24 Hours of Le Mans

ACEMCO: “New aerodynamic package makes S7-R extremely unstable”

ACEMCO Motorsports has officially withdrawn its entry to participate in the June 18-19th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The withdrawal is based upon the team required to use a smaller rear wing on their number 63 ACEMCO Motorsports Saleen S7-R GT1 sportscar.

© ACEMCO

“The primary reason we have decided to withdraw from Le Mans is because of the re-interpretation of the ACO rule regarding the width of the rear wing for our car” said Jeff Giangrande, team owner. “Based upon our experience at Road Atlanta with the revised wing width, six-inches smaller than the team ran in 2004, the aerodynamic package of the Saleen S7-R is extremely unstable, especially in high speed corners. Because of the high speeds that are witnessed at the Le Mans circuit, we feel that the car, in its current configuration, would be too big of a compromise in overall handling and performance. I also have to think of the safety of my drivers.”

The American Le Mans Series officials are considering allowing the team to go back to the 2004 wing configuration for the remaining eight race schedule. “The team will use the month of June to continue testing the aerodynamics, the integration of the new engine management system and forge ahead with our partner Elan Products with engine development,” continued Giangrande.

The team will travel Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course for round three of the American Le Mans Series to be run on Sunday, May 22nd.