Ferrari’s homecoming party
The entire Ferrari AF Corse team celebrated its famous Le Mans win at Maranello, Italy yesterday. The drivers and team members were greeted by the employees of the company founded in 1947 and hundreds of locals.
The festivities included road runs for both 499P Hypercars, which left the gates of Via Abetone Inferiore, (the entrance to the Prancing Horse headquarters) to form a parade, first through the Attività Sportive GT and Scuderia Ferrari area and then through the streets of the town centre, passing some of its most iconic locations, including the Ferrari Museum.
After the parade, both 499Ps were put on display with the Centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans trophy.
Porsche’s Xbox partnership
Porsche has revealed that a set of exclusive Le Mans-themed Xbox Series X games consoles will be available in heritage colour schemes to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
This Xbox 75th Anniversary Porsche collection pays homage to six of Porsche’s most striking sportscar liveries including the 1998 GT1, Hippe, Pink Pig, Salzburg, Moby Dick and 2023 963 Le Mans Hypercars.
The consoles will be unveiled at events throughout the summer.
Audi’s Spa 24 liveries revealed
Audi has unveiled a special trio of liveries for the Spa 24 Hours next week, representing the past, present and future of the brand.
Audi Sport Team Saintéloc’s #25 R8 harkens back to the era of Auto Union’s streamlined race cars with its classic racing silver colour.
The present is reflected by the #40 in the 40th year of Audi Sport GmbH’s existence: Audi Sport Tresor Orange1 relies on a striking design. Its geometric pattern picks up the design from the current generation R8 LMS evo II debut.
The theme of the future is embodied on the #11 fielded by Comtoyou. The design is based on the brand’s forthcoming Formula 1 project.
“Following the great enthusiasm for our historic designs for the 40th anniversary of Audi Sport GmbH at the Nürburgring, we have also depicted our racing history over a longer period in line with the long-standing racing tradition here in the Ardennes,” says Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing.
“Our three race cars from Audi Sport customer racing visually cover almost 100 years of motorsport history of the four rings under the guiding principle ‘past – present – future’. In sporting terms, the focus for us is obviously on fighting for our fifth success in just twelve years in a top-class environment.”
MDK raising awareness for Alzheimer’s
With Alzheimer’s Awareness Month coming to a close, it’s a good time to recognise the efforts of the #43 Racing to End Alzheimer’s/MDK Racing Porsche, which is entered in the Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America series (on the IMSA WeatherTech support bill).
The car is running with a livery honouring Alzheimer’s sufferers. The team is hoping to make a difference by raising money for R2EndAlz and racing with 122 names of loved ones that have suffered from the disease on the sides of its purple Porsche.
The Porsche 992 Cup Car is driven by Am class points leader Mark Kvamme, who is aiming high for the races at Watkins Glen this weekend.
“I’m extremely excited to jump back into the #43 Racing to End Alzheimer’s Porsche,” said Kvamme. “After an amazing experience at Le Mans, I can’t wait to be back in one of the most competitive series in North America. We’ve had an incredible start to the season with five victories so far, and the MDK Motorsports team and I will be focused to try and extend our championship lead.
“It has been a humbling experience representing the iconic R2EndAlz racing programme this season. This has added a whole new dynamic to my racing — now racing for others and a fantastic cause. Meeting folks at each race who have been affected by the disease truly motivates me to bring the win home for the team.”
Photos courtesy of IMSA, Ferrari, Porsche & Audi Sport
