By Johan Laubscher
Just weeks after an Audi R10 TDI went under the hammer at the Artcurial auction during the 2012 Le Mans Classic event, another Audi sports prototype will be on auction as well. The 2001 Audi R8 LMP chassis #501 will be sold by RM Auctions. The car is scheduled to appear at the 2012 Monterey Auction from 17 - 18 August. 
Audi R8 chassis #501 is currently owned by George Stauffer who also owns the 2001 Bentley EXP Speed 8 chassis #002/3 which finished third at Le Mans 2001. It is worth noting that the 2001 specification Bentley EXP Speed 8 race cars used the same Audi 3.6 V8 Biturbo as used by the 2001 Audi R8 LMP cars. This Bentley will also be going under the hammer at the Monterey Auction alongside Audi R8 #501.
Audi 3.6 V8 Biturbo in the 2001 Bentley
This specific Audi R8's highlights:
2001: ALMS/ELMS
2001: Le Mans test day
2002: Le Mans 24 Hours and Suzuka 1000km with Team Goh
2008: Sold to Aaron Hsu who competed in American Historic Racing 2008
2010: Sold to George Stauffer who competed in American Historic Racing 2010
More information:
RM Auctions website
Audi R8 #501 listing on RM Auctions website
Audi R8 LMP #501 chassis history
Bentley EXP Speed 8 listing on RM Auctions website
Bentley EXP Speed 8 #002/3 chassis history
Images hosted at the RM Auctions website
