The Penz13.com Kraftwerk Herpigny Racing Team battled to 2nd in the Superstock category in the 24 hours race of Le Mans and there with ensured the FIM World Endurance Superstock-Cup. It’s the first world-title for the BMW S 1000 RR, which served brilliantly well for the team of Rico Penzkofer.
The start to the 24 hours of Le Mans was quite hectic. At the first pit stop, where Pedro Vallcaneras gave the handle bar of the BMW S 1000 RR to Vos, only 10 liters of fuel would go into the tank. First of all team checked the re-fuelling system but at the end had to swap petrol tanks at the next stop.
After that the night and until midmorning went problem-free and the hardest opponents in the fight for the FIM World Endurance Superstock-Cup played into Penz13’s hands: Motors Events AMT and DG Sport Herock crashed out of the race.
For a long time the Penz13.com Kraftwerk Herpigny Racing Team fought with the 3D-Endurance-squad, which were heading equal on points to Le Mans. Vos, Vallcaneras and Pridmore however were able to leave them behind. As soon as they had to return to the pits with a broken clutch to change it, they dropped in the rankings further.
Team of Rico Penzkofer now fought for the 2nd spot in the Superstock rankings. MCP Starteam 67, the leaders, had to come back to the pits with a electronic problem at the same time as the #13 got a stop-and-go-penatly for exceeding the pit-lane speed-limit. But the clutch-problem of 3D and the problems for 67 should last longer and so they grabbed the lead.
But another problem occurred. The handle bar of the bike broke when Pridmore tried to brake for a corner. It was a miracle that he saved the bike and brought the S1000RR back to the pits. The handlebar was replaced and on it went.
At the last pit stop of the race: another time excitement. The gearbox didn’t sound well and problems occurred with the 2nd gear. Seeing the chequered flag now was the target. Pedro Vallcaneras went on for the last turn and brought the bike and the title home safely. Third. Initially. After the technical control and checking of the winners bike, Starteam got disqualified and the Penzkofer-squad earned the second spot.
QUOTES:
Pedroa Vallcaneras: “I am extremely happy. A 24 hours race at the end of the season is always very difficult. You can also see this at the fact, that our main opponents had to fight with bigger problems than we had. We had a great race and I also want to congratulate Michal Filla, who earned the polish championship title today - and won the World-Cup with us.”
Arie Vos: “To get the 2nd place here at the 24 hours of Le Mans is brilliant. I am happy the team gave me this opportunity and that I had the chance to help with this success. Great!”
Jason Pridmore: “I was so happy when Penz and his guys contacted me and asked, if I wanted to ride the 24-hours for them. I said, I wanted to do everything I could to help this squad. It is an extremely professional team and I am happy to be part of it.”
Gregory Fastre: “It’s unbelievable. Before the season I said to Penz: I want the title and this chance I only have with you. And now it became true. It of course was hard to only watch at this race, but I held my fingers crossed the whole time. I will be having some more weeks rest for my foot, but I wanted to be here for the race.”
Rico Penzkofer: “I am pushed over the edge. Unbelievable. Wicked! I am speechless. I want to thank everyone, who supported us - the sponsors, the team and all the fans, who held their fingers crossed for us. I am only happy.”
Communication Penz13 - www.penz13.com -