Young British racer, Phil Quaife, was given his first taste of an LMP1 sportscar in Florida, USA last week, running with the leading privateer American Le Mans Series team, Intersport Racing. Driving this top category race car was a new experience for Quaife, who is more familiar with the less powerful Porsche GT3 sports racer.
Following the team's test at Sebring they moved on to West Palm Beach for follow-up testing and Quaife was able to sample the power and speed of the Lola LMP1 at this two-day session.
Quaife said of driving the Intersport Lola, “I had a great time in the States and really enjoyed driving this sportscar. The power was awesome, yet it is also a nimble car and very responsive. It was one of the fastest cars I've driven on track, but it didn't take me long to get to grips with the handling of it. ”
“This test has whetted my appetite for a run out in one of the sportscar race series and I would like to thank Intersport for giving me the chance to drive with the team in Florida. Not only was the car great fun to drive, the professionalism of the team was very impressive and I hope that my experience could lead to driving in the Series at some point in the future.”
Quaife competed in the Formula One Grand Prix-supporting Porsche Super Cup and the Porsche GT3 Championship in 2007. He is currently finalising plans for his 2008 race campaign.