Intersport Racing to miss Sebring

The destroyed Intersport Lola

As reported, the #37 AER-powered Lola B06/10 LMP1 race car got airborne and flipped several times on the straight between Turns 9 and 10 of the 3.7-mile, 17-turn Sebring International Raceway circuit while testing for the 58th Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring Presented by Fresh from Florida. The event is the opening race of the 2010 season for the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patr¢n.

After sorting through the damage, the team determined the driver experienced a failure to the right rear suspension while traveling in a straight line. Jon Field, who was driving the car, was taken to Highlands Regional Medical Center following an accident. He was released a few hours later with no reported injuries.

Brian Alder, team manager issued the following statement:

"First and foremost, we are relieved that Jon was able to walk away from the wreck without injury. It is a tribute to IMSA safety regulations and the construction of the Lola to see our driver walk away from such a horrific crash."

"With Jon on the mend," Alder continued, "we will channel our focus for the 12 Hour to the team's LMPC car. We will also be busy with our IMSA Lites entries. We're very confident and enthusiastic about the teams competitiveness in those programs. Jon and Clint Field will return to Long Beach with our LMP1 car in April. Not starting Sebring is disappointing and significant as it ends Jon's streak of 13 consecutive 12 Hours of Sebring starts."

Intersport Racing is appreciative of the support from Lola, AER, Dunlop and other long-standing partners. In addition, the team extends a heartfelt thank you to the Sebring International Raceway safety crew. Their response and professionalism is among the best in business and made a bad situation easier to cope with.

Lastly, Intersport Racing thanks our supporters and fans for all of the well wishes we received over the last two days.

The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patr¢n opens 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 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, March 20 with live coverage on SPEED starting at 10 a.m. ET. Visit the Series’ schedule page for ticket and accommodation information. Live Timing and Scoring, and American Le Mans Radio will be available on Racehub at americanlemans.com.