only two venues: the Le Mans 24 Hours in France and the 12-hour race at Sebring in the United States, the latter event serving as the American Le Mans Series' season-opener.

Following its participation in the series over the last nine seasons, it remains to be seen if Audi will contest the entire ALMS championship once more.

"We are still in discussion about the American programme," Ullrich said. "There has to be a board decision to do it, but we are all working on it very hard."

[Andy_013]

that sucks, no audi at road atlanta

[CARBON GST]

Well... no "Audi backed" cars. There still may be Audis... just not funded by Audi. And I think the competition R8 will be available for customers.
There's more here too:
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20081205/FREE/812059995

[EJ25RUN]

I think all the news so far shows that if Champion racing doesn't get an R10, then Audi in ALMS prototypes is definitely over.

[Sport1.3]

America refuses to support diesel technology, what’s new about that. imho, campaigning in a series with factory backing in hopes to gain a foothold in North America market for clean diesel technology is a lost cause. Look at almost every American manufacturer refusing to bring over diesel variants of their popular American cars (example: Ford and their subcompact lines).....even when some of the American public are screaming otherwise. It’s simply not profitable any longer to necessitate the need for their involvement in a series like this. They may be winning races, but they have little to gain here in the American market doing so

[Elbow]

This has been in the talks for a few weeks now.

[Elbow]

When will the R10's be for sale for personal buyers? I want one for HSR like the guy running all the old R8's.

[EJ25RUN]

When will the R10's be for sale for personal buyers? I want one for HSR like the guy running all the old R8's.
No news on that or confirmations. I think Audi will be a bit more private about the diesel tech since that is what will run Le Mans until the ACO changes regulations drastically.

[1SICKLEX]

Glad I got a chance to watch it race at RA. What a car.

I was sad when I read this as well.

[Elbow]

I'm officially going to Sebring, who else is going?

[2turbo4u]

This is just messed up. The Audi's make the ALMS fun and enjoyable to watch. Now we gonna be left with a bunch of slow noisey cars running around :no:

[speedminded]

I'm officially going to Sebring, who else is going?I might be down for that, March 21st right? It depends on how much I go skiing in Feb. & March!

[Elbow]

This is just messed up. The Audi's make the ALMS fun and enjoyable to watch. Now we gonna be left with a bunch of slow noisey cars running around :no:

Ummm no :???:

[OnURleft]

I read this awhile ago. I was so disappointed to read this.

[blacknightteg]

so with audi and porsche pulling out wtf prototypes are going to be left in the alms, just acura owning everything?

[AnthonyF]

I can see why. They won so many, what else do they need to prove?

I am actually kinda of sick of LeMans. it is my MOST favorite race(s) to watch and they are playing favorites. They allow the Audi team and Corvette team to get away with murder while other cars suffer. What happen to; "Run what ya Brung?"

-Ant.

[Elbow]

Audi didn't get away easily AT ALL last year....

[FDslider]

hehehe, i just recently moved down here to Sebring with my Fiance. I live literally 15 min from the track. However, I just also got the Position of 2009 Formula BMW Race Team Manager. So I might be moving back to DC WAY before March. Uhhhhhhh oh well

[FDslider]

Audi didn't get away easily AT ALL last year....
Oh, and Simon... My girl LOVED the Ferrari handbag. Thanks my man!!

[Elbow]

Oh, and Simon... My girl LOVED the Ferrari handbag. Thanks my man!!

Cool! Glad to hear that. Congrats on the new job!!! I guess things got better ;) lol

[FDslider]

Cool! Glad to hear that. Congrats on the new job!!! I guess things got better ;) lol
yeah, sold my M3 that weekend, moved down here that Friday, and once i got here, got the job offer the next weekend hahaha. I'm just trying to get our main sponsors right now. I am hoping PokerStars.net pulls through. I already have a badass paint/vinyls scheme for the Formula BMWs. And we have 2 BRAND new FBMWs and 2 VERY fast drivers. The mechanic that taught me everything will be returning from South America and I KNOW that car will be PERFECT. Hopefully everything works and we win the championship for 2009. I believe we will. I will keep IA informed. And we will be in Brazil in October!!!! for the Brazilian Grand Prix, duh. ahahaha. Have a good one man.

[Elbow]

Damn!! Very nice! Congrats hope the season goes well for you all, keep us updated!

[FDslider]

Damn!! Very nice! Congrats hope the season goes well for you all, keep us updated!
Oh I def will. I have always been lurking in the shadows on IA hahaha, so I will def be on here when I am not FULLY occupied. I love ATL, esp Road Atlanta. My home track. Hopefully the Official FBMW testing will take place there once again this year. One of the smoothest tracks in the US of A. ahhhhh home sweet home

[dazn]

yeah, sold my M3 that weekend, moved down here that Friday, and once i got here, got the job offer the next weekend hahaha. I'm just trying to get our main sponsors right now. I am hoping PokerStars.net pulls through. I already have a badass paint/vinyls scheme for the Formula BMWs. And we have 2 BRAND new FBMWs and 2 VERY fast drivers. The mechanic that taught me everything will be returning from South America and I KNOW that car will be PERFECT. Hopefully everything works and we win the championship for 2009. I believe we will. I will keep IA informed. And we will be in Brazil in October!!!! for the Brazilian Grand Prix, duh. ahahaha. Have a good one man.



Martin?
what team?

[T.S.]

Damn!! Very nice! Congrats hope the season goes well for you all, keep us updated!

I might be down for a road trip! when is sebring?

[Elbow]

March 18-21

[blacknightteg]

i just want the alms to stay competitive, this past petite was one of the most competitive petites that was ever ran. There were actually more prototypes then gt cars. it was actually worth staying till the end to watch. I wish that would continue. i love going to these races and if the competition starts to dwindle, it will suck.

[Elbow]

Only AUDI has pulled out, that's just ONE team, there are more teams coming in this year anyway.

[FDslider]

Martin?
what team?
I am not Martin. I know the Martin you speak of, and YES, he is very very good. Took a long time working on the cars, but def made sure EVERYTHING was spot on and perfect. Love that dude. He was my teacher. Besides Glimmerveen. And the Comprent crew. Big props to all of them. And Comprent won the IMSA Lites Championship with a small budget. So anything is possible if you have a great crew, great leadership, and an outstanding driver.

[B96v6]

Woot! Big ups to Comprent! Especially that awesome IMSA Lites chief mechanic. I hear he's dead sexy, too!

Good luck in FBMW, Jr.

BW

[Elbow]

^Do you work at Comprent?

[Elbow]

^Do you work at Comprent?

[Elbow]

^Do you work at Comprent?

[FDslider]

Oh yes. B96v6 works at Comprent. He is the chief mechanic for the IMSA Lites program, and HELL, pretty much ALL OF THE DAMN CARS IN THE SHOP!!!! Brandon White is not only a great mechanic, but also does data acquisition, as well as setting up all the cars before, during, and after the races. He can def handle any formula car from the ground up. I'll vouch for his punk azz any day of the week!!! Def knows his racing. And also had a 96 civic hatch with the stock 1.6L or whatever, he rebuilt it and ported it himself and I will admit that it had some balls for a lil single cammer. Seriously. Always suprised me when I got in the pass. seat. A

And congrats again on winning the Championship B-DUB!!! You def earned it.

[B96v6]

Like I said, it was a team effort of which you were a part. Too bad you haven't even seen the trophy - it's pretty trick. The shut down the machine shop at Elan for two weeks to make the trophies for ALMS, VW (i mean Porsche....) Cup, and IMSA Lites. Hopefully you'll have one next year!

And I need to get in touch with that kid who bought the Silver Rollerskate (and it was a '98) and make sure he's taking good care of it. Trying to get the wife to stabilize her spending so I can start on the Miata! Doing all these club races makes me want to get out there and compete. Though Kevin has said that he wants to take the championship car to Roebling or something and having he, Terry and I drive it. I can't imagine how he's going to get in it.... Have to bring a hoist!

BW

[B96v6]

http://www.youtube.com/user/jgoringsbnc

Couple of vids. Hopefully we'll get our qualifying lap (1:18.5) up from Petit this year shortly.

BW

[FDslider]

Like I said, it was a team effort of which you were a part. Too bad you haven't even seen the trophy - it's pretty trick. The shut down the machine shop at Elan for two weeks to make the trophies for ALMS, VW (i mean Porsche....) Cup, and IMSA Lites. Hopefully you'll have one next year!

And I need to get in touch with that kid who bought the Silver Rollerskate (and it was a '98) and make sure he's taking good care of it. Trying to get the wife to stabilize her spending so I can start on the Miata! Doing all these club races makes me want to get out there and compete. Though Kevin has said that he wants to take the championship car to Roebling or something and having he, Terry and I drive it. I can't imagine how he's going to get in it.... Have to bring a hoist!

BW

Are you fking kidding me? St. Martin got in it with lil issues. But Kevin. Jesus. Thank god for the new shocks/spring combos for the tunnels. The bigger the better in this situation. OH GOD! Just... I don' know. Make sure you bring that strange Jesse Lube from the gearbox room and a few GIANT prybars. Oh god. I wish I could be there. hahahaha I am seriously cracking up so bad. That's wrong B dub

[FDslider]

DAMN!!! Just watched his Sebring and Mosport Vids. That kid is BLAZING fast. If I end up managing that FBMW team, my motto will be, "If you can go in deeper and brake as late as J. Goring, then we will win the championship!" Holy brake pressures Batman!!! haha AM I right or what? And yes I know, get right back on the power. Duh, B dub. I got ya haha

[dazn]

I am not Martin. I know the Martin you speak of, and YES, he is very very good. Took a long time working on the cars, but def made sure EVERYTHING was spot on and perfect. Love that dude. He was my teacher. Besides Glimmerveen. And the Comprent crew. Big props to all of them. And Comprent won the IMSA Lites Championship with a small budget. So anything is possible if you have a great crew, great leadership, and an outstanding driver.


ROFLMAO,
dude, i know your not martin. I cant believe you actually think Martin is good, at anything......That guy was the worst person I have ever had the non-pleasure of working with. He did a terrible job at Gelles. anyways, good luck with that team, your gonna really need it if Martin 5000 is involved. how is the team roster looking for FBMW in 09? 08 didnt seem that great.

Brandon, still havnt sold that hatch? so I hear Tom Drewer Australian Racing Car Driver might be driving with you guys next year. Thank u for taking him off our hands, hehe. j/k he is a good wheelman. 2nd overall at Utah in a L2, not so shabby.

[FDslider]

ROFLMAO,
dude, i know your not martin. I cant believe you actually think Martin is good, at anything......That guy was the worst person I have ever had the non-pleasure of working with. anyways, good luck with that team, your gonna really need it if Martin 5000 is involved. how is the team roster looking for FBMW in 09? 08 didnt seem that great.

Brandon, still havnt sold that hatch? so I hear Tom Drewer Australian Racing Car Driver might be driving with you guys next year. Thank u for taking him off our hands, hehe. j/k he is a good wheelman.
Martin IS a great mechanic. I heard that after I left, he ended up being Crew chief, power went to his head, and the whole TEAM hated him (that's what Mike told me). But I knew him when he was just a lead Mechanic and he knows his Formula Cars. Just with his lack of English, working with other people is not his best asset. He means well, just doesn't know how to say it in English. Trust me, I know what you mean. And BW sold the hatch LONG ago...

[FDslider]

ROFLMAO, how is the team roster looking for FBMW in 09? 08 didnt seem that great.


They are still waiting to see who all is involved. 5 out of the 7 races are scheduled, ending with the Brazilian Grand Prix in October. And the Official FBMW testing schedule still isn't up yet... I gotta start making hotel reservations and sheeeet. I need schedules dammit!!!! haaahaha

[dazn]

Martin IS a great mechanic. I heard that after I left, he ended up being Crew chief, power went to his head, and the whole TEAM hated him (that's what Mike told me). But I knew him when he was just a lead Mechanic and he knows his Formula Cars. Just with his lack of English, working with other people is not his best asset. He means well, just doesn't know how to say it in English. Trust me, I know what you mean. And BW sold the hatch LONG ago...

LOL, ask Mike what Martin did to his fuel cell and pump assembly.
ask Mike what Martin did to him at the Indy GP.
Ask Mike how many times Martin ordered the wrong parts or didnt order parts at all. Mike wasnt there for Martins later "new hires". we had the worst "mechanics" that Front Royal had to offer roll in and out of the shop stealing stuff and breaking tools, and cars left and right. and thats only the tip of the iceberg.
he definitely meant well at the beginning, we had a few long talks when I first started working there. but he just couldnt do his job, and thats all there is to it. he may have been good at twisting wrenches, but being a crew chief was not his gig.

[FDslider]

PLUS, Think about this. If the Standard engine is approved for Formula 1 and BMW pulls out... What will happen to FBMW? I mean, the main incentive is to test in the BMW F1 car. What would the Grand prize be then? Drive an M3 in ALMS? Jesus.... I am praying for everything to work out soon.

[dazn]

They are still waiting to see who all is involved. 5 out of the 7 races are scheduled, ending with the Brazilian Grand Prix in October. And the Official FBMW testing schedule still isn't up yet... I gotta start making hotel reservations and sheeeet. I need schedules dammit!!!! haaahaha


so the season finale is in brazil now huh? thats pretty kul.
are they having a triple header at Lime Rock again? that was pretty lame. double headers at Lime rock is more than enough.

[FDslider]

LOL, ask Mike what Martin did to his fuel cell and pump assembly.
ask Mike what Martin did to him at the Indy GP.
Ask Mike how many times Martin ordered the wrong parts or didnt order parts at all. Mike wasnt there for Martins later "new hires". we had the worst "mechanics" that Front Royal had to offer roll in and out of the shop stealing stuff and breaking tools, and cars left and right. and thats only the tip of the iceberg.
he definitely meant well at the beginning, we had a few long talks when I first started working there. but he just couldnt do his job, and thats all there is to it. he may have been good at twisting wrenches, but being a crew chief was not his gig.
I feel ya. But Martin will be returning to USA as a MECHANIC only. I have worked with him since 2004, and he likes working with me. I just let him turn his wrenches til 3 AM and that's that. Here is a funny story with myself and Martin....

When I started at Gelles, Martin did not know ANY English. One day he slipped and hit himself in the privates. He moaned and moaned and asked me, 'what do you say when you hit this?'. I replied, 'Martin, you just hit yourself in the pu$$y. Go tell everyone your Pu$$y hurts and they will understand and laugh." He told everyone until I told him that meant panocha lol lol Everyone got a kick outta that one. he walked around the whole day... 'My pu$$y, my pooooossy"

[dazn]

as far as Im concerned, Martin can keep his dumbass in uruguay.

there are way too many funny stories of martin being a dumbass. I cant count the number of times Ive seen him fall asleep while working on a car and hitting his head on things. or the times hes fallen asleep in the office and we've woken him up with fireworks or other shit.

[FDslider]

as far as Im concerned, Martin can keep his dumbass in uruguay.

there are way too many funny stories of martin being a dumbass. I cant count the number of times Ive seen him fall asleep while working on a car and hitting his head on things. or the times hes fallen asleep in the office and we've woken him up with fireworks or other shit.
Oh yeah?!? O rlly? How bout the time I had to ride in the Rig all the way out to Denver. And guess who was driving... MARTIN. I decided to take a lil nap in the pass seat. woke up an hour later and to my suprise, MARTIN was ASLEEP BEHIND THE WHEEL. Luckily we were on those long ass straight Kansas roads but good god!!! talk about piss your pants..

[Elbow]

Ohhh it's Brandon, I know you, I worked there a long time ago when I was 16 for the summer doing random work lol, I had the blue caged Civic hatch.

[FDslider]

Ohhh it's Brandon, I know you, I worked there a long time ago when I was 16 for the summer doing random work lol, I had the blue caged Civic hatch.
YEAH, that's the same Brandon White that has been there at Comprent for a while. Come on man... We all know each other here. It is family.. The racing world is a small one where 'everybody knows your name' lol lol

[dazn]

Oh yeah?!? O rlly? How bout the time I had to ride in the Rig all the way out to Denver. And guess who was driving... MARTIN. I decided to take a lil nap in the pass seat. woke up an hour later and to my suprise, MARTIN was ASLEEP BEHIND THE WHEEL. Luckily we were on those long ass straight Kansas roads but good god!!! talk about piss your pants..

you werent the only one he did that to. he did it everytime he got behind the wheel. he never got to drive if I was in the vehicle. First time I rode with him he got pulled over in Ohio and almost got arrested. I had to translate for the officer. basically I said. sorry officer, this guy is a dumbass and doesnt understand you. give him a ticket and lets all be on our way.

[FDslider]

ok gotta go grab some lunch here in Sebring, FL. It is raining like a mofo, so I'll try to not be stupid in the Blazer!!! woohoo. Don't talk too much trash about me while I am gone. hehehe

[FDslider]

you werent the only one he did that to. he did it everytime he got behind the wheel. he never got to drive if I was in the vehicle. First time I rode with him he got pulled over in Ohio and almost got arrested. I had to translate for the officer. basically I said. sorry officer, this guy is a dumbass and doesnt understand you. give him a ticket and lets all be on our way.
Oh dude, I know!!! In Colorado, there was a lil homeade weigh station in some podunk town. They needed Martin's Licenses and if you remember what I remember... he only had some stupid paper from Italy. It wasn't even a license or CDL or anything. He just always told he cops IT WAS HIS INT'L CDL LICENSE. Riiiiight.... Yeah, we got several tickets as well. You can only BS your way around for so long before you get busted.

[FDslider]

Hey B dub, you see this on the news yet? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVpbVNgG-jA Pretty cool

[B96v6]

Brandon, still havnt sold that hatch? so I hear Tom Drewer Australian Racing Car Driver might be driving with you guys next year. Thank u for taking him off our hands, hehe. j/k he is a good wheelman. 2nd overall at Utah in a L2, not so shabby.

Daniel, what's going on? Long time no see - well, since Petit, anyway. Yeah, I sold it back in April. Reed was just reminiscing about it since he was just jealous my car always ran. And had oil in it... :D

Tom did a test day with us and did some good times. He was being pretty pensive about not destroying anything, so there's more time there. He's certainly level headed and asked lots of intelligent questions. He was going to talk with his sponsors while he's home in Sydney for the holidays and I hope he'll pull some things together. He'd be a great addition. We already have 2 drivers signed for the season and hope he'll be the third. We have another few who will probably do a limited pro schedule with some club races thrown in. Very busy!

Are you going to be with West next year? If so, how's their lineup looking right now? Too bad the L2 hasn't been more popular - they're good and quick little cars!

BW

[dazn]

Daniel, what's going on? Long time no see - well, since Petit, anyway. Yeah, I sold it back in April. Reed was just reminiscing about it since he was just jealous my car always ran. And had oil in it... :D

Tom did a test day with us and did some good times. He was being pretty pensive about not destroying anything, so there's more time there. He's certainly level headed and asked lots of intelligent questions. He was going to talk with his sponsors while he's home in Sydney for the holidays and I hope he'll pull some things together. He'd be a great addition. We already have 2 drivers signed for the season and hope he'll be the third. We have another few who will probably do a limited pro schedule with some club races thrown in. Very busy!

Are you going to be with West next year? If so, how's their lineup looking right now? Too bad the L2 hasn't been more popular - they're good and quick little cars!

BW

If things keep going well, I should be full time with West for a while. Ill miss doing 25+ races a year(with World Challenge and all the club stuff) but having a more stable life is welcome. All the fly in races with the regular races can really wear you out.
We havnt really been too busy with marketing for L2 but we do have some drivers interested in it. Hopefully we can at least have a full podium for every race, but we will see Seems that the recent economic conditions are affecting our target customers more than we expected. Now that we are the manufacturer, we needed to restructure and work on that side of the business rather than just track support. we been concentrating on developing the brand new car and the electric car. They are both at the PRI show right now. we are looking to win the runoffs next year with the new Honda powered DSR. you know what they say, win on sunday, sell on monday.
Ill still be doing most of the races, but I've really been enjoying building the new cars and fabricating parts. so I might be more shop based from here on out which might be a good change. more thinking, less wrenching.