Press Release

Sun, Jun 17th 2004

Lockie wowed by Le Mans debut

Calum Lockie came away from Le Mans thrilled by the whole experience of competing in the biggest sportscar race in the world (12/13 June). Calum contested the famous 24-Hour race for the first time this year in the Lola B2K10 entered by Taurus Sports. The diesel-turbo powered prototype was the first such car to be entered at Le Mans.

Unfortunately, transmission problems forced the car out of the race on Saturday evening, but taking part in Le Mans was the realisation of one of Calum's life ambitions. "It was an absolutely awesome experience," he said.

His preparations started on the previous Sunday and Calum was able to enjoy the build up to the race as he made final arrangements for his sponsors. Then came qualifying and with the car successfully qualified for the race, the final build up to the race began.

Phil Andrews took the first driving stint from the 4pm start and just after 5pm he brought the Caterpillar-backed Lola into the pits for Calum to take over. "The thing that really strikes you is that the circuit is very, very fast. We were pulling nearly 200mph on the Mulsanne Straight and the experience of sitting in an open-top prototype barrelling down Mulsanne is one that I'll remember for a very long time!"

He was at the wheel when the lead Audis hit dramas and ran past the scene of the accident behind the safety car. Then, after 65 minutes it was time to pit for the third driver, Anthony Kumpen, to take over. "I had a pretty trouble-free stint, but it went by so fast," said Calum. "I couldn't believe it was time to come in!"

Unfortunately, the transmission problems developed when Kumpen was at the wheel and although he got the car back to the pits, the team was forced to retire the Lola. However, having done live TV interviews for the worldwide syndication broadcast, British Eurosport, German and Dutch television, Calum was assured excellent coverage for the team and sponsors.

"I'm already very focussed on getting back to Le Mans for 2005," says Lockie, who is expecting to be back in the Lola for the 1000km Le Mans Endurance Series race at Silverstone on 14/15 August.

"My thanks go to Serco, Memec, Barteak Developments Ltd, Bridgehouse Capital, London Kent Metals Ltd, Ingram Holdings Ltd and VBM and all the individual Gold Track VIPs who contributed for making it possible for me to race at Le Mans. I am also extremely grateful to Taurus Sports for this opportunity and all the hard work the team put in to get us to Le Mans!"

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Issued by Paul Lawrence
Tel 01952 510382