◆寺本幸司選手のコメント
全日本選手権オートポリスRd6は決勝14位でフィニッシュしました。ここにきてDDC(電子制御サスペンション)のセットアップに苦しんでますね。思い切ってライディングができず厳しい戦いでした。次戦の岡山はホームコースなんで頑張ります!!みなさん応援ありがとうございました!
At finals result was 14 position. So difficult to DDC system set up for this time. But we know, have to do for next race. Next race is my home circuit. Will one’s best to do everything!! Thanks everyone cheering for me!!
Class: SP8 Class
Date: 05/07/2014
Weather: Drizzle with some clouds
Total entries: 150 cars; SP8: 6
Cars started: 139 cars; SP8: 6
Cars completing race: 120 cars; SP8: 5
Drivers #135: Uwe Kleen, Klaus Völker, Jordan Tresson
Drivers #136: Helmut Baumann, Horst Baumann
VLN 第4 戦から1 ヵ月半、ニュルブルクリンク24 時間レースを終え、久しぶりとなるVLN 第5 戦、54. ADAC Reinoldus-Langstreckenrennen が開催された。
It has been one and a half months since VLN4, as the Nürburgring 24h endurance race was held in the meanwhile. So after quite a while finally the VLN5, 54. ADAC Reinoldus-Langstreckenrennen, was held on the 5th of July.
24 時間レースでのアクシデントにより修理中の137 号車に代わって136 号車に搭乗するBaumann 兄弟。予定通りに開始された土曜日の予選。135 136号車共にタイムアタックに挑もうとしたその時、Flugplatz で大クラッシュが発生、この規制は1 時間程続いたが、解除後の残り20 分でタイムアタックをしたのだが全車GPSで管理されているためグリーンフラッグ手前で速度超過をしたという事で135号車は予選タイム抹消。136号車は速度超過が低くファステストラップのみ抹消となった。予選暫定ポールポジションであったチームは決勝をボイコットする事態に発展、ピットも騒然とする中、2 時間遅れで決勝が開始される事に、スタートが遅れた影響でレース時間も短縮となり、上位クラスは登録ドライバー全員が乗らなくとも良いという特別ルールが発表された。いつもとは違う作戦が求められるレースとなったが、決勝前ミーティングによって135 号車はTresson 選手−Völker 選手の2 人で乗り、Kleen 選手がリザーブ、136 号車はHelmut 選手がスタートしてHorst 選手に繋ぐ事に決定。
Due to an accident during the 24h race, #137 was still being repaired and vehicle #136 used by the Baumann brothers instead. The qualifying was held on Saturday. As both #135 and #136 were going for a time attack a huge crash happened at the so-called Flugplatz. During one hour the qualifying was restricted. After the restricted period #135 tried its time attack anew, however the GPS-monitored car had increased its speed shortly before the green flag had been shown and due to this, its qualifying time was voided. The speeding of #136 was very little, so that only its fastest lap was voided. A team had been temporarily on pole position, however it boycotted the race, which caused a stir in the pits and a 2-hour delay of the race start. As a result the overall race time was also reduced. In a special move the requirement for all registered drivers to drive during the race was put on hold and allowed for a race with a totally new strategic approach. In the pre-race meeting we decided that only Tresson and Völker would ride and Kleen would be the reserve driver. For #136 Helmut took the start and Horst the following stint.
ニュルブルクリンクは霧雨が降り始め、チームは安全策を取って2 台ともウェットタイヤで送り出す。フォーメーションラップでノルドシュライフェの様子を伺うと、ドライバーからは「ギリギリスリックでいけるんじゃないか」「ウェットじゃペース上げられないね」との無線。1 周目を終えた所で先に135 号車がピットイン、136 号車もその次の周でピットインしスリックタイヤに交換。135 号車は特に素晴らしい追い上げを見せ、第1 スティント終了時には総合19 位迄ジャンプアップするという素晴らしい展開となった。
As a drizzle started to wet the Nürburgring all teams decided to take the safe strategy of sending their cars out with wet tyres. The feedback from the riders during the formation lap came in through the radio: “We could have almost gone with the wet tires.” or “With these wet tyres we cannot really increase the pace.” After the first lap #135 came into the pit first, followed by #136. Both changed to slick tyres. Especially #135 showed an exemplary catch-up. It was a great development.
136 号車Helmut 選手はスティント終盤にもタイヤ選択に悩んでおり、その為どうしてもペースが上げられず、明らかに苦しんでいた。135 号車の第2 スティントはVölker 選手が搭乗。微妙な天候と闘いながらジワジワと順位を上げていく2 台のCCS-R。非常に難しいコンディションの中でのレースであったが、2 台とも無事にフィニッシュする事ができた。
Helmut was visibly suffering from the choice of tyres at the end of #136’s stint. #135’s rider for the second stint was Völker. Battling with the changing weather both CCS-Rs managed to improve their positions. It was a race in very difficult conditions, but both were able to finish the race.
決勝レース終了後にも、ペナルティの審議対象となったチームが次々と本部に呼び出され、リザルトが確定出来ずに表彰式もキャンセルになる等、主催者は最後までルールに厳格な姿勢を貫き通した。2014 年のVLN は折り返し地点を迎えた。不断の努力でこれらの課題を解決していき、後半戦も優勝争いを続ける事が出来るだろう。
Even after the race one team after another was given penalties by the race control, so the results could not be announced and the winner ceremony was cancelled. The organisers demonstrated a very strict position to the rules until the end. The VLN has reached a turning point in 2014. With constant efforts we will take on these topics and continue to fight for victory in the second half of the season.
『Klaus Völker』
The first three laps were very difficult racing conditions. It seemed like each lap the conditions changed from full dry to full wet. Even after that at times the track showed mixed dry and wet conditions. Despite this the race had to continue. It was a mentally tough race. In the end I was able to increase my pace, but most importantly we completed today’s race without a crash or any damage.
『Uwe Kleen』
I only drove in dry conditions during the qualiying session this time, but I think the cars settings were good. Most teams got a penalty, which had a huge impact on the race! Also the tyre management will have a big impact on our settings and we have to review our compatibility with the the regulation The season is at a turning point and we will go hunting for the overall podium!! Let’s calmly prepare our strategy.
『Jordan Tresson』
The qualifying penalty was a pity but there is nothing to do about it. During the formation lap and the first lap, I radioed the pit that we should be able to go with slick tyres. After that I managed a good pace. Klaus had conveyed to me the track conditions during his stint. But as the conditions were changing constantly, I needed to constantly adapt and adjust my riding. This experience was a great learning point for me.
『Helmut Baumann』
This race the qualifying conditions were very difficult. Personally I had difficulties choosing the right tyres and showed hesitation. After the start of the race I was focusing on the tyres and thinking about my driving. I was clustered in the second starting group, so I was not able to increase my pace and finally my decision was a bit late. The general conditions were not bad, so I will have to reflect on that topic.
『Horst Baumann』
The conditions of the second stint were difficult to foresee until the last minute and I got a little nervous. Once I realised it wouldn’t be as wet as I had thought, I changed my driving. From then on it went better and I learned that it is for such situations that one has to prepare ones physical and mental strength.
※今回は契約の関係で写真は無しとなりました。ご了承ください。
* We apologise that due to contractual reasons there are no pictures this race.
レポート:櫻井 崇
Report: Takashi Sakurai ]]>MFJ SUPERBIKE2014 Rd,3http://carbontras.exblog.jp/22175892/2014-05-29T18:30:24+09:002014-05-29T18:30:35+09:002014-05-29T18:30:35+09:00carbon_trasTras Racing
●SUPERBIKE Race in MOTEGI
みなさん。ご心配お掛けしましたが本日無事に退院できました!怪我は肺挫傷と背中の骨が2箇所折れたくらいで回復は早そうです。この度は栃木県の獨協医科大学病院の救命病棟のみなさんには本当によくして頂き心より感謝しています!次戦のSUGOに向けて頑張ってリハビリに励みます!
沢山のメッセージなど本当にありがとうございました!!
Thank you for everyone worry me. I'm okay! Because leave hospital today! My injury was crush lung and fracture spine. But fracture spine was not serious. I will go next SUGO Rd and have to prepare for that!!
I really appreciate your message!!]]>VLN2014 Rd,4http://carbontras.exblog.jp/22175816/2014-05-29T18:01:00+09:002014-06-18T00:59:36+09:002014-05-29T18:01:06+09:00carbon_trasTras Racing
Die 45. Adenauer ADAC Simfy Trophy is the last race before the 24 hour race at the Nürburgring.
Again the weather was sunny with chilly weather in mornings and evenings and t-shirt weather during the day.
Qualifying took place as planned from 08:30 on Saturday. Although the Nürburgring is a very long circuit, if more than 200 cars circle there is bound to be a traffic jam here and there. Right after the qualifying was started there were double yellow flags to be seen here and there, but after 40 minutes the qualifying was halted altogether.
#135 achieved a time of 8:58:417 getting overall rank 54 and 2nd in class. #137 ended at 9:06:218 placed on overall 66 and 5th in class. It was an acceptable qualifying result on which to build on during the race.
After the formation lap, the race started with a slight delay at 12:16. The two CCS-Rs showed contrasting starts. #135 found a slight opening and fought for it right at the first corner and started into the race with a good omen. #137 on the other hand was pushed down the ranks by overtaking action by following cars. #135 finished the first stint without trouble and keeping its rank. #137 fought hard to recover the loss at the start and after lap 8 of the first stint finally got its place back before coming into the pit.
For the second stint it became more important to race coolly and control the race, rather than aggressively pushing around the course. #135 kept track of the gap to the runner-up and overtook the leader bringing it on first place in class. #137 with Helmut focused on reducing the gap to the next car ahead and by the end of stint 2 had almost caught up with third in class.
#137 went for a push keeping track of the gaps and class ranking through the radio from the pit. #135 kept a steady race watching its own ranking. This was the beginning of the stint and it gave the impression we would get a win, but suddenly among the guest seats a stir arises. The Döttinger Höhe was just on screen, where a major crash had happened. We were of course worried about the two CCS-Rs, which were on their way behind that crash, but both made it through unharmed. Finally the race was ended there with the red flag.
With ten races a year in the series, we are happy to be able to constantly collect points. From this perspective the CCS-R is showing its stable character, making it a wonderful race. We would like to show this stability at the Nürburgring 24hour race and at the VLN series from July onward again.
『Jordan Tresson』
As it was the last VLN race before the 24hour Nürburgring race, there were many entries in the race. At the team meeting we were told to race carefully and as I was entering the race in two different cars and had two stints to cover I wanted to reduce risk as much as possible. At the qualifying I was able to show constant times. At the race itself there was a big crash right behind me, but I was trying to get good lap times nevertheless. It was a difficult race again, but we again got a trophy, so this years first half of the VLN is a great experience for me.
『Uwe Kleen』
Several times I was close to getting involved in a crash, but I was able to choose the right evasive manoeuvres. Pacing ourselves we were able to get good points, which was good.
『Klaus Völker』
Of course attacking the course aggressively is part of the race, so I understand it to a certain extent, but this is an endurance race, where first priority is to survive and then only it is time to think about ranking and time. This is why I am not sure how good the trend this season is. The races at the Nürburgring are fun each time and I am pleased with the CCS-R. As a race I have problems to digest it. Especially when we started into the race slowly, it was over.
『Horst Baumann』
There was lots of traffic from all the entries in this last race before the 24hour race. During qualifying it was still somehow possible to get comparatively good times, but during the actual race it was hardly ever possible to race clearly. I made a mistake at the start of the first stint and increasing my pace from there was quite difficult. I was looking forward to the third stint, as Helmut has closed up to the car ahead and allowed for a better pace than the first stint. So it was a pity the race was ended with the red flag. Again it was a regrettable race.
『Helmut Baumann』
I reached a point, where I understand the car quite well now. After missing the last race, the suspension felt a lot softer and it was difficult to adjust to the feeling. Of course the car hat no basic issues at all. There were so many entries in the race, I had to drive carefully lap for lap. Still in the final lap I was able to catch up with the last car in the SP8 class and the order to push came through the radio. Personally I think I had a good race.
レポート:櫻井 崇
Report: Takashi Sakurai ]]>MFJ SUPERBIKE2014 Rd,2http://carbontras.exblog.jp/22175841/2014-05-15T18:05:00+09:002014-05-29T18:11:38+09:002014-05-29T18:11:38+09:00carbon_trasTras Racing
◆レース結果
◆13位 ゼッケン:135 寺本 幸司選手 BMW HP4
Team Tras 135HP ベストタイム 1'52.575
◆寺本幸司選手のコメント
予選は不発の14位(汗)セクタータイムをまとめることができませんでしたね。でもHP4は確実に進化しているので明日の決勝は今週で1番の走りを見せたいと思います!
Missed QF today. So got a 14 position. I didn't well to sector time for that. But HP4 sure be good for final race! I will be can most cool riding in to this week!!
決勝レースは13位でした。色々問題はありますが僕達のリアルな現状だと思いますが、今は走り切ってデータを持ち帰ることが最優先です。今シーズンは本当にいいチームに恵まれたと感じています!みなさん応援ありがとうございました!
At final race result was 13th. Had many problem to this time. But we have to finish. Because want to data for evolution. So I have appreciate to my team!! Thanks for everyone cheer up for us!!
お問い合わせ:(有)トラス 新田正直
]]>VLN2014 Rd,3http://carbontras.exblog.jp/22103583/2014-05-10T15:46:00+09:002014-06-08T18:21:47+09:002014-05-10T15:46:40+09:00carbon_trasTras Racing
The drivers for #135 were the regular three. #136 was driven by Kazunori Yamauchi, who took the cockpit for the first time in a year and has raced the 24 hour race four times already. He participated together with the experienced Takashi Ohi. In #137 Horst Baumann and two drivers, who will be joining him in the 24 hour race in June - Fredy Barth and Lorenz Frey - took the wheel. It has been a while we had 3 CCS-Rs on the Nürburgring track.
After the formation lap we were ready for a smooth start with all three of our vehicles, however an incident occurred soon after: At the short cut of the GP course a Porsche collided with #136 and clearly crashed out. Luckily driver Ohi was unharmed, but the retiring on the opening lap was the unfortunate outcome of the situation.
The other two CCS-Rs overcame the challenges of the first rounds, but a different kind of challenge was waiting. Barth in #137 radioed the pit suddenly: “I think my front left tire might have burst. I’m getting strong vibrations. I’ll come in immediately!!” Once returned to the pit no external damages could be found but the front left tire appeared to be a little wobbly. Checking in detail, the bolt of the upper arm had fallen off. After some emergency measures of repair the car was sent back into the race. Nevertheless the issue caused a loss of 20 minutes.
In the second stint the double yellow flag was increasingly waved on the circuit and the races pace did not go up. The two CCS-Rs showed strength and bolted through to 2nd and 4th place in class.
With little more than an hour to go in the race the 3rd stint started. Kleen stayed in contact with the pit to check the time gaps of the cars and controlled the race.
Both CCS-Rs were able to overcome the dangers of the 3rd stint and reached the checker flag. #135 on 2nd place and #137 on 4th place. Later on however the Ferrari turned out to have overtaken a car during the double yellow flag phase and got a penalty, leaving #137 3rd in class.
様々なコンディションの中でも安定感を保ち、速さや勝負強さも発揮している。
LEXUS IS F CCS-R
世界一過酷なニュルブルクリンク耐久レースで戦績を積み上げてきているという事実は、クルマだけでなくチーム力も向上している証明であるといえよう。
#135 got the victory in class, and #137 on 3rd rank! What an outcome! #135 had two out of three victories and one podium on 3rd. #137 also on rank three this time means we are really collecting points.
Amongst these various conditions we were able to keep up reliability, speed and strong racing.
The LEXUS IS F CCS-R is building results on the worlds hardest race circuit – the Nürburgring. This is not only thanks to the car, but also proof of the increasing team strength.
『Klaus Völker』
In VLN 2014 there have been quite often big crashes, leading to a tendency for more flags. I was only able to drive about three regular laps during my stint. Besides that I was always busy checking for flags. But well, during the double yellow flag phase I was able to improve the grip of my tires. Of course, thinking of what could have happened if #136 had not crashed out – a battle of the three CCS-Rs maybe – it is a little sad we did not see that happen. The weather was great and all the team members all did great work making us win finally. It has been another happy weekend.
『Uwe Kleen』
As usual I was in charge of the third stint and was watching my gap to the rival cars. Still there were many crashes. The most important on this circuit is to drive through without incident and keep your pace. This year there are a few cars driving a bit too aggressively! Carefully going step by step led us onto the road to victory in the end. We shall continue to keep this approach, so that we will not become bigheaded at some point.
『Jordan Tresson』
I was the starter in both qualifying and the race. At the point I was getting to my pace at the 3rd or 4th race, there were already double yellow flags at 3, 4 places. I think it was quite a stormy race but finally I am happy I was able move up and finish my stint as second in class. Also I was able to synchronize my feeling of speed and pace with the real race and arrived at an objective race control. I will fight hard to bring good results next time again.
『Takashi Ohi』
I was the first time for me to drive in the CCS-R. The car is a high-end piece of engineering and shows a high degree of maturity.
I still need more experience on these tires, but I believe that there is potential to adjust to the Nordschleife. As I was leaving the shortcut at the race’s first lap, I was pushed off course as a Porsche suddenly cut in and hit me. I hit the guardrail and that was it. I think he just didn’t see me, but it was a great pity.
『Kazunori Yamauchi』
It has been a while since I had driven the CCS-R, but it I felt again it is a great car to drive. Although you are driving on a circuit, you feel like you are in a luxury sedan. Since it is that comfortable it is sometimes hard to notice, but it actually also is a really fast car. Ohi got us a good time during qualifying, so I was looking forward to the race, but unfortunately we had to retire. I also wanted to race..
『Fredy Barth』
This was my first time in a CCS-R. As I am working on the development of another manufacturers GT3 car, I was really looking forward to see where the differences lie, but first of all I was very positively surprised. Keeping our upcoming participation in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in mind, I wanted to learn as much as possible. So I tried to drive with consideration. At any rate the car showed great reliability. While the brakes are very responsive, when hitting them hard the ABS kicks in, which I still need to get used to.
『Lorenz Frey』
The CCS-R is a great car! This time there were many entries in the race and many yellow flags. I was a bit worried as to how different the car might be from a GT3 car, but was able drive comfortably. The way the car spurns the ground, the breaking and the balance with the ABS; many things I have not yet mastered perfectly, but today has been a great opportunity to gather experiences. Thank you.
『Horst Baumann』
Although I was driving in the 3rd stint, the circuit still was very crowded. Also there were many double yellow flags. It might have been a result of the troubles Fredy encountered, but I feld the max speed was slightly reduced. There are still many things we can optimize in the cars settings and I have to still reduce the gear shifting on my end. I will continue to enjoy driving the CCS-R and continue to race, while thinking how to improve!
レポート:櫻井 崇
Report: Takashi Sakurai ]]>MFJ SUPERBIKE2014 Rd,1http://carbontras.exblog.jp/22035059/2014-04-22T09:31:00+09:002014-04-22T09:57:52+09:002014-04-22T09:31:23+09:00carbon_trasTras Racing
◆レース結果
◆12位 ゼッケン:135 寺本 幸司選手 BMW HP4
Team Tras 135HP ベストタイム 2'12.255
◆寺本幸司選手のコメント
全日本選手権開幕戦鈴鹿Rdの結果は予選15位決勝12位でした。序盤からファイナルラップまで、元ワークスライダーや去年のGP-2チャンピオンとの6台の大バトルを制しての結果には満足しています。誰が制してもおかしく無かったバトルは、とても刺激的でした!!しかし僕には運があったようです。僕達の現状のパッケージではベストは尽くせたと思います。これからもっとHP4のDDCシステムのセットアップを進めて進化させていきます!みなさん応援ありがとうございました!
I was push hard final race today. So got a 12 place. It was very hard battle by 6 riders since start lap to final lap. I have satisfaction this result. We should much more be evolution to HP4 DDC system setup by the race and test riding. Thanks for everyone cheer up!!
PHOTO:Office25
レポート:新田正直
]]>VLN2014 Rd,2http://carbontras.exblog.jp/22035023/2014-04-22T09:16:00+09:002014-04-30T15:43:28+09:002014-04-22T09:16:07+09:00carbon_trasTras Racing
Class: SP8 Class
Date: 29/03/2014
Weather: Sunny with some clouds
Total entries: 177 cars; SP8: 6
Cars started: 173 cars; SP8: 6
Cars completing race: 139 cars; SP8: 5
Drivers #135: Uwe Kleen, Klaus Völker, Jordan Tresson
Drivers #137: Helmut Baumann, Horst Baumann
2014 年VLN 開幕戦をクラス優勝という最高の形で終えてから2 週間、朝晩は少し肌寒さが残るものの、日中は暖かく過ごせるようになってきたニュルブルクリンクで、VLN 第2 戦が開催された。今回のドライバー陣は135 号車にJordan Tresson 選手、Klaus Völker 選手、Uwe Kleen 選手のレギュラー3 人、137号車にはHelmut Baumann 選手、Horst Baumann 選手が搭乗という、開幕戦と同じ体制での参戦となった。
Two weeks after the formidable winning of the opening race to the 2014 VLN season, weather was still cool in morning and evenings. So the second race VLN2 took place in quite warm daytime conditions. This time drivers for #135 were our regular three Jordan Tresson, Klaus Völker und Uwe Kleen. For #137 Helmut Baumann and Horst Baumann took the wheel, so our driver setup was the same as in the first race.
135 号車はTresson 選手−Völker 選手−Kleen 選手の順に、137 号車はHorst 選手−Helmut選手−Horst 選手の順に搭乗する事に決定。予定通り12 時にスタートした決勝、
序盤は穏やかなレース展開となったが、そこは世界一過酷なサーキットであるニュルブルクリンク、穏やかな時間はそう長くは続かない。第1 スティント中盤には、既に複数のダブルイエローがコース上で振られるようになっていた。徐々に荒れ始めたレース展開の中、じわじわと順位を上げていた2 台のCCS-R であったが、第1 スティントの終盤、突然135号車、Tresson 選手から怒号の様な無線が入る。「今、目の前でビッグクラッシュ、コースから車が飛び出て森に突っ込んでいった!! これは赤旗だ!!」 無線を聞いていた各クルーも騒然とし、確認の為にピットロードに飛び出すと、無線から凡そ20 秒という早さで赤旗中断となった。ノルドシュライフェでは映像でカバーできる部分が少なく、すぐには正確な状況は掴めなかったが、後の公式発表によると、Pflanzgarten 入り口付近でポルシェとシロッコがクラッシュ、両ドライバーは無事であるが、コース設備が破損し安全が確保出来ない為、赤旗となったという事であった。中断から30 分以上経った頃、運営本部より14 時30 分からレース再開とのアナウンスがあったが、赤旗の原因となったポルシェとシロッコの回収、及び約100 メートルにも及ぶガードレールの補修が遅れ、結局レースが再開されたのは16 時15 分頃、ここから残り2 時間としてリスタートとなった。
For the stint order we decided on Tresson, Völker, Kleen in #135 and Horst, Helmut in #137. The start took place as planned at 12 noon.
At first the race took off quietly, but at the world’s hardest circuit Nürburgring, quiet times do last. Around mid-first-stint actually many double yellow flags had to be waved on the course. Amidst the increasingly heating up race the two CCS-Rs were climbing the ranks, but towards the end of the first stint pilot of #135 Jordan Tresson suddenly radioed the pit. “Just in front of my eyes there was a big crash just now. A car flew off the track and into the forest! The race will be red-flagged!!” Each crew member, who heard the radio quickly moved to the pit to check with their own eyes on the screen. On the Nordschleife most areas are not covered with video surveillance, making the investigation of the situation difficult, but within 20 seconds the red flag was raised. According to the later public announcement, a Porsche and a Scirocco collided at the Pflanzgarten entrance. Both drivers were unharmed, but the circuit was damaged, so that the race could not continue safely. Hence the red flag. After 30 minutes the race control announced that the race would be restarted at 14:30. But removal of the Porsche and the Scirocco as well as the repair of roughly 100m of crash barrier led to a restart at 16:15 with 2 hours of the race to go.
再開時にグリッドについたのは、135 号車がVölker 選手、137 号車がHelmut 選手。大クラッシュ後のリスタートで、各チーム慎重なスタートを切るが、レースは間もなく荒れ始め、周回を重ねる毎にコース上で振られるフラッグが増え始める。CCS-R の2 人のドライバーはタイムを飛躍的に伸ばす事こそ出来なかったが、冷静に最終スティントに繋ぐドライビングにより、結果的に順位を上げてのピットインとなった。
最終第3 スティントは135 号車にKleen 選手、137 号車にHorst 選手が搭乗。レース中断前のライバル車とのタイム差が公式発表されていない中、ペースコントロールが難しい終盤戦となったが、両ドライバーは少しでもタイムを上げていこうと快調に周回を重ねていく。相変わらずコース上では多くのポイントでイエローフラッグ、ダブルイエローフラッグが振られていたが、2 人共取り乱すこと無く、淡々と車を走らせていく。落ち着いてレースを進めていった両車は、他チームで相次いでいたトラブルに見舞われることもなく、無傷でチェッカーフラッグを受けた。
At restart timing #135 was on the grid with Völker and #137 with Helmut Baumann on the grid. After the big crash, all teams took great care. But soon the race started to get stormy and flags started being waved increasingly. The two CCS-R drivers were not able to improve their lap times much, but thanks to cool driving they returned to the pit with improved rankings.
In the third and last stint Kleen in #135 and Horst Baumann in #137 took the wheel. As the time gap to rival cars from before the interruption of the race was not displayed, pace control was difficult in the last phase of the race. The decision was that both drivers should try to increase their pace as they complete their laps. As usual there were many occurrences of yellow and double yellow flags around the lap. But our two drivers kept their cool and were left racing unaffectedly. Thanks to this attitude and without the various troubles other teams encountered both our cars passed the checker flag unharmed.
今回のレースも、赤旗中断を始めとしてアクシデントの多い、荒れたものとなったが、2 台のCCS-R はこの過酷な条件下で何事も無かったかの様に完走した。車とドライバーにとって、高い負荷が待ち受けているこのニュルブルクリンクで、驚異的な完走率を誇るCCS-R の安定性が光ったレースであった。昨年末から続いたクラス優勝の連勝こそ途絶えてしまったが、難しいレースでもポイントを重ねていく事が重要であり、そういった意味ではプラン通りに進んだレースだったと言えよう。次のレースでのCCS-R の活躍にも期待したい。
Starting with the red flag interruption and continuing with many accidents this race was a true storm, but the two CCS-Rs finished the race as if nothing had happened. The car and the drivers can be proud of the magnificent race completion ratio achieved at the Nürburgring. The reliability of the CCS-R has been proven anew. The continuation of the winning streak since last season as top of class has been interrupted, but it was very important to be able to collect points also in a difficult race. In that sense we can also say that the race went according to plan. For the next race again, expectations for the CCS-R are high.
『Klaus Völker 』
Just as last time I was in charge oft he 2nd stint. The tires worked well for me, so that even after the red-flagged race, I rode comfortably. From then on, lots of oil was spilled on the track and more flags went up as the laps went on. I tried to keep my cool. I am really glad I made it back unharmed, as many other cars got involved in accidents. This kind of race control is also very important on this circuit. So in this sense I think I had a calm race.
『Uwe Kleen』
The car was as usual super reliable and I was even able to follow the BMW Z4 GT3. In this kind of stormy race, the reliability of the car is key and I am happy with the result achieved. We can improve the control of the tire pressure for the next race. I am looking forward to it!
『Jordan Tresson』
During qualifying the circuit was crowded and it was difficult to get good lap times. Different from last time, I participated on medium compound tires for the time attack. When trying to race aggressively the car over steered and that I think was another reason I could not improve my time. The race itself was warmer and along with the air, the surface temperature went up. With the same medium tires, I was able to race much faster than during qualifying. I also improved my fastest time, which I am happy about. The big crash that caused the race to be red flagged happened right in front of my eyes. I saw the car flying straight up in the air and falling into the forest. Seeing this shook me and I had to control myself to keep a cool driving mind. I am glad the drivers involved in the crash are fine, but also had difficulties to calm myself during the red flag interruption. I was in no state to race. Seeing this kind of incident actually happening during a race has been quite a big experience as a driver.
『Helmut Baumann』
This was a very tough race. Adapting to my braking to the new pads, I focused on hitting the brakes later. There are still a few corners, that I have not mastered all the way, but my time was improved overall, so I am going in the right direction. The medium compound tires have a great balance in terms of life span and grip. When I left the track this time there had been a huge crash and cars besides the track, so I am very grateful we were able to finish the race without any damage.
『Horst Baumann』
As it was a very difficult race, I focused on bringing home one lap after the other safely. Considering the circumstances, we should be happy with the result achieved. There are times it is better not to want too much. Jordan also said it, but if you don’t drive the medium compound tires too aggressively, they show their best performance.
レポート:櫻井 崇
Report: Takashi Sakurai ]]>VLN2014 Rd,1http://carbontras.exblog.jp/22035001/2014-04-22T09:07:00+09:002014-04-22T18:43:57+09:002014-04-22T09:07:20+09:00carbon_trasTras Racing
After the too warm winter has passed, we have arrived in this season: Unusually mild days are continuing in Germany as the 2014 VLN opening race takes place.
After emerging as the SP8 class champion last year, the CCS-R went through tire and brake tests in the South of France to prepare for the VLN Series 2014.
Due to a crash during the qualifying, repair works on the track led to a delayed start of the race at 1PM.
The driver stint order for #135 was Tresson, Völker and Kleen. For #137 it was set to Helmut, Horst Helmut.
As it was the first race of the season, at first every team was driving carefully. Around the middle of the first stint, the difference between the teams that prepared well during the winter break and those who didn’t started to show and yellow flags started to go up!
In the last lap of the first stint things suddenly changed. The leading #135 entered the pit with driver Tresson: Driver was changed, gas was refilled and tires were changed. Völker, who was in charge of the second stint, was just leaving the pit, when Helmut in #137 radioed the pit. “Helmut to pit. Just before Döttinger Höhe and close to Schwalbenschwanz ther I had a crash and landed off-track. I am fine, but we cannot continue the race!!”
Völker in #135 showed his usual cool driving and continued the race calmly. Unlike the rival teams that encountered difficulty improving their times and had to pit-in due to troubles, #135 sped constantly around the Nordschleife.
Völker showed a performance that left all SP8 rival cars a lap behind.
The third stint was fought by Kleen. Völker handed over a big margin against the competition to Kleen, who drove off at a model pace onto the north course. At the middle of the stint Kleen started noticing some vibration and radioed the pit. On this circuit, where one misguided decision can mean the end, Kleen used his own experience on the Nordschleife and adopted a driving style fitting to the cars condition. #135 was hence able to keep the gap to the competition and pass the checker flag. An exemplary opening race of the 2014 VLN season brought back triumph to the team and the victory actually was the third in a row continuing from the VLN 2013 season.
The CCS-R has reached a ripe stage looking at the speed, stability and demands on the car at the Nürburgring. It has been a great start into this year’s VLN SP8 battle for the CCS-R.
最終順位
135 号車:総合32 位/クラス優勝
137 号車:リタイヤ
Final ranking
#135: Overall: 32 / Class: Victory
#137: Retired
『Jordan Tresson』
We made the right choice deciding to do the qualifying on soft tires. The new brake pads also were highly effective. I think they helped us to improve our time. The medium tires we used in the race of course did not have the grip of the soft tires, but considering one stint consists of nine Nordschleife laps, I thinkg they showed a great performance.
『Klaus Völker 』
At the driver change for the second stint, we were already at the top of the race, so considering it was the first race of the season I raced carefully. At some point I felt vibration from the front, but I thought it might just be some debris I collected on the course and just continued as safely as possible. Overall we had a good setup of the car and thanks to this were able to take the class victory.
『Uwe Kleen 』
I drove in a way to reduce strain on the tires. Always checking the gap to the second ranked car I did laps. I think origin of the vibration that I started to feel came from the left and right front and was tire of the hub bearing. I had to drive quite carefully in order to finish, which impacted on our overall timing. It is actually much more difficult to control your pace on the Nordschleife as opposed to driving at normal speed. Finally due to the gap with the overall leader we had to drive one lap more, but the feeling of being on a winning run was fun.
Continuing from last season it was the third win in the row. The season just started, but I want to continue on this momentum.
『Helmut Baumann 』
I felt the new brake pads increased performance of 20%. Even when going for the breaks quite late the car would stop effectively. Regarding the tires, I feel I can control the car better than last year. I drove quite constantly, but in my stints last lap I crashed the front left. That caused the steering to block and the damage was so big that I could not determine the issue myself, so I had to retire from the race there.
『Horst Baumann 』
The new tires and the brake pads have led to increased performance. As the breaks were updated, we needed to adjust our brake timing and how we take the line, but the cars stability is unsurpassable now and I want to go ahead taking good positions.
レポート:櫻井 崇
Report: Takashi Sakurai ]]>VLN2013 Rd,10http://carbontras.exblog.jp/20905922/2013-11-04T15:44:00+09:002013-11-15T14:28:32+09:002013-11-04T15:44:05+09:00carbon_trasTras Racing
The race started as planned at midday. The conditions were half wet, but as time progressed the surface dried up. Both #135 and #137 showed a great race.
In the second stint with Kleen at the wheel an interesting message came in on the radio: “Since the last chicane, I am getting strange vibrations from the front left, so I will have to do an emergency pit stop. Please check that side, change the tires and change the driver!!” The tire was was about to burst, but thanks to the sensitive perception of Kleen and his immediate decision for a pit in, the impact of the incident on the race flow was only minimal.
For the third stint in #137, Horst was on the wheel and started to push. He managed to reduce the gap to the Aston Martin racing in front of him on class position 3 by incredible two minutes per lap! He achieved a CCS-R-first: A lap below 9 minutes at a recorded 8”59’558! In the next lap, he overtook the Aston and took the third position.
Both cars passed the checker flag safely. #135 followed up on its performance during last race and secured class victory for the second time in a row. #137 secured the great result of class rank 3 and brought the 2013 season to a wonderful end.
今シーズンのLEXUS IS F CCS-R は、速さと安定性を兼ね備えた素晴らしい進化を遂げ、世界一過酷なニュルブルクリンクで90%以上という脅威の完走率を果たすことに!!
日本・ドイツ共同チームとして参加しているVLN シリーズ輝かしい成績を残し続けるLEXUS IS F CCS-R チームは、来年も更なる飛躍をすべく準備を整えています。ファンの皆様、期待してください!そして更なる応援を、よろしくお願いいたします。
This season the LEXUS IS F CCS-R showed improved speed and constance and achieved a finishing rate of over 90% on the world’s most challenging track.
The LEXUS CCS-R participated in a Japanese-German team in the VLN series and brought back a great result. Now the preparations for next year must begin with with even higher success as the target. Dear fans you may expect something! We ask you for your support again!
『Jordan Tresson』
I was in charge to start the race in the half-wef conditions. During the race the conditions dried up and the difficult question arose, whether to change to slick tires or not. It was a tough stint thinking about the gap to the rival cars as well as figuring out the optimal tire management. The double yellow flag actually might have helped with the tire management in the end. Following boss Sakurai’s strategy we fought all stints on wet tires. In the end we were able to keep our position and even happily win in our class.
I am very happy to have been able to experience this season with the Lexus IS F CCS-R.
I would like to thank Yamauchi Kazunori for giving me this big chance. Yamauchi-san, let’s race in the CCS-R together in the VLN next season!
『Uwe Kleen』
The great victory achieved this time, was achieved thanks to the great team work and hard work each and every one put in. I was in to fight for it, when suddenly at the last chicane an obviously strange vibration emerged from the front of the car. I needed to enter the pit urgently!
The tire had been about to burst, so it had been the right call. After this Klaus took control of the race and pulled through getting us class victory!
In 2012 we had one SP8 class victory; in 2013 we had 2 class victories. We have to set our target for 3 victories next year!
Everyone involved from the side of LEXUS, Ring Racing, TRD and TMG: Thank you very much! Let’s go for it again next year!
『Klaus Völker』
The race started in bad weather conditions, so I tried hard to stay cool. #137 had a burst tire and #135 came back right in time, as the tire was about to burst, so I tried to drive my stint with the health of my tires in mind. I also had to keep in mind the gap to the following car at the same time, so it was a hard race. In the end phase of the race I had a safe lead, so I could do my laps without putting too much force on my tires. I am very happy we were able to grab the victory!
『Shigekazu Wakisaka』
First of all I wanted my team mate driver Nakanishi to get used to the car and the course, so I supported him on that. Personally I have always been told in the past: “In a race you must win! You have to be faster than anyone else!” That is how I had approached racing too. However, here at the Nürburgring, I learned to approach a race quite differently. It is not about shortsightedly going full throttle and spend all your power on that, it is about bringing the car back safely to the checker flag. At the Nürburgring endurance races that is an extremely important thing. Only by approaching it in that way, may you achieve anything. The race and course conditions change throughout, so one has to stay on the ball until the very end making cool-headed decisions. There is no room for general rules or vague thinking! This is what I learned is necessary to remain in the race. I am very thankful for this learning opportunity. I would like to thank the whole team for their support in 2013.
『Hirotaka Nakanishi』
It has been like a dream to participate in a race at the Nürburgring. The CCS-R is a great car to drive and I felt safely calm in it. From the practice sessions on Friday onward, I was able to get a feel for the course little by little, however I was surprised at the first lap on the Nordschleife. Not only is the circuit very narrow, but also swerves from left to right. Furthermore you enter most of those turns blindly! No wonder this circuit fascinates people worldwide. At the qualifications on Saturday, on my first Nordschleife at around one third of the lap around Adenauer Forst, I got off course to the left. I knew I collided with my left front, but as I was still able to drive I left without checking the car. Around Pflanzgarten, I brought the car out into the escape area on the left side. The damage was larger than I had expected. Not having assessed the damage before reentering the race showed my lack of experience. After additional training, I will certainly challenge this race again one day. I would like to apologize to everyone on the team for the hassle caused this time.
『Helmut Baumann』
Just after entering the Nordschleife at Hatzenbach, the front left tire suddenly burst. We did not let this bad luck stop us from racing. Thanks to everyone in the pit, who worked so flexibly in the pit, we were able to go on! It was good to learn even more about this car than ever before. It was great to end up this race unharmed and even on the 3rd rank in our class!
We are looking forward to taking the CCS-R to the next level together with Ring Racing.
『Horst Baumann』
Again I left the race and riding the car with lots of satisfaction. I felt that I myself must improve my driving in raining conditions. Since in the second stint my brother as well as the other cars had some tire troubles I drove without putting too much strain on the tires. From the second lap on I increased my pace and was happy to see this reflected in my times. I never thought I would be the first one to take the CCS-R around the course under 9 minutes and still cannot believe it. Maybe it means I am getting to terms with the car. I was having lots of fun driving, so I was not aware of my ranking. When I was told we made 3rd rank in class in the parc fermé, I was really happy!