News

Le Mans 24 Hours

12/07/12

This is massive sporting event and a huge undertaking for any team, but a mountain to climb for a small operation such as JWA-Avila.I was proud of our performance.To be classified at the finish of 24 hours, of sometimes brutal racing, is very special and it is difficult to convey the emotions involved.

Our plan was to make progress through consistency and exploit the life of our Pirelli tyres which did not suffer from performance drop off over long runs.This meant the drivers, had to double stint also and we appreciated the work of our trainer Mark Harrison.

Joel Camathias started the race, followed by myself and then Markus Palttala and we moved steadily up the timing screens to 6th place.I took over at dusk and drove the car into the darkness.Unfortunately on my in lap contact with the barriers required a change of trackrod which cost 20 minutes.Joel and Markus then cycled the car through the night and I returned to the wheel for dawn. This proved to be a very difficult stint, in particular on the approach to the dunlop bridge where the Sun, just above the horizon, obscured my vision.

Midmorning I was again in the wars when tapped into a spin at the Mulsanne corner by none other than Tom Kristensen. Frustrating as Video footage shows that i very nearly caught the car - but there you go ! 

As Sunday afternoon approached, and with Markus at the wheel we chased 5th place, closing on the No 70 Corvette by 15-25 seconds per lap, however with 80 minutes of the race remaining we lost 5th gear and decided to pit rather than risk a total loss of drive. I managed 2 final laps at speed and took the flag running - a very special moment and one that I will savour for many years to come!

Many thanks to all the team, our sponsors and partners.

Next round is Silverstone - Home ground !