Creation can’t wait for Petit Le Mans

The British Creation team is preparing to return to the American Le Mans Series for the third time in four years, and everyone can’t wait. The midnight blue Creation CA07-Judd, which has been campaigned by the team in this year’s Le Mans Series in Europe, will be on the grid in the LMP1 class at Petit Le Mans and at Laguna Seca. It will be driven by the very experienced trio of Jamie Campbell-Walter (GB), Harold Primat (CH) and Christophe Tinseau (F).

“Petit Le Mans and Laguna Seca have, in the past, been the setting for some of our best performances," said Team Principal Ian Bickerton. “We just love everything about racing in the American Le Mans Series, and I believe that we have once again put together a really strong driver line up for our 2007 appearances. To do well again at either, or both, of these races would be a great reward for all the hard work put in by everyone at Creation this year."

Britain’s Jamie Campbell-Walter, who last year was teamed with Petit Le Mans pole-sitter, Nicolas Minassian, is bubbling with enthusiasm about returning to the USA and the series. “I can’t wait! It’s a great track, with improved grip levels since the re-paving, and I’m sure we’ll go quicker than last year. Doing the race with Harold and Christophe is a good line up as we all know each other and all have experience of the track and the event. I hope the car will be reliable and we’ll have a good result. The fact that the sun is usually shining and it will be warm is an added bonus!"

The Scot, who now lives in London, is nevertheless realistic about the challenge ahead. “We all have to recognize that the level of competition has gone through the roof since we were last there, so I’m under no illusions. I’m sure we will be competitive and right up there, but it’s a tough track and a very tough race."

Re-joining the Creation team for these two North American races is Swiss driver, Harold Primat. “I am delighted to be back racing with Creation at Petit Le Mans and Laguna Seca. I contested both races with the team last year and it proved to be a very enjoyable experience, particularly the podium finish we achieved at Laguna Seca.

“There is a great atmosphere within the team and I know they are eager to show how competitive they can be in the US against the works Audis and Porsches. Alongside Jamie Campbell-Walter and Christophe Tinseau, who has also been my co-driver this season in the Le Mans Series, I think we will prove to be a strong package."

Christophe Tinseau, 37, is one of a select number of drivers for whom the 10th running of the Petit Le Mans event has a special significance. Alongside Doc Bundy and John Nielsen, the Frenchman drove a Panoz GTR-1 Hybrid to a 12th place finish in the inaugural Petit Le Mans – the first time a hybrid-engined car had competed in international GT racing. Since then, Christophe has returned to Road Atlanta a number of times, including being part of the DAMS Cadillac team’s driver line up in 2000. This season he has been Harold Primat’s regular driving partner in the Pescarolo Sport team in the 2007 Le Mans Series.