Flying Lizards Porsche-If you can't beat 'em...crash 'em

XC5VETTE · 10-22-2009, 01:32 AM

The video says it all...
http://www.corvetteblogger.com/index...at-Laguna-Seca
Jan Magnussen's website details his side of the story surrounding the crash at Laguna Seca:

"I was completely taken aback by that" an angry and beaten up Jan Magnussen claimed afterwards. "I have absolutely no idea of what Bergmeister did. He was far enough ahead after my last attempt to pass him that could have continued and have had the victory. But after that I don't know what he did. I was too far behind to make an attempt in the last corner, but then he parked the car and I couldn't avoid him. He went a little sideways at the corner and I get beside him and almost in the lead. I was sure that the victory was mine but then he decided he wouldn't lose in the last corner again and starts to drive into my side and continued until I was in the wall. We were close to the finish so I had the pedal to the metal and hit the wall hard. The car went up into the air and the impact hits me hard when the car landed. I'm very beaten up and so sore that it is hard to grasp. I have been to a couple of medical checks and they say that everything is ok."

Johnny O'Connell didn't mince words with the statement he posted on his website a few days after the incident:

Normally I really enjoy talking about what went on over a race weekend and sharing the inside scoop of what happened and how we did. Right now, I’m just still too upset about that finish and all that transpired. Needless to say the best car that should have won the race is destroyed, and the one driver that proved he was faster and better is very banged up and having to spend time healing. While the one with no integrity, honor or sportsmanship is fine.

MUFFLER · 10-22-2009, 01:52 AM

It will be interesting to hear what if anything comes of this.

I suspect the Porsche driver will call it a blocking move but it looked more like B.S. driving from that angle.

The Vettes have done very well during their first short season in GT2 having started at Mid-Ohio and I fully expect them to be kicking ass on a regular basis next year.

OCCOMSRAZOR · 10-22-2009, 01:53 AM

Some interesting commentary on the Road Race forum with good analysis by people involved directly in the race and spectators at the race.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/auto...rgmeister.html

duckvett · 10-22-2009, 10:44 AM

Another view by an amateur video in the stands showing that the #3 was clearly ahead when the Porsche drove into his right door.

http://www.corvetteblogger.com/index...at-Laguna-Seca

Edit: Sorry, I just realized that is the same link as XC5VETTE posted above.

nwc6 · 10-22-2009, 11:32 AM

I recorded the race and watched the last few laps several times. I do think Bergmeister parked the car in that last corner to slow the momentum of the vette. During the race the Porsche did seem to have a slight advantage out of the corners and for the first 2-3 seconds of corner exit. During the post race interview with Bergmeister, he was clearly on the defensive about the last few seconds of the race. He made the statement to the affect that he was not going to lose at the end like last time.
There was a lot of contact in that race, a bit more than at the previous ALMS races. I hope the officials get everybody back on track for some clean ALMS style racing and let them know this is not NASCAR.

seattle · 10-22-2009, 12:54 PM

I saw that ending as well. I guess the Porsche team knows that the Corvettes are going to being taking over the GT2 class and they better get their last win while they can. It was a blatant temper tantrum by the German. He should be benched. That was an ugly crash and it is fortunate that it wasn't a career ending event for Jan Magnussen. The German just gave Corvette Racing a lot of motivation for next season.

powderski13 · 10-22-2009, 05:13 PM

I also watched the ending of that race and the amazing driving by Jan Magnussen. He got by the Porsche earlier, but got penalized for short-cutting the track even though has was on the racing surface. It was a drag race to the finish and a blatant and willfull move by Bergmiester to put the Corvette into the wall. ALMS should penalize and suspend Bergmeister.

tjwong · 10-23-2009, 02:15 AM

IMHO they should have given the race to Magnussen.