APR Motorsport R8 Grand-AM Development

By: APR | 09/27/2012 < Back to Blog Home

In 2011 APR was chosen as the launch partner for the Audi R8 Grand-AM and quickly began developing the vehicle to be competitive in the Grand-AM Rolex Sport Car Series. The R8 Grand-AM's initial form was highly handicapped from the LMS spec vehicle known for hundreds of victories across the world in nearly every series in which it has campaigned. Due to fears of total domination by Grand-AM, the Grand-AM spec vehicle was stripped of power, aerodynamic downforce, braking aids, stabilization aids, as well as other aspects key to the vehicle's success, marking a truly difficult battle for APR and Audi.

While others US teams may have simply thrown in the towel, APR has never said die. Race after race, the development envelope was pushed further. During the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen, APR Motorsport redoubled its efforts and entered a second Audi R8 Grand-AM with the support of Audi Sport Customer Racing. Audi Sport Factory Drivers, with more driving time behind the wheel of any R8 spec racecar than anyone else in the world, pushed the R8 to the limits, providing valuable feedback necessary to the programs success.

Development continued with several changes made to the R8 for Laguna Seca in September. The changes proved positive, and the car showed much stronger and more consistent lap times through the event. However, a spin off track cost the team valuable time.

Further changes were made for the final race of the seasons. APR Motorsport enters LRP with high hopes of a strong finish at the final race of the season. Catch the race live on SPEED, September 29th at 3:00 PM ET.