Fall-Line Motorsports Press Release
Sebring, FL (March 13, 2014) - After a heartbreaking start to the TUDOR United SportsCar season for the Fall-Line Motorsports Audi R8 LMS during the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, the team is looking for redemption this weekend at Sebring international Raceway for the 62nd Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida.
Regulars Charlie Putman and Charles Espenlaub will be in the #46 Fall-Line Motorsports Audi R8 LMS along with Audi factory driver Christopher Mies.
The event this weekend at the historic 3.74-mile circuit is the second of four stops on the Tequila Patrón North American Endurance Cup so as successful event is doubly important.
The long break between events was crucial for the team who had to completely re-build their car after the car made heavy contact with the wall at Daytona, destroying the tub. The team had ample time to repair and restore the Audi R8 LMS to perfect working order for another long event and a new circuit for the team and drivers.
Charlie Putman:
"The Audi R8 was repaired after our Daytona disaster and, based on the test session results, seems to be better than ever. We'll probably never know what caused the crash at Daytona, but I was really touched by all the good wishes and notes of concern passed along by our friends and fans. It made getting back in to the battle much easier for me personally and I think the whole team has stepped up in usual Fall-Line style to put it behind us and have us ready for Sebring. This is a track with a lot of history and a lot of Audi history. On the other hand much of that history was written before our teammate for this race, Audi driver Chris Mies, was born! We welcome Chris (Mies) into the family and he is a great guy to be around. He is young in years, but as they say "mature beyond his years," and his driving certainly shows maturity and expertise. We have a beautiful car, and a great driver line up including Chris (Mies); and hopefully we can add some more that that Sebring Audi history book this weekend."
Charles Espenlaub:
"Everyone at Fall-line has done all of the work and preparation....again. But this time it was for the Sebring 12 hour race. The team has worked so hard to give us the best Audi R8 LMS possible and Charlie (Putman), Christopher (Mies) and I look forward to giving them the result they deserve. We will get redemption for not showing what we were capable of at Daytona."
Christopher Mies:
"I'm really looking forward to my first Sebring 12-hour race. When I was young I watched it every year and I guess it's one of those races you have to do in your career. I'm happy to be here with such an experienced team and drivers and can't wait to jump into the car."
Michael Harvey, Fall-Line Motorsports Team Manager:
"My guys have done an amazing job since Daytona, along with the unbelievably support from Brad and his group at Audi Sport customer racing we were able to test at Sebring in the IMSA test a few weeks ago. We have a strong and consistent Audi R8 LMS as we look to get our season kick-started this weekend. It is great to have Christopher (Mies) back with us and along with Charlie and Charles he complements a strong line up to go 12 hrs."
The second race of 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship is the 62nd Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida on March 12-15. Qualifying for GTD takes place at 4:10p.m. ET on Friday, March 14. Green flag for the 12 Hours of Sebring is 10:15 a.m. ET on Saturday, March 15. FOX Sports 1 live coverage runs from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (ET). The race will be streamed on www.IMSA.com from 1 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA AND THE AUDI R8 LMS
Audi began a new chapter in 2009 with the introduction of the Audi Sport customer racing program. For the first time it was possible for motorsport customers to acquire a race car designed for customer racing events. Since its inception, the success of the R8 LMS has been significant throughout the GT3 racing format worldwide, including victory in the GT class in the 2013 edition of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The Audi R8 LMS shares more than 50% of its parts with the Audi R8 street car including the naturally aspirated V10 5.2 Liter engine, the Audi Space Frame and a variety of other components.
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2012, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Through 2016, AUDI AG will invest about $17 billion on new products and technologies.
Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.
Photo credit: Wes Duenkel Motorsport Photography / Fall-Line Motorsports
