Level 5 Motorsports Earns Second Consecutive Sebring Win

24th March 2011

For the second consecutive year, Level 5 Motorsports claimed victory in the historic 12 Hours of Sebring with an impressive debut for both Microsoft Office 2010 Honda-powered Lola LMP2 entries.  The No. 055 Lola Spyder earned the top spot on the podium after a drama-filled run for the team of Scott Tucker, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Luis Diaz.  The team's second car — a Lola Coupe — came home fourth with Tucker, Christophe Bouchut and Joao Barbosa sharing the driving duties.

"This has been a great week for this whole Level 5 organization," said Tucker, winner of multiple series and national driving championships.  "When we made this move up to the LMP2 class, we knew we had our work cut out for us.  And to come out of the gate with a win and a strong run — we're thrilled.  This is such a grueling race and it means so much to win here."

The solid finishes have given Level 5 a great start in the American Le Mans Series as well as the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.  But the results did not come easily.  After first getting the brand new cars on track just one week ago, the team worked tirelessly throughout the week of practice and qualifying to get ready for the notoriously challenging 12-hour race.  But the experienced crew overcame each obstacle to keep the cars on track throughout the event.
"This morning I had a feeling we were going to win it," said IZOD IndyCar star Ryan Hunter-Reay who took the checkered flag in the No. 055.  "To win at Sebring in the 12 Hours as a Florida kid is a dream come true.  And especially to do it with Honda and Level 5 — this is really cool."

With the Level 5 Lolas running first and second at times during the race, it looked as though perhaps a sweep atop the podium was in store.  But things are known to change quickly at Sebring.   After getting to the front, the No. 055 lost its left rear wheel when the wheel nut came loose.  A slow ride in to the pits compounded the problem putting the car two laps down.  Not long after that, the No. 33 made contact on track with a slower car and suffered a suspension problem as a result.  That forced the car off the track for repairs for an extended period of time.

"Apparently, it is not good to be leader in LMP2 in this race," said Bouchut, a three-time FIA GT winner, "because as soon as you take the lead you have problems." 

The strong finishes mean the team has recorded points for both cars in the ALMS LMP2 class as it looks to back up its 2010 LMPC Championship.  In addition, the No. 33 earned points in the ILMC where the team is competing for a World Championship this year.

"You put so much into it that it is good to know you are secure for those points," said Team Manager David Stone.  "You really can't say enough about what this team has done here this week."
The team will begin immediately preparing for the next ALMS event at the famed street circuit in Long Beach, California, April 16.  The next event on the ILMC calendar is the famed 24 Hours of Spa May 8.