PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports Debut Ends Prematurely in Long Beach
For the past eighteen days, the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports crew have been working around the clock in preparation for today’s 100 minute Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach event. Despite receiving the car so close to the race date, the #52 Corsa Car Care/ Autosport Design Oreca FLM09 was able to take the green flag today, marking a milestone in the team’s sportscar history. Tom Papadopoulos, of Long Island , NY made a good start while trying to bring the brakes and tires up to full racing temperature. However, in turn six on the third lap, Papadopoulos was caught out by the track’s increased grip levels, leading to a glancing blow to the driver’s left front wheel and ultimately sending the #52 into the tire barriers.
Upon returning to the pits under full course caution, Team Principal, Bobby Oergel inspected the car and determined that with extensive bodywork, splitter, and suspension damage, the #52 would have to be retired.
“We had a really great start and we were picking up positions,” Papadopoulos said. “Then I got caught out just like Johnny did yesterday. I was expecting to slide around the corner, but on turn in, there was so much good grip that I just went right to the wall appex. I guess this corner doesn’t like either one of us. It’s a shame for so many reasons as I’ve been having a great time in the prototype. The car felt so good, this isn’t what I expected to happen in the race. But I enjoyed this circuit, I know more of what to expect from the car now, so we’ll look forward to going to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and having another shot at it.”
During Saturday’s qualifying session, co-driver Johnny Mowlem of Berkshire, England, experienced a similar incident in turn 7, leading to nearly identical left front damage.
“I want to take my hat off to the entire PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team, I’m just sorry we couldn’t give the result that the car and the team deserved,” Mowlem said. “I made a small mistake in my qualifying effort that had a big effect on our starting position. We almost certainly could have got the pole or definitely been on the front row. Unfortunately Tom had a similar issue in the same corner during the race which prevented us from continuing. The team works so hard, so I’m looking forward to giving them a top result in the future.”
Ray Mathiasen, Oergel’s business partner and co-owner of PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports, is optimistic about his team’s capability.
“We’re here for the long haul and we know that not every race can be exactly what you want,” Mathiasen explained. “Despite the quick end to our day, we’re still proud of how well this team came together, and how quick we were earlier this weekend. I know we’ve got the right pieces in place for success.”
For Team Principal Bobby Oergel, the weekend’s trials will serve as a learning lesson for the upcoming six hour endurance race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
“After working on the car non-stop for over two weeks, and with both Johnny and Tom having experience behind the wheel now, I feel that we have a full notebook for Laguna,” Oregel said. “Obviously we’re disappointed with our finishing position, but we know that ambitious race programs are about more than where you finish. They’re about getting the team built, establishing communication, learning the nuances of the car and the series, and getting the pieces ready to compete for wins. In our first practice session, we posted two laps in the 1:18s and led the session before finishing P2. So we know we can get the job done and we have a lot to be proud of as we prepare for our next race.”
Qualifying for the six hour American Le Mans Series Monterey presented by Patron at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca begins at 3:30ET on Friday May 21, 2010.
Drivers and potential partners interested in the PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón LMPC program can contact the team directly at pr1motorsports@aol.com or at (559) 277-1300.
Corsa Car Care manufactures professional grade automotive detailing products including cleaners, polishes and protective sealants for exterior finishes, interior leathers & textiles, glass, vinyl and rubber applications. As a division of Miracle Sealants Company, Corsa Car Care draws on over 25 years of knowledge and experience in advanced polymer chemistry. For more details, visit corsacarcare.com.
Autosport Designs Inc. 30,000 sq. ft. facility performs all mechanical services from basic maintenance and repairs to performance upgrades, modern improvements, mechanical rebuilds and restorations. Our in house body shop performs panel, sheet metal fabrication, chassis, collision and dent repairs plus partial and complete repaints and insurance repairs. We also perform all interior and trim work including leather and wood repairs, interior upgrades to complete interior re-upholstery. From start to finish, all work is performed under one roof. As a Registered Importer, Autosport Designs can import and conform (whether for Full Importation or Show and Display) unusual cars for USA compliance. Our storage facility offers secure & maintained storage for your vehicle. For more information, search out www.autosportdesigns.com or give us a call at (631) 425-1555.
In paddocks packed with excellent teams and quality drivers, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports has established itself as one of the top driver development programs. Based in Fresno, CA, PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports occupies an expansive facility housing a stable of F2000 Zetec and professional sports cars. Team drivers enjoy the benefits of a completely professional program including engineering support, state-of-the art data acquisition, and a race winning experienced crew. PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports drivers, and partners, also enjoy first-class trackside hospitality and comprehensive marketing support.
PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports team information can be found at www.PR1Motorsports.com.
www.corsacarcare.com
www.autosportdesigns.com
www.johnnymowlem.com
For more information please contact Eric Wildt at (707) 480-7350 or Eric@MotorsportsCG.com