The #45 Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 RSR took the GT class lead at the drop of the green flag at today’s four-hour American Le Mans Series Road Race Showcase, and held it for most of the race, but some ill-timed full course cautions snatched a potential victory from their grasp at Road America.
Patrick Long and his teammate Jörg Bergmeister kept a large contingent of Ferraris, Corvettes, Vipers, a Lotus, and BMWs at bay for more than three hours until they came in for their last pit stop under yellow when others had just stopped under green. The track position they lost when the others didn’t have to come in cost them a win. Bergmeister, who drove the last stint which included the late yellow flags, was happy with the car’s run, although he lamented the second place finish.
Patrick Long, who drove the middle part of the race, was happy with the car’s performance, and that he could maintain a lead, albeit a narrow one, over chasing Corvettes and BMWs.
“We should be happy with a good second place effort, but, although we would rather have the win, we have to accept the luck of the yellow flags. I was able to push hard at qualifying pace for my whole stint and our Michelin tires stood up to the challenge. The Lizard Porsche was fast and balanced, and we’re looking forward to Baltimore in two weeks,” said Long.