MISSION accomplished! The Nissan DeltaWing had one goal entering its North American debut at Petit Le Mans – to score a race finish.
The team not only completed the 1,000-mile journey at Road Atlanta over the weekend, but American Gunnar Jeannette and Spaniard Lucas Ordoñez demonstrated stunning pace to finish fifth in the endurance classic.
Running unclassified as an invitational entry for the final round of the American Le Mans Series, the Nissan DeltaWing team were forced to start off the back of the grid and subsequently lost additional track position by missing out on a number safety car ‘wave arounds’ throughout the race.
The unique 1.6-litre Nissan DIG-T turbochaged-powered machine eventually crossed the line three laps down from the P2 class winning car.
The performance was made even more remarkable considering the team had to completely rebuild the car after Jeannette was forced into a dramatic roll-over in testing when he was struck by a GTC-class Porsche.
Featuring half the weight, half the horsepower and half the aerodynamic drag of a typical Le Mans sportscar, the Nissan DeltaWing captured the imagination of fans and media alike at its race debut at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Sadly, the car was forced out after six hours due to contact with another prototype. This established a target for the Nissan DeltaWing team for Petit Le Mans.
Just getting to the race finish was that target – one that was achieved with flying colours and led to euphoric celebrations among everyone connected with the car.
Strong and fast
Ordonez said: ‘It was a great job by all the team. We’ve shown everyone in motorsport that the car is really strong and fast.
‘I’m really proud to cross the line at the finish and I’m now ready to celebrate with the guys.’
Nissan’s Darren Cox said: ‘The reaction from the fans, the drivers, the crew – everybody is cheering and whooping.
‘We finished the race and that is what we set out to do. Mission accomplished.’
