Penske may skip LeMans

Entrants that were automatically selected for the 2007 le Mans 24 Hours had until 8th January 2007 to confirm their participation.

Out of the 20 entries for a total of 28 cars 18 have officially confirmed their participation bringing down the number to 24.

Entrants who have not confirmed their participation are:

– Penske Racing, despite the two official entries allocated to the Porsche RS Spyders in the American Le Mans Series,
– Vitaphone Racing Team, with one place awarded following the Maserati MC 12’s victory in the 2006 FIA GT Championship.

The RML team that had the right to two entries has confirmed one car in the LM P2 category.

This low withdrawal rate is ample proof of the pull already exercised by the 75th Le Mans 24 Hours on 16/17th June 2007. This interest is further highlighted by the confirmation of all 3 automatic Audi entries showing that the German manufacturer is fully conscious of the threat posed by its numerous, increasingly determined and ambitious rivals.

The next deadline for the entrants for the 55 places for the 75th Le Mans 24 Hours is on Wednesday 24th January 2007, which is the last day for the deposing of entries by other teams.

After examining all the entries the Selection Committee will publish an initial selection at the end of February. The list will become final after the Sebring 12-Hour race (17th March, the opening round of the 2007 American Le Mans Series) and official practice for the Le Mans Series on 25th/26th March on the Paul Ricard HTTT circuit.