Level 5 Motorsports News - Le Mans

Tucker, Bouchut Le Mans Odyssey Cut Short; Audi Prevails

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:47:00 -0400

The world's most difficult motorsports event lived up to its reputation today as Level 5 Motosports drivers Scott Tucker and Christophe Bouchut fell victim to the perils of endurance sportscar racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Their Team Kolles Audi R-10, with co-driver Manuel Rodrigues behind the wheel, crashed in the Porsche curves during the early morning hours, ending their run.

"That is just a shame," Tucker said. "You know these things can happen in such a long race. But we really felt we had settled into our pace with good, consistent lap times. We just needed to be around at the end to post a good finish."

After another incident during Rodrigues' first stint of the race sent the car to the pits with significant front end damage, the Kolles crew worked to repair for return to the track. Successful stints by Tucker and Bouchut in the ailing car during the night went for naught with the second crash at 4 a.m. Following his accident, Rodrigues walked away from the car - which is not allowed under ACO rules - and the team was subsequently disqualified.

After rolling off 12th in a field of 55 of the best racecars and drivers in the world, the No. 14 Audi R-10 had been setting lap times that equaled their qualifying speed - demonstrating the blistering speed of the race that would go into the record books as the fastest-paced 24 Hours of Le Mans ever run. The team was running as high as seventh place in the early going.

"The race speeds were incredible," Tucker said. "With 55 other cars out there on a tight circuit, it was really challenging. That is why this race has the reputation it does."

The second Team Kolles Audi R-10 entry, driven by Christjan Albers, Christian Bakkerud and Olive Jarvis, managed to work into the top 10, until their race was also cut short with a gearbox failure late in the event.

The much-hyped Peugeot effort that dominated qualifying and pre-race publicity was also unable to survive the grueling race over the 8.48-mile road circuit. Taking the overall honors were Audi Sport North America in first, followed by Audi Sport Team Joest in second and third, meaning an all Audi R-15 sweep of the podium.

"It was great to see the Four Rings on the podium," Tucker said. "It was a thrill to be here with Audi and we're proud to see the guys get another win."

Covering a record 397 laps for 3,366 miles -- nearly the distance from London to New York -- the 2010 running of the legendary race proved there is indeed no more difficult test in motorsports. And, with Audi posting nine wins in the last 11 years at Le Mans -- including three for the R-10 -- there is no doubt they have become the class of the field in international endurance racing.

Next up for Tucker and Bouchut will be a return to the American Le Mans Series where they sit atop the standings for the Le Mans Prototype Challenge. The Larry H. Miller Dealerships Grand Prix will be held July 11, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. ET. Television coverage will be carried by SPEED.

Tucker, Bouchut Prepare for Racing's Biggest Test

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 11:37:00 -0400

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After months of preparation and a frantic practice and qualifying schedule this week, Level 5 Motorsports drivers Scott Tucker and Christophe Bouchut enjoyed a day of relative calm Friday in Le Mans, Sarthe, France. That will all change Saturday as they take to the track for the 78th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Friday's activities were highlighted by the annual parade through the streets of Le Mans. Hundreds of thousands of fans lined the roadways as the international field of racing greats soaked up the atmosphere.

"What a fantastic experience," said Tucker. "This is what Le Mans is all about. No other event in the world has this mix of history, passionate fans and incredible racing."

When Tucker, Bouchut and Team Kolles co-driver Manuel Rodrigues take the green flag tomorrow in their No. 14 Audi R-10 racecar, they will begin one of the most arduous events in all of sport. The twice-around-the-clock marathon will cover the same amount of racetrack as 12 Formula One Grand Prix races. Last year's winners completed 382 laps over the 8.48-mile street circuit, which was 3,254 miles at an average speed of 216 135.4 mph.

"There is no question that this is a tough, tough, race," said Tucker. "It's test your conditioning, your mental toughness -- not to mention the toll it takes on the car!"

The car Tucker will be driving has proven that is more than capable of withstanding the stresses of endurance racing. With a remarkable 4 wins at Le Mans, the Audi R-10 has a firm place in the event's record books. Team Kolles has two R-10s competing in this year's race and, with Audi-factory support, the team has all of the elements needed for a successful run.

"We know we've got the right equipment, the right driver line-up and the right crew behind us to do something special here this weekend," said Tucker.

Joining the Team Kolles Audi R-10s will be 53 other highly-competitive racecars in the hands of 162 of the world's best drivers representing 24 nations. While it is no small feat just to earn a spot in this field, Tucker and Bouchut will have the advantage of a premium starting position. When they roll off 12th saturday, they will have "the best of the best" in their rear-view mirror including 13 Formula drivers, one IndyCar champion and one F1 World Champion.

The green flag for the 24 Hours of Le Mans is scheduled to wave at 9:30 a.m. ET Saturday, with the checkered flag scheduled to drop at 9:30 a.m. ET Sunday. The SPEED Channel will televise the first four hours of the race live. Broadcast coverage will continue from 6 p.m. ET until the race's finish with extended coverage throughout the weekend on SPEEDTV.com.

Tucker, Bouchut set for historic start in 24 Hours of Le Mans

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:57:00 -0400

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Wet conditions and a questionable forecast for the 24 Hours of Le Mans have not dampened the moods of Level 5 Motorsports drivers Scott Tucker and Christophe Bouchut. The drivers, in France with Audi and Team Kolles for the 78th running of the historic sports car race, will start 12th in a world-class field of 55 entries after a strong effort in qualifying. Bouchut posted a time of of 3:30.907 over the 8.48-mile street circuit in Le Mans, Sarthe, France, in the legendary Audi R-10.

"I am happy with the result in qualifying and we could work on the race setup," said team owner Dr. Colin Kolles. "The drivers and every member of our crew did a great job. In the end, everything worked well and now we are looking forward to a successful race on Saturday and Sunday."

Bouchut's time was not only enough to earn a favorable starting position for the No. 14 entry he shares with Tucker and Manuel Rodrigues, but it also helped in a friendly rivalry that developed with the other Team Kolles Audi R-10 driven by Formula One star Christijan Albers, Christian Bakkerud and Oliver Jarvis. Albers' time of 3:31.661 in the No. 15 was enough to put them just one spot behind their teammates on the starting grid, but still second among the stable-mates.

"Sure there is a bit of a friendly rivalry in the paddock between our two R-10s," said Tucker, the only American to ever race the Audi R-10. "But Audi and the whole Team Kolles organization are working very well together -- as demonstrated by our strong qualifying effort. But it's a long race and we know we've got to maintain our focus on posting a positive result on Sunday."

The factory Audi-backed effort for Team Kolles continues an unprecedented tradition for the famed Audi R-10 race car. With a remarkable four wins at Le Mans, the car is a proven endurance-racing powerhouse. Even in a field comprised of 55 of the world's best sports cars, that track-record still stands out.

"The Audi is a great, proven race car," said Bouchut, 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans winner. "We know we have a chance to be on the podium Sunday with this car."

Peugeot entered this week's activities as a favorite and have put up very strong times in practice and qualifying. The lead Peugeot 908 HDi entry was driven to the pole position by four-time Champ Car Champion -- and Scott Tucker's Rolex 24 At Daytona co-driver -- Sebastien Bourdais. His blistering lap of 3:19.711 gave Peugeot their fourth consecutive Le Mans pole.

Tucker is one of just two American's running in the LMP1 class, the premier class in the race. The other is Marco Andretti, Indy Car standout and grandson of legendary driver Mario Andretti. In his first time participating in the world's most prestigious sports car race, Tucker is learning a new car and one of the most challenging circuits in any form of racing.

"The Audi is similar to the LMPC car we run in the American Le Mans Series," Tucker said. "But there are enough differences that it takes some getting used to. With this tough street course, the weather and racing at night, there is a lot for a driver to deal with in this race."

Several hundred thousand fans pack the streets for all of the racing action, as well as a parade that travels through the city of Le Mans. Despite a forecast for rain, the crowds continue to show their support of this historic event.

The green flag for the 24 Hours of Le Mans is scheduled to drop at 9:30 a.m. ET Saturday, with the checkered flag scheduled to drop at 9:30 a.m. ET Sunday. The SPEED Channel will televise the first four hours of the race live. Broadcast coverage will continue from 6 p.m. ET until the race's finish with extended coverage throughout the weekend on SPEEDTV.com.

Bienvenue aux 24 Heures du Mans!

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:52:00 -0400

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As Level 5 Motorsports teammates Scott Tucker and Christophe Bouchut head to France for the 78th running of the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans, a quick look at the past and present of this sports car racing classic is in order.

As the oldest sports car race in the world, Le Mans has a special place in motorsports lore. Adding to the legend is the unique setting and structure of the race. Held on 8.48 miles of closed public roads, the race brings incredible speeds from the world's most technologically-advanced sports cars. Only 55 cars are invited to participate and the one-of-a-kind qualifying process requires all teams to be within 10 percent of the speed of the fastest qualifier in order to race.

Over the years, the international field has consisted of some of the biggest names in racing. In 1979, legendary actor and sports car racer Paul Newman summed up his second-place effort in the grueling event with a simple remark: "I was like a piece of meat out there."

This year, there are less than 10 Americans in the world-class field. Tucker is one of only two in the LMP1 class -- the event's fastest division. The only other is Marco Andretti, Indy Racing star and grandson of the legendary Mario Andretti.

The other stars of the event are the cars. The machine that Tucker and Bouchut will pilot is the famed Audi R-10. The car has a remarkable four 24 Hours of Le Mans championships. Along the way, the 5.5 litre V12 diesel-powered racer clocked a record speed of 220 MPH and 13 fastest lap records in the European Le Mans Series. An engineering marvel, the car has 650 Horsepower, a five-speed, paddle shifting sequential gearbox and a full carbon fiber monocoque.

While Tucker is making his Le Mans debut, Bouchut brings tremendous experience in this race. He has 17 starts including a win in 1993. Along with his his wins in the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the 24 Hours of Spa, Bouchut has an endurance-racing record that puts him among the all-time greats.

This weekend's race will be seen by more than 100 million race fans in 170 counties. Nearly nine million are expected to watch the race online this year.

There are two qualifying sessions for the 24 Hours of LeMans Thursday, one set for 1 p.m. ET, with the other scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.

The green flag for 24 Hours of LeMans is scheduled to drop at 9:30 a.m. ET Saturday, with the checkered flag scheduled to drop at 9:30 a.m. ET Sunday. The SPEED Channel will televise the first four hours of the race live. Coverage will continue from 6 p.m. ET until the race's finish.

Here's a great video about the Audi R-10:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwU4UXL3kt4&feature=related

A lap with Le Mans Champion Christophe Bouchut when he was a factory driver with Mercedes Benz:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-sdV6Qiup8

Champion Allan McNish gives a turn by turn overview of the course:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIAIA9u1WbE&feature=related

Here's a good video about the history of Le Mans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec1hVHSjhTA&feature=related

Tucker Gears Up for Le Mans Debut in Audi R10 TDI

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:47:00 -0400

Following a successful - and grueling - test session at Circuit Paul Ricard in France, Level 5 Motorsports owner / driver Scott Tucker now turns his focus to the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans. This will be his first appearance in the endurance classic, which gets underway in less than two-weeks. SPEED caught up with Tucker after the test with Team Kolles in the Audi R10 TDI. http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/lm24-tucker-completes-test-with-kolles/

Audi and Team Kolles Complete Successful Test at Paul Ricard Test Facility in Provence

Fri, 28 May 2010 15:52:00 -0400

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Level 5 Motorsports drivers Scott Tucker and Christophe Bouchut are taking a break from their record-setting season racing in the American Le Mans Series. However, that does not mean that the champion drivers are relaxing. In fact, the two are getting set for perhaps the biggest challenge they will face all year: the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Tucker and Bouchut just completed an intense test session with Audi-backed Team Kolles at Circuit Paul Ricard in France where they put the now legendary Audi R10 TDI race cars through two thousand kilometers of grueling practice runs. The cars have a stellar track record with three wins in the historic endurance race (2006-08).

"These cars are fantastic," Tucker said. "Knowing we have the tradition of Audi and this great group of engineers at Kolles getting them ready is a great feeling for a driver. We did a lot of work this week to simulate race conditions and the cars performed perfectly."

The Audi Le Mans race car is similar to the American Le Mans Prototype that Level 5 campaigns in the American Le Mans Series, but the car is slightly larger and has traction control - meaning the drivers can go all-out to reach the incredible speeds that are typical at Le Mans.

"The speeds here at Circuit Paul Ricard can reach 240 mph - which is comparable to Le Mans," Tucker said. "When you consider that they are doing 227 mph at Indy this week, you realize how fast we are running and how sharp you have to be in the cockpit."

On hand is "Mr. Le Mans" Tom Kristensen. With eight victories under his belt - including six with Audi - Kristensen is a valuable resource for the team at this vital test session. Combined with two-time winner Bouchut (1993, 2002), the team is stacked with experience.

"Having a two-time Le Mans winner like Christophe Bouchut is a great incitement for our team," team owner Dr. Colin Kolles said. "All in all, we have a strong team and our aim is to tie in the great results from last year when we finished in seventh and ninth positions. We are all looking forward to the race in Le Mans and working hard to a make a step forward and overcome last year's achievements."

Rounding out the two-car driver line-up for Kolles will be Dutch driver Christijan Albers and Danish driver Christian Bakkerud who already ran very successfully for Kolles in the Le Mans Series in 2009. Both shared a cockpit at Le Mans and finished ninth.

Also on the roster are Audi factory driver Oliver Jarvis, who joined Kolles last year for the Asian Le Mans Series in Okayama, and Manuel Rodrigues, an experienced endurance racer with FIA GT series credits to his name.

The legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place June 12-13. Television coverage of the 24-hour classic will be provided by SPEED Channel in the Unites States with extended coverage available on SPEEDTV.com.

Tucker, Bouchut signed to Audi Factory Supported 24 Hours of Le Mans Team

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:12:00 -0400

Tucker, Bouchut signed to Audi Factory Supported 24 Hours of Le Mans Entrant, Headline the Team Kollès Audi driver line-up, Bouchut to Race in 17th Consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans

Level 5 Motorsports' Scott Tucker and co-driver Christophe Bouchut are taking their winning ways overseas as the American Le Mans Series regulars will be competing in the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans, June 12-13, in France.

The pair has been selected to join the Audi Factory effort managed by Team Kollès for the twice-around-the-clock classic in a factory-supported Audi R-10 TDI. The championship-winning Audi endeavor has been unmatched in recent years, scoring triumphs in 14 of the 28 races it has run, including three-consecutive Le Mans victories in 2006-08.

In May, the duo will return to Circuit Paul Ricard in France where Audi will test the R-10 at the famed track and the team will make final preparations for grueling endurance event. Tucker recently posted back to back podiums in the Formula Le Mans series at Paul Ricard in January, "Paul Ricard is a wonderful track in a really beautiful setting. I'm looking forward to this test with Audi and of course the R-10."

The strong performance of the car, and the experience of F1 team-owner Dr. Colin Kollès is a great match for the duo of Tucker and Bouchut.

"Running the Audi R10 with Team Kollès gives us a great opportunity to win the most prestigious race in the world," Tucker said. "As a driver, you could not ask for anything more."

Tucker will enter Le Mans with an impressive résumé himself. As the most successful driver ever in the prestigious Ferrari Challenge Series and a veteran of numerous endurance events, his Level 5 Motorsports entry dominated the debut of the Le Mans Prototype Challenge in the 12 Hours of Sebring, March 20, 2010. The team won in commanding fashion with Tucker taking the checkered flag in the Florida darkness. The victory came on the heels of the team¹s best finish in Grand Am's Daytona Prototype as the they notched a third-place finish in the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January.

"We've had a lot of success on the track in the last two years and I feel it has been building for this opportunity with Team Kollès," Tucker said. "There is no greater test for a car or driver than the 24 Hours of Le Mans."

Bouchut, who co-drives with Tucker regularly, is no stranger to endurance racing. As a winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1993), 24 Hours of Spa (2001) and the Rolex 24 at Daytona (1995), in addition to being the only triple FIA GT winner in history, Bouchut has found success in the grueling competitions. This marks his 17th consecutive entry in the Le Mans race.

"Endurance racing is not like any other form of racing," Bouchut said. "You have to have all of the focus as a driver and the ability to keep that focus through the most difficult of conditions. When you know that you have the best equipment and the best team behind you, it certainly helps you focus on what you need to do on the track."

Team Kollès debuted in the Le Mans Series last year, and returns in 2010 as the only Audi R10 effort to carry on the winning tradition of these storied cars. The factory-supported Audi effort is in addition to the latest effort from Team Principal Kollès, who recently became Team Principal for the HRT F1 entry, formerly Campos Meta.

"We have been working for several months to bring Christophe and Scott to the team," Kollès said. "Christophe is a very fast and experienced driver who will bring a lot to the team. I think we have done a good job of adapting the car to the new regulations, and I am sure that he and Scott, along with driver Manuel Rodrigues, will be able to do great things in the Audi R10. Everything is possible!"

The 24 Hours of Le Mans takes place June 12-13, 2010, in Le Mans, Sarthe, France. The event has been held annually since 1923 and is the world's oldest sports car race.

Level 5 Motorsports' Announces Second LMPC Entry

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:02:00 -0400

On the heels of the announcement last month that Level 5 Motorsports will field an entry for the entire American Le Mans Series Prototype Challenge season comes word the Wisconsin-based team will field a second car in this the inaugural year for the LMPC, expanding the driver lineup which includes 24 Hours of Le Mans Champion Christophe Bouchut and Formula Le Mans podium regular, Scott Tucker. Both cars will debut at the season-opening Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring March 17-20.

"We're excited to announce that we'll be entering a second car in the series," said owner / driver Scott Tucker who will drive stints in both cars. "The new LMPC Oreca is a fantastic car to drive and we're thrilled to show what this team can do with it."

Christophe Bouchut will share driving duties with Tucker for Level 5 Motorsports for 2010. Bouchut, the only former Le Mans 24 Hours winner on the grid and only triple FIA GT champion in the world, joins the team for the full season. The expanded driver lineup is expected to be announced very soon.

"Christophe brings a level of experience to the Level 5 team that is unmatched," Tucker said. "His victories in the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in gives him a unique distinction from the rest of the field. He will be a formidable teammate behind the wheel."

Bouchut has extensive experience in sports car racing, having claimed the overall victory in the 1995 Rolex 24 At Daytona and the 1993 24 Hours of Le Mans. He also has a victory in the 24 Hours of Spa and is a former FIA GT champion.

This year's running of the 12 Hours of Sebring is being met with great excitement as a record number of entries have been received for the historic event. A total of 37 teams will compete in what has become one of the world's premier sports car endurance races over its illustrious 57-year history.

"It is gratifying to see a record number of cars entered in the 58th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida," noted American Le Mans Series President and CEO Scott Atherton. "The enthusiasm and commitment of new teams such as Level 5 Motorsports are examples of the many reasons why the 2010 season will be among our finest. The level of competition in both Challenge classes as well as LMP and GT will no doubt thrill race fans worldwide."

"These cars are going to be incredible on the track," Bouchut said. "The engine package established by the American Le Mans Series is impressive. Fans will love the competition they see from these cars."

"With our focus on the ALMS, our goal each week is a finish at the top of the podium. I am eager to get behind the wheel at Sebring."

The American Le Mans Series will open its 12th season with America's greatest sports car race, the 58th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida from March 17-20. The green flag will fall at 10:35 a.m. on Saturday, March 20 with live coverage on SPEED. Visit the American Le Mans Series' schedule page for ticket and accommodation information.

LEVEL 5 TO TAKE UP LMPC CHALLENGE IN 2010

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:26:00 -0400

Tucker, Bouchut to pilot FLM09 for full-season effort

Level 5's Scott Tucker already has gotten a taste of competition in ORECA's FLM09 during the Le Mans Winter Racing Series at Paul Ricard.

Level 5 Motorsports is the latest championship-winning team to confirm its entry into the American Le Mans Series' Le Mans Prototype Challenge class for 2010. Based in Madison, Wis., Level 5 will compete in the full nine-round championship with ORECA's FLM09 prototype.

Team owner Scott Tucker and former Le Mans 24 Hours winner Christophe Bouchut will compete for the full season. The pairing also is entered for the Series' annual Winter Test on February 22-23 at Sebring International Raceway. Level 5 expects to take delivery of its FLM09 today and is the sixth team to purchase an ORECA-built racer.

Scott Tucker: "The car is an impressive proven racing package. ... We are looking forward to the strong competition at Sebring and throughout the year."

"We are excited to be racing at Sebring this year in the new Le Mans Prototype Challenge class," said team manager David Stone, who has an extensive history of competing in the International Motor Sports Association, which sanctions the American Le Mans Series. "The new LMPC class has certainly been intriguing since it was announced last year. The number of cars continues to increase each week, which should make for some great competition."

New for 2010, the FLM09 has a minimum weight of 900 kilograms and produces approximately 430 hp. The FLM09 features a full carbon fiber chassis, carbon brakes, and an Xtrac sequential gearbox with paddle shifting. All LMPC cars will race on single-supply Michelin tires.

Already, Tucker has spent considerable time behind the wheel of an FLM09. He posted two second-place finishes at Paul Ricard in the Le Mans Winter Racing Series despite never having set foot inside the car.

"The car is an impressive proven racing package," Tucker said. "Carbon brakes, paddle shift Xtrac gearboxes ... all the boxes are checked. Everyone on the team has been pleasantly surprised at the growing field of car and the job the American Le Mans Series' management has done. We are looking forward to the strong competition at Sebring and throughout the year."

Level 5 brings an impressive pedigree of motorsports championships on a number of levels. Most recently, the team placed third overall at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Its Wisconsin headquarters houses a 60,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art racing, engineering and fabrication facility with a full time dedicated staff of over 20 professionals. In short, it is well-equipped to handle the start of its LMPC program.

Former Le Mans 24 Hours winner Christophe Bouchut will join Tucker for Level 5's full-season LMPC campaign.

"The aims of this season are to be as competitive as we can," Bouchut said. "With Scott, we make a very homogenous and solid team, which will be a vital factor."

The annual American Le Mans Series Winter Test is scheduled for February 22-23, also at Sebring International Raceway. American Le Mans Series cars will be on track from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. both days. Tickets are $10 per day with no public paddock access or overnight camping. Live Timing & Scoring will be available on americanlemans.com.

TUCKER PODIUMS IN FRANCE
RACES CIRCUIT PAUL RICARD IN FORMULA LE MANS SERIES

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:54:00 -0400

Just days after sweeping the Ferrari World Finals in Valencia, Spain, and learning of his new record as the winningest driver in Ferrari Challenge racing history, Scott Tucker was joined by Christophe Bouchut at the famed Circuit Paul Ricard in Castellet, France for the Le Mans winter racing season. Tucker raced a Formula Le Mans Prototype for Vision Pole Racing sponsored by Swiss company, Hope Financial. Bouchut, in his home country, assisted the team with car setup duties. Many have been impressed by Tucker's endurance in the Rolex Grand-Am series, where he recently ran double stints in the Supercar Life Racing Daytona Prototype. This weekend's action was no less challenging. Tucker raced three events in one day: two sprint races and a 60 minute endurance race back to back. The endurance race effort was notable, Tucker was the only driver in the field to double stint. The other teams choosing to change drivers during the mandatory pit stop. Though this was his first time at the circuit and only second time behind the wheel of the Le Mans prototype, the champion was in his element. As the team readied for the first practice session, skies opened up and a light rain covered the track. Not quite dry enough for slicks, the team started on grooved, wet condition tires which heated up quickly as a dry line emerged around the track. Later in the session, the team went to slicks and Tucker and Bouchut were comfortably and consistently in the top 5 throughout the two hour session. In the closing minutes, the team vaulted to P1 after making several adjustments to the rear wing. After a short break, an hour long qualifying session would sort the contenders. The session stayed dry and Tucker, the lone U.S. racer, qualified the car P5 in the 19 car field with a fast lap of 1:22.25. Race 1 started under fair conditions with an overcast sky, rain threatening, and temps in the mid-60s. Tucker had a great start and quickly dispatched #6 Sam Allpass from Great Britian who spun in dramatic fashion under immense pressure from the American. Tucker finished the race P5 with a happy team cheering him on. Warmed up nicely, Tucker stormed to P2 in Race 2 securing his first Le Mans series podium. Conditions called for a new set of wet tires, but the team had used their only set, regulations limiting the team to just a single set. Tucker opted to race on dry tires in mixed conditions. The decision proved a good one and Scott showcased his speed. The race was very clean except for a few exciting moments where Tucker diced with Germany's Prince Albert Von Thurn und Taxis. The feature event was a 60 minute endurance race including a mandatory pit stop. Tucker started P5 and quickly moved up one position at the start. The number 2 settled into a fast paced rythm and by lap 7 had secured a podium position. Tucker was charging hard, but protecting his slick, dry condition tires. The window opened for mandatory pit stops twenty-five minutes into the hour long race. On lap 20, while the rest of the field pitted to change drivers, Scott Tucker responded to the "box, box" command from the race engineer by pulling into pit lane, killing the engine and quietly sitting for the minimum 80 seconds. Tucker was the only driver in the field to pull a double stint. This, after running two back to back sprint races just 30 minutes before the start. Tucker fired the engine and left pit lane to rejoin the race. Just three laps later, Tucker would overtake to secure P2 with approximately 16 minutes remaining. Charging hard, he would close the gap to P1 by twenty seconds. On lap 25, the P1 car piloted by Hope Financial Vision Pole teammate Christophe Pillin spun giving the American a look at the win. Pillin was able to get back underway quickly and the race came to a close with Tucker crossing the line safely in P2, the gap to P3 extending to more than a minute. Scott Tucker:
"The car was excellent all weekend. The team did a great job. Circuit Paul Ricard is one of the finest tracks we've raced. This field is very competitive and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season." Christophe Bouchut:
"Scott raced very well today. I never expected this result. Scott had not driven here before and this was also his first race in a Le Mans prototype. Two podium finishes is fantastic." SEE PHOTOS FROM THIS WEEKEND'S RACE

Level 5 Motorsports News - Le Mans

Tucker, Bouchut Le Mans Odyssey Cut Short; Audi Prevails

Tucker, Bouchut Prepare for Racing's Biggest Test

Tucker, Bouchut set for historic start in 24 Hours of Le Mans

Bienvenue aux 24 Heures du Mans!

Tucker Gears Up for Le Mans Debut in Audi R10 TDI

Audi and Team Kolles Complete Successful Test at Paul Ricard Test Facility in Provence

Tucker, Bouchut signed to Audi Factory Supported 24 Hours of Le Mans Team

Level 5 Motorsports' Announces Second LMPC Entry

LEVEL 5 TO TAKE UP LMPC CHALLENGE IN 2010

TUCKER PODIUMS IN FRANCE RACES CIRCUIT PAUL RICARD IN FORMULA LE MANS SERIES

LEVEL 5 TO TAKE UP LMPC CHALLENGE IN 2010

TUCKER PODIUMS IN FRANCE
RACES CIRCUIT PAUL RICARD IN FORMULA LE MANS SERIES