Scott Tucker and Level 5 Motorsports Move to Honda LMP2

MADISON, Wisc., July 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The old adage "never change horses midstream" is usually sound advice.  So why would Level 5 Motorsports race team owner and driver Scott Tucker change cars in the middle of a hotly-contested Intercontinental Le Mans Cup season?  You could ask team owner Roger Penske or drivers like Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello or Dario Franchitti — all of whom have put their trust in Honda and enjoyed racing success because of it.

Level 5's mid-season switch comes following a successful start to its LMP2 program, with victories at the Twelve Hours of Sebring and Grand Prix of Long Beach. Tucker and co-drivers Christophe Bouchut and Joao Barbosa also achieved podium finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Six Hours of Imola in a separate Honda-powered, Microsoft Office 2010-sponsored prototype.

The team will now utilize the HPD ARX-01g, Honda's bespoke chassis and engine combination, in the remaining Intercontinental Le Mans Cup rounds at Silverstone, Road Atlanta and Zhuhai, China. Additionally, Level 5 plans to field two HPDs in the six-hour American Le Mans Series race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in September, as well as the 14th annual Petit Le Mans in October.

"We looked through all of the numbers, inside and out, and from our perspective, there's no doubt the Honda package in the new cost-capped configuration will be a front runner in LMP2," said Tucker, a three-time national driving champion. "We've seen gains with the engine all year and the good thing is that there's still room for development."

Built by Wirth Research, the HPD ARX-01g is an evolution of the highly successful prototype, which has captured 22 class victories worldwide since its debut in 2007, including the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours. While sharing the same DNA as the ARX-01d, Level 5's new open-top contender will conform to the Automobile Club de l'Ouest's cost-capped rules that were introduced this season. The team has reserved the first two chassis that will be produced.

"We feel that our best opportunity to be prepared for the remaining ILMC races this year, and looking beyond into 2012, and where LMP2 may go was to align with Honda and Wirth Research's synergistic package," said team manager David Stone.

The Six Hours of Silverstone, the fifth round of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, is scheduled for Sept. 9-11.

About Level 5 Motorsports

Level 5 Motorsports has fielded successful entries in GT and Prototype classes in the American Le Mans Series, GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series Presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, Ferrari Challenge Series and the Sports Car Club of America since 2008. The team has competed throughout North America and Europe, extensively in France and Spain. Team owner and driver Scott Tucker has earned three national championships and has more than 70 podium finishes and 50 victories in his driving career. Level 5 is based in Madison, Wisconsin. www.Level5Motorsports.com

SOURCE Level 5 Motorsports