The XM Satellite Radio race car placed first in its class at the opening race of the 2007 American Le Mans Series last Saturday at Sebring, Florida.
The XM car (powered by Acura) took first in the LMP2 class at the historic Twelve Hours of Sebring race. The Twelve Hours of Sebring is one of the most renowned endurance races in the U.S. bring in teams from around the world to take part in the event. Over 140,000 people attended the race, and it also aired live on SPEED Channel.
The race marked the first time that XM has sponsored a vehicle in an American Le Mans Series race. It also was Acura’s debut in the series.
The XM vehicle was driven by the Andretti Green Racing team’s Bryan Herta, Tony Kanaan and Dario Franchitti. For the past three years, Bryan drove the Honda-powered XM vehicle in the IndyCar Series. After Saturday’s win, Herta described it as “probably the most special victory of my career.”
Even if you’re not a gearhead, check out several photos of the XM-Acura racecar and crew with the XM Satellite Radio logo prominently displayed throughout…
Acura’s first step into prototype competition in the American Le Mans Series’ LMP2 class will be the subject of an hour-long feature on SPEED that debuts at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, March 2. The Acura factory program is the first such effort for the luxury brand of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., and involves three world-class teams in Andretti Green Racing, Lowe’s Fernandez Racing and Highcroft Racing.
Acura’s race program features 3.0-liter, normally aspirated V8 engines designed and developed by Honda Performance Development. They will be mated with chassis from Courage and Lola for the full 2007 season.
SPEED’s documentary will put the viewer behind the scenes with the race teams as they prepare for this historic race, and behind the wheel of the Acura-powered LMP2 race car. This in-depth report will offer insight into the selection of drivers, complemented by behind-the-scenes footage of Honda Performance Development (HPD) and the development of the Acura engine. The special presentation will follow the accelerated development of the Acura race program over the past four months by following each team through the rigorous testing schedules.
With its new American Le Mans Series race program, Acura is soon to arrive on a stage occupied by some of the world’s most prestigious auto companies. With three new teams, Acura is starting on the learning curve to the ultimate goal: to race and win at the highest level on one of the greatest stages in endurance racing, the 2007 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
The show will reair at midnight on Friday, March 2 and at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday March 17, immediately before SPEED’s live coverage of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
September 27th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Cool car… Hope to see these in the next race topping on the rank!
March 22nd, 2008 at 12:39 am
haloo
May 8th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
i love this car
November 29th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I SAW YOU TAKING THE PICTURES OF THIS CAR AT THE L.A AUTO SHOW ON NOVEMBER 22.I WAS RIGHT BY YOUR SIDE.
March 18th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
this car is coo