around-the-clock contest. In its inaugural try last year, the C5-R team managed a credible third in class behind two factory-backed Dodge Vipers.
Following last year’s Le Mans contest, team Corvette continued to make significant progress in improving the cars’ reliability and speed. A large step forward came in august 2000 with the debut of the second generation C5-R chassis, which was wider and thus more stable than the first design. This paid dividends at last year’s Grand Prix of Texas, where the single Corvette entry bested two factory Vipers to record the team’s first GTS class win. Another victory followed at Road Atlanta’s Petite Le Mans.
The Pratt & Miller operation got off to a fantastic start this year with a remarkable overall victory in the 24 Hours at Daytona and another win in the ALMS opener in Texas. The team’s elation was tempered in march, however, when it lost a closely fought battle for class honors at the all-important 12 Hours of Sebring.