Laguna Seca: Farnbacher Loles Racing preview

Farnbacher Loles Heads to California for the ALMS Series Finale

The #87 Farnbacher Loles Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RSR will be competing this weekend in the final round of the American Le Mans Series at the legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Located in beautiful Monterey, CA, the 11-turn, road course circuit is a world favorite among fans and drivers alike. Although the natural terrain circuit is only 2.238 miles long, drivers will still experience long uphill straights, sweeping banked corners, and a tight hairpin perfect for overtaking opportunities. Among the eleven turns, the dauntingly steep Turn 8-Turn 8A complex, more commonly referred to as the "Corkscrew", features a 300 ft elevation change that drivers must delicately navigate to ensure a fast lap.

Returning to the #87 for the final time this year is Porsche Factory Driver, Wolf Henzler of Nurtingen, Germany. The 2008 GT2 Class Champion is currently scored in fourth position, a mere five points behind third place drivers Tommy Milner and Dirk Muller. Endurance racing veteran, Pierre Ehret of Santa Rosa, CA, will be co-driving with Henzler this weekend having not driven in the ALMS since the 2008 12 Hours of Sebring were he scored an impressive fourth position in a Ferrari F430.

Henzler considers Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca one of his favorite tracks and is excited about co-driving with Ehret.

"I really enjoy Laguna Seca and the corkscrew corners," Henzler said. "I have a new co-driver with Pierre, who I've known for years. He's very experienced in endurance racing and can lay down consistently fast lap-times, so I believe we have an excellent shot on a top result."

Ehret, who regularly drives for Farnbacher Racing in Europe, is eager to drive the powerful Porsche GT3 RSR this weekend.

"I'm looking forward to driving with Farnbacher Loles at Laguna Seca and I'm very excited and curious to experience the new 2009 RSR," Ehret said. "The last time I drove one was in 2007 which was then the 2007 version."

Farnbacher Loles Team Principal, Gregory Loles, anticipates a great race for the final round of the 2009 ALMS season. "Laguna Seca is an amazing track located in one of the most beautiful places in the world," Loles said. "The changes they made to the runoff areas will improve the racing and I'm very pleased that we have our long time friend, Pierre, in the car for us this weekend. He and Wolf always perform at the highest level for the Team, the crew has our RSR prepared, so I expect nothing but the best this weekend."

-credit: flr