BMW V12 LM98 #15 pit stop is not entirely routine. They are out again but there was a lot of head scratching.
02:15 hrs The Audi #7 is lapping at the same sort of speed as the #11 Panoz, in fact all the front four cars are all doing 3:45's
GTS is looking good for the Oreca Vipers, they lie 9th, 10th &11th overall.
In the GT Category Dick Barbour Porsche #83 is still winning and lying in 19th on 136 laps ... the next car up is still the #73 car but that is on 133 laps.
As often seems to happen things can quieten down at
02:27 hrs #7 in the pits, fuel, no tyre changes, Abt stays at the wheel, longish stop this. There is problem in the cockpit.
Left rear puncture on the #16 .. terrible trouble getting old wheel off and a new left rear, engine cover won't fit properly,
They had to use a trolley jack not air jacks due to bodywork damage. All a bit hectic 7th place is under threat
#24 Officially withdrawn at 01:40 hrs the reason stated was 'Engine'
Some concern #7 ... what happened was that the radio wasn't working properly because it had changed channels, #7 car was talking to #8 team! That is why the mechanic was thrashing around in the cockpit. What a curious story when you realise the driver can't get at the radio!
02:35 Audi #7 another puncture this time it is the left rear.. it is running very slowly and it will lose the lead to #8 Audi. There is a problem ...the car is going into the garage for new back end. This is their second rear end so far and they only have three! The Panoz could make it upto 2nd place overall!
#11 is in the pits for fuel, brakes and a new rear end!
#8 is due into the pits in three laps for a routine stop .. could get a bit busy in 'Audi Land'
02:45 #7 is off again .. amazing .. that will ease the pressure!
02:46 hrs Mario Andretti is in the car getting kitted up.
The #56 Chamberlain Viper is out again, but it isn't all that well ! There is a problem wiring loom and fourth gear is no longer available ! Mind you the Viper has so much torque they probably won't miss a gear or two.
#53 in for regular service and wipe down with a damp cloth .. they are remarkable
02:45 hrs #9 pits, just refuelled, Ortelli stays at the wheel.for a third stint .. will the tyres stand the strain ?
POSITIONS AT 03:00 hrs..
8.9.7.12.11.3.16.23.51.52.17.53.
63.64.22.57.1.83.2.59.60.73.81.15,
21.76.8.75.80.54.79.56.6.32.35.36.10
37 Cars running
#15 started at 02:56 and it will take them 45 mins ..
02:58 hrs #54 The Belmondo Viper spun at Arnage and rejoined , no problem, just a spin.
#02:58.. The #12 overhauled #11 because the #11 was in the pits again being held togther with tank tape. Mario Andretti is still in the car looking a bit pensive.
Fastest lap for ageing Konrad Porsche 911 GT2 #60 was a 4:10.308 ..
The 18 year Gunnar Jeanette got into Porsche #75 at 03:14hrs... surely this lad should be safe at home tucked up in bed with his teddy not facing a night stint at Le Mans! (But don't tell his Mum!)
03:25 hrs #1 Cadillac .. they can do eight laps before they have to stop for fuel ... thirsty or what !
03:26 hrs #82 Porsche into the gravel and rejoins full of rubbish.
#73 missed its pit which caused some excitement.
03:30 hrs The #3 Cadillac cruises in for a 'service' .. to date this car has quietly been running like clockwork .. it may not last, who knows but impressive nonetheless for a newcomer to Le Mans.
#64 'Vette is in and being jacked up higher than usual and it is on axle stands. The undertray needs to come off and they seem to be looking at or changing the starter motor. It is a long stop and the #63 car has gone ahead of it,
#9 Aiello out of car after a triple stint from Ortelli
#51 Viper has spun possibly at Arnage and recovered, Karl Wendlinger was at wheel ...
#8 Audi pits entirely routine, but still they take a very close look at the rear end again .. there is something causing concern.
#11 Routine stop, Andretti still at the wheel we think.
POSITIONS AT 04:00 hrs (Half Way!)
8.9.7.12.3.11.16.23.17.51.52.53.
63.22.1.57.64.2.83.59.60.73.21.
81.76.82.75.80.54.79.15.56.8.32.35.36.10.
37 Cars still running.