Manufacturing Inaccuracy forces Bentley to Back of Grid

Manufacturing Inaccuracy forces Bentley to Back of Grid

Sebring, March 13, 2003, 9:30 p.m. . . The Bentley Boys will have to put in extra effort in the 12-Hours of Sebring on Saturday. The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) has disallowed the pole and second positions for a technical infraction.

We were allowed to take part in qualifying with the approval of the officials on the understanding that the technical problem had been resolved to their satisfaction. But a technical inspection following qualifying today resulted in the qualifying times being disallowed, both cars will be starting from the back of the grid, said John Wickham, Bentley team director. The technical issue is the result of a minor inaccuracy on the floor of the Bentley Speed 8s leading to a theoretical 0-4 mm height difference on the rear diffuser, which has no impact whatsoever on performance. Of course we are disappointed in the ruling of the race officials, but we accept it and will use it as added motivation to get the cars back to the front of the field.

The 12-Hours of Sebring will start at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and will be televised live on Speed Channel starting at 10:00 a.m. EST.