FIRST DIESEL VICTORY IN MOTORSPORTS RACE AT SEBRING The Audi R10 diesel sportscar, featuring the Dow Automotive diesel particulate filtration system, won the 12 hours of Sebring endurance race Saturday, March 18, at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida. The Audi R10 TDI exceeded performance expectations and went on to become the first-ever diesel sportscar to win a motorsports race. "We're thrilled to join Audi Sport as a technical development partner, and delighted that together we've accomplished a 'first' for diesel technology," said George Hamilton, President of Dow Automotive. "This partnership demonstrates our commitment to providing innovative solutions to the automotive industry." With a time of 12:01:56.561, the diesel-powered Audi R10 TDI won Sebring, the first race of the 2006 American Le Mans Series, by a margin of four laps over the Lola B05 40/AER. Powered by a 650 hp V12 TDI engine, the R10 set a track record in the qualifying round with a lap of 1:45.828, shattering the previous mark by more than two seconds. The Audi R10 TDI replaces the R8, which won the Sebring race for the last six consecutive years. "The win by the Audi R10 TDI is a breakthrough accomplishment in motorsports," said Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich, Head of Audi Sport. "We're very pleased that our new partner Dow Automotive, under a tight timeline, successfully delivered this important filtration technology. And, now we look forward to the challenge of Le Mans." Sebring is world famous for the annual 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race, part of the prestigious American Le Mans Series. On the third Saturday of March, the raceway hosts thousands of race fans from around the world to witness the historic 12-hour classic, which was first held in 1952. Located in central Florida, Sebring is the oldest permanent road racing track in North America. Source: Dow Automotive, March 20 /PRNewswire
Yes, it was very cool. The other team car dropped out early in the race with cooling issues. This should really change the focus of endurance racing for sure. I can't wait for LeMans this year.
