Nissan Finishes Petit Le Mans in the Top Five

By Ossamah Shabbir on Sunday, October 21st, 2012

The Nissan DeltaWing had one goal entering its North American debut at Petit Le Mans – score a race finish.

The team not only completed the 1000 mile journey at Road Atlanta today, but American Gunnar Jeannette and Spaniard Lucas Ordoñez demonstrated stunning pace throughout the race 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-liter Nissan DIG-T turbochaged-powered machine eventually crossed the line three laps down from the P2 class winning car.

Jeannette started the race for the Nissan DeltaWing squad and immediately began a charge through the pack – passing eight cars on the opening lap.

By the time he handed over to Ordoñez, the No.0 car had moved up to eigth position out of the 42 car field. The Spaniard took over and completed a triple stint – handing back to Jeannette from third place overall.

Gallery

Nissan LMP2 Racer