American Le Mans Series defending Prototype Challenge (PC) class champions and 2012 points leaders CORE autosport suffered fluctuating on-track fortunes today, mirroring the ups and downs of the undulating Lime Rock Park circuit.

Posting some fast lap times despite a few off-track excursions, the #06 Composite Resources ORECA FLM09 of Alex Popow and Tom Kimber-Smith will start fourth in class (11th overall). The sister #05 Composite Resources machine of Jon Bennett and Colin Braun will start fifth in class (12th overall).

CORE autosport’s adventure at the seven-turn, 1.47-mile road course began with the morning 90-minute practice session. All four drivers took to the track immediately, and Bennett – the most experienced of the four – was able to set some solid times, allowing the #05 team to tune the car appropriately.

But it was three-time Le Mans-winning driver Kimber-Smith in the #06 machine that was at the top of the PC class in the session – within minutes of the first time he ever drove the track.

The afternoon one-hour final practice session proved to be challenging for both cars, as the team chased mechanical issues and repairs on the #06 car after Popow had an off-track spin. Despite the extreme heat, the CORE autosport crew, led by team manager Morgan Brady, were able to make all repairs and both cars finished the session strong.

The team was ready for the mid-afternoon 15-minute PC qualifying session, with Braun behind the wheel of the #05 and Kimber-Smith in the #06. Times quickly dropped as soon as the session began and both CORE autosport drivers were setting fast times, but difficulties arose again when Kimber-Smith made contact with a tire wall at the track’s chicane, causing the #06 to retire in fourth spot. Braun, still battling minor mechanical issues, landed in fifth.

CORE autosport shifts into race mode for Saturday’s 2 hour and 45 minute American Le Mans Series (ALMS) event. The team has won every race in the 2012 ALMS season to date – Sebring, Long Beach and Laguna Seca – and are preparing to do the same at Lime Rock Park.

Source : CORE autosport