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Topic starter
17/10/2021 12:29 pm
2001 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP675 Class MG-Lola EX257.
The goal of the LMP675 class was to provide lighter prototypes, equipped with less powerful engines than the LMP900s but to be more agile on winding tracks especially. To complete its return at the highest level, the constructor MG called upon the savoir-faire of Lola Cars throughout the 2000 season so as to enter two prototypes compliant with the 675 class technical specificities. The cars carried the name MG-Lola EX257 and were powered by a sparkling 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 500hp.
An ambitious program and rigorous recruitment! In terms of drivers behind the wheel of the two EX257s entered at the 2001 24 Hours of Le Mans, MG availed itself of a particularly formidable batallion, comprised of the fastest British drivers around. So Anthony Reid, Warren Hughes, Jonny Kane, Mark Blundell, Julian Bailey and Kevin McGarrity shared the No. 33 and No. 34 cars.
The day of the preliminary tests, the fine tuning work was greatly disrupted by significant mechanical issues relegating both cars to the boxes. The rare forays onto the track did however suggest the level of performance that was to be confirmed during the free practice and qualifying session of the 69th edition of the 24 Hours. The two Lola-MGs were devilishly fast by exploiting to perfection the LMP675 regulations. Certainly less powerful than the LMP900s such as Audi, Cadillac, Dome, Chrysler and Courage, the English bullets took advantage of their lighter weight to compensate for their muscular shortcomings. The result was striking: the Reid/Hughes/Kane driver line-up (No. 34) was positioned 17th on the starting grid while the trio Blundell/Bailey/McGarrity (No. 33) ranked 14th ahead of the two official Panoz cars, a Chrysler Oreca and a Courage of the Pescarolo Sport team. By clocking the best time of the team in 3:40:243, Warren Hughes beat the best other LMP675 (Reynard 2KQ-ROC Auto) by more than four seconds per lap!
Unfortunately for the race, the problems with the LMP675 formula showed their signs early in the race. Although quick even with their small engines, these engines were highly stressed and lacked the capabilities to survive long distances. Following a mere 30 laps, one MG was forced to retire due to exhaust failure. A few hours later, the second MG succumb to an oil leak, leaving MG retired from the event at a very early stage.
In the race, the results were disappointing but tinged with greatness. Though the two cars did not rally at the finish of the 2001 24 Hours of Le Mans, their performances were as exceptional as they were unexpected. Observers knew the MG-Lolas were fast LMPs, but when at 5:30 p.m. Mark Blundell was running fourth overall behind two Audis and a Bentley, the astonishment was real.
Here is the No.34 2001 Le Mans 675 Class MG-Lola EX257 driven by Anthony Reid/Warren Hughes/Jonny Kane). This is a PROVENCE MOULAGE resin model, professionally built. It was also made by SPARK.
It was Lola's only car built specifically to LMP675 regulations, and was known by their designation as the Lola B01/60. The last EX257 in original specification was retired from racing in 2007.
21/10/2021 8:14 pm
This Spark MG-Lola EX257 from 2002 was sold by Autobarn as a limited edition in 2003. It's signed by Mark Blundell, only 25 like this.
Topic starter
21/10/2021 8:38 pm
Nice model Harv with a very collectible signature.