2010 News
JaguarRSR STATEMENT OF EARLY RETIREMENT IN PETIT LE MANS
- 02 October 2010
Exactly one year ago the JaguarRSR team ran exhibition laps to debut the Jaguar XKR GT2. To have the second car debut here was also a special moment. With Butch Leitzinger behind the wheel, the #33 JaguarRSR XKR GT2 took the start 15th in the GT2 class grid. He was on good race pace and reported that the car was handling really well as he advanced in class. A cooling system leak struck on Lap 16 doing terminal damage to the 33 cars hopes from overheating. Taking the green flag behind the wheel of the #75 car was Marc Goossens. Starting from the 13th spot in the GT2 class, with steady passes he made his way into the top ten. An unfortunate flat in the left front tire took him out of that position at lap 25. Now out of sequence and early in the 1000 mile race he renewed his pace and un-lapped himself with two GT2 competitors. As the Belgium finished his first stint on lap 62 he turned driving chores to Ryan Dalziel. Dalziel drove a steady and advancing pace to retire after 82 laps with a damaged water pump.
"It really is a great disappointment," said Paul Gentilozzi, JaguarRSR Principal Partner. "The RSR team has worked very hard all season to make it possible to have two XKR's running at Road Atlanta in the Petit Le Mans. It is just unfortunate that this has happened, issues beyond our control controlled today's events. The XKR has come a long way since last year's showing, we have reduced our competitive gap by 50% and there is no doubt in my mind that this crew is going to have these cars running strong and up in the front in 2011. I want to thank Jaguar for their support and desire to return the great Jaguar mark to the winner's circle, a goal I am sure we will accomplish in 2011."
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