LM24 Le Mans 2008 - Entry List/Driver News

**Bentley03** · 18 Nov 2007, 11:59 (Ref:2070095)

The ACO have published the first list of invites (27 in all) to the 2008 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The list covers invites based on results from Le Mans 2007, Petit Le Mans 2007, LMS 2007 and ALMS 2007. The list also includes invites to the winners and runners up in both GT1 and GT2 in the 2007 FIA GT Championship (as was the case in 2007 in respect of the 2006 FIA GT Championship). As expected, there are no automatic invites associated with results in the 2007 JLMC.

It also lays to rest any doubts as to whether or not Autocon would be invited. They are!

Entry List (as of 19th November 2007)

The359 · 18 Nov 2007, 12:11 (Ref:2070103)

Wow, this is...early? Isn't it? I thought they waited until next year at least.

SebringMG · 18 Nov 2007, 12:13 (Ref:2070108)

Very good news for the FIA GT crowd as it enables them to sort budgets and cars much earlier than last year

**Bentley03** · 18 Nov 2007, 12:36 (Ref:2070122)

Quote:

Originally Posted by The359

Wow, this is...early? Isn't it? I thought they waited until next year at least.

Well, the preliminary list for 2006 was published mid-January of that year, the preliminary list for this year on or just before 13th December 2006 and for the 2008 race they've brought forward the announcement once again, by almost a month. As 'SebringMG' points out, it's of enormous help to the teams involved.

minimangler · 18 Nov 2007, 13:14 (Ref:2070147)

I'm liking the look of some of it, but for example Autocon were second in ALMS, but hardly showed Le Mans worthy pace; also, what will Vitaphone do? Haven't they had an entry for a couple of years now?

mariantic · 18 Nov 2007, 13:43 (Ref:2070165)

Quote:

Originally Posted by minimangler

I'm liking the look of some of it, but for example Autocon were second in ALMS, but hardly showed Le Mans worthy pace; also, what will Vitaphone do? Haven't they had an entry for a couple of years now?

If Autocon do go (60/40 I am told) it will be with a fully updated Creation, so only drivers will keep it off the works pace.

As for Vitaphone, Michael Bartels says he wants to do it - but would eneed to lease a car. See here:-

http://www.gt-eins.at/cms/index.php?...=1998&Itemid=1

BTW Bartels did look @ leasing last year but it was a bit late - more chance this year?

Mariantic

SebringMG · 18 Nov 2007, 13:43 (Ref:2070166)

Autocon will unfortunately be a mobile chicane! Vitaphone will have to source another car if they really want to compete....which means an Aston or Corvette.....yawn

Truckosaurus · 18 Nov 2007, 13:44 (Ref:2070167)

So, who do we think will drop out from that list (and when do they have to (un-)announce it?) - Penske and Vitaphone didn't take up their invites this year, is there any reason to think they'll have plans for 2008?

minimangler · 18 Nov 2007, 14:48 (Ref:2070198)

Quote:

Originally Posted by SebringMG

Autocon will unfortunately be a mobile chicane! Vitaphone will have to source another car if they really want to compete....which means an Aston or Corvette.....yawn

Or a Saleen; 2004, remember.

mariantic · 18 Nov 2007, 15:01 (Ref:2070203)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truckosaurus

So, who do we think will drop out from that list (and when do they have to (un-)announce it?) - Penske and Vitaphone didn't take up their invites this year, is there any reason to think they'll have plans for 2008?

Possible drop -outs from this list I think are:-

Penske

Playteam

Autocon (60/40) as I mentioned above

ORECA - but entry could go to team buying a Saleen

Vitaphone - will look @ leases available (this could also apply to Playteam but they've not said anything)

Risi - one will be Krohn again

RML - talk of them going to P1 so could drop P2 entry.

Mariantic

**Bentley03** · 18 Nov 2007, 15:01 (Ref:2070204)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bentley03

Entry List (as of 19th November 2007)

That should have read "Entry List (as of 16th November 2007)" (got a bit ahead of myself!).

SALEEN S7R · 18 Nov 2007, 15:04 (Ref:2070207)

The Saleen's pace wasnt too shabby in 2007 either, 2nd place in class for qualifying at Le Mans.

HORNDAWG · 19 Nov 2007, 18:41 (Ref:2071068)

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariantic

Possible drop -outs from this list I think are:-

Penske

Playteam

Autocon (60/40) as I mentioned above

ORECA - but entry could go to team buying a Saleen

Vitaphone - will look @ leases available (this could also apply to Playteam but they've not said anything)

Risi - one will be Krohn again

RML - talk of them going to P1 so could drop P2 entry.

Mariantic

It would seem that the Autocon entry is closer to a 0% chance of dropping out. link

L.P.

jhansen · 19 Nov 2007, 19:05 (Ref:2071077)

Penske not going is a safe bet. If they didn't go before, I don't see them going now when the P2 rules are more restrictive.

**Bentley03** · 19 Nov 2007, 19:36 (Ref:2071096)

Quote:

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

It would seem that the Autocon entry is closer to a 0% chance of dropping out. link

L.P.

Excellent, that's great news! I shall really look forward to following their 'Big Adventure'.

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