Re: I said the same at AudiWorld :( (archive)

: There was no REAL factory effort there except Caddie (who was too new). Panoz, though rich, is NOT a factory effort.
: Porsche was a no-show because they cancled the car they were going to use (McNish thought it too slow???). BMW is only into F1. Jaguar, posibly only into F1 now too. But WHERE was Toyota? This COULD have been the year they would have won!
: It would at least be of some interest if someone remembers the fastest lap times of 99, and compare it to the fastest Audi did this year. That would at least tell some story.

The winning Audi completed three laps more than than last year's BMW. Qualifying times were up from last year, but there were further restrictions on the cars and it was HOT at Le Sarthe.

Toyota pulled out to concentrate on next years F1 program. Other manufacturers could have shown this year (BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, Nissan, etc.), but didn't. Remember, this is the Grand Prix of Endurance and even Toyota's excellent cars/driver lineup in 98 and 99 couldn't get the job done. "To win Le Mans, first you have to beat Le Mans". Audi set the pace and had all three cars running at the end of the race -- 1-2-3.

Believe the complexion of the American Le Mans Series will change a bit, now that the 2000 Audi's will be competing (as at Sebring). Lucky for me I can switch (M Power and Audi Sport) hats, depending on who is leading at the end. :-)

Bill
00 M Roadster
94 Audi S4

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