Wrapping Things Up // Le Mans 2008

A huge finish for Audi in the 76th running of the 24hrs of Le Mans. With Peugeot having landed the top three spots after qualifying in the LMP1 class, it was an uphill battle for the Audi team. Audi Sport North America took the challenge, ran with it, and never looked back. After 381 laps, less than one separated the No.2 Audi TDi from the No.7 Peugeot Total 908i HD-FAP driven by Jaques Villeneuve, Marc Gene and Nicolas Minassian. Having battled through the night, Audi took the lead and would prove to be unstoppable as the 24 hours drew to a close. Rain early Sunday morning surely helped the Audi team, as Peugeot lost their lead thanks in part to a failed pitstop and having chosen to retain slicks as opposed to rain tires. The gap drew larger between the diesels as the night dragged on, and by morning it was clear that the Peugeot was not going to make up the lost time. The No.2 car of Audi Sport North America, which included drivers Alan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Dindo Capelo, saw their eighth win in nine starts at Le Mans. The Audi finished with Tom Kristensen behind the wheel, marking the eighth win for Kristensen and the second for McNish. Another great battle was concluded at the close of the 24 hour mark as well, with the No.009 Gulf Aston taking first place in the GT1 class. With the Aston Martin's and Chevy Corvette's having each lead the class for a time, it was the Aston that would take the lead during the night and not let go of it, leaving the two Corvette's to finish second and third. 2008 proved to be an exciting year for Le Mans, with the diesel prototypes making for a good show and the GT1 class playing out much diffently than many had expected. Here are a few short videos, one from the start of this years Le Mans race and the other, a short ride along with the No.3 Audi that finished third this year // 06.15.2008