Panoz LMP-1 Roadster-S
The Panoz LMP -1, also called the Panoz LMP -1 Roadster S, was the successor of the Panoz Esperante GTR -1. In contrast to the Esperante, a closed racing car, was the LMP -1 is an open front -engine roadster. As with the Esperante the engine before the driver was installed, an unusual for the 1990s design.
The LMP -1 was developed because 1998, a new sports car Supplementary Regulations came into force, which dissolved the great GT class in its previous form. Therefore, the Esperante could no longer be used. The conversion of the Esperante to the new LMP-1 class has been deprecated and built a completely new car instead. With the construction of the car Reynard Motorsport was commissioned. Reynard took over from Esperante as many components as possible in the LMP -1. To accommodate the 6 -liter V8 engine, the cockpit had to be shifted far to the rear. In spite of the relative wind, the riders complained repeatedly about the enormous heat in the cockpit. Throughout the racing history of this circumstance could never be shut down completely.
The LMP -1 made its debut in 1999 in the American Le Mans Series in 1999. Already at the third race of the season at Mosport celebrated the works team a double victory. The winning car in January Magnussen and Johnny O'Connell sat. Two weeks before that both works cars were also in the 24- hour race at Le Mans at the start. The LMP -1 with the start number 12, driven by David Brabham, Éric Bernard and Butch Leitzinger, reached the seventh place in the overall standings. The second unit carriage of Magnussen, O'Connell and Max Angelelli came in eleventh place. With wins in Portland ( Brabham / Bernard ) and Road Atlanta ( Brabham / Bernard / Andy Wallace ) to Panoz secured the end of the Manufacturers' Championship Series.
Panoz LMP -1s began in mid-1999 to private teams to sell, causing 2000, four LMP -1 took part in Le Mans race. The best -placed the plant -LMP - 1 of O'Connell, Hiroki Katō and Pierre -Henri Raphanel ranks fifth overall. Surprisingly won the Magnussen/Brabham-LMP-1 at the 1000 km race at the Nürburgring.
As a Panoz in 2001 developed the LMP07, the two works cars were sold to private teams. But the LMP07 proved to be faulty designs and Panoz built on two new roadster that came as LMP -01 Evo at the racetracks. But the front-engine concept was pushed to the limits and the last major success was the fifth overall in the team's Olivier Beretta, and Max Papis, Gunnar Jeanette in Le Mans 2003.
- Historic Racing Car
- Le Mans prototype
- Racing cars in the 24 Hours of Le Mans