Spiel

DECEMBER 2018 54 components at the rear of the car. It was suspected repairs were being made to the underside aerodynamic surfaces damaged by a trip over the curbing at turn 8A of the infamous Corkscrew. By this point the session was already beyond the scheduled 1:00 pm end of the 919 exhibition lap period into the following lunch break, with its scheduled 917 exhibition laps and Sunday tractor races in which Bamber would drive. On the flying pass the car registered a 188 mile per hour speed under the front straight bridge, obviously setting up for a good time, and after completing that lap Jani was back in the pits. This set of tires, on the dolly and ready to return to the garage, exhibited an irregular ring of rubber around the tread indicative of blistering and gross overheating. Yes, the tires were preheated, but during the out lap the driver carefully monitors the traction to achieve optimum results during the flying lap. Bernhard reported from his stints Saturday that these tires would not go a complete lap at speed at Laguna Seca without overheating! That certainly confirms the tire was not the Nürburgring record compound. Were these record attempts despite contrary declarations? Or perhaps where they just trying to do what was possible in sub- optimum conditions; and should a record happen then it would just be another indication of the incredible capabilities of the car. It's apparent the sequence was basically a qualifying lap procedure with attempts to capitalize on the first flying lap when tire traction is at the highest. But with the engine reportedly down on power and non-optimal tires, there were a couple obstacles to overcome. Then more drama! Out came the Jani seat insert and Earl Bamber stepped over the pit wall, buckled on his helmet and entered the car. After strapping in and final discussions, the laptop was disconnected. With final mechanical adjustments in the engine compartment complete, Bamber drove off now nearly 20 minutes beyond the end of the scheduled 919 exhibition lap period. Bamber ran the out lap, but on the flying second lap aborted and entered the pits at the paddock gate between turns 10 and 11. Anti-climax, indeed and an apparent confirmation that the tires would not complete a lap at speed. Bamber subsequently participated in the Sunday tractor races where he defeated IMSA 911 RSR teammate Patrick Pilet, but if there were a realistic possibility of a track record, unquestionably he would have completed that flying lap. This was altogether a fascinating, yet disappointing series of events, in part because there was no official explanation. It's certainly believable that this hybrid, 4-wheel drive epitome of the sports proto- type car should be quicker than a 15-year old Formula 1 car, but that went unproven. It is known that Porsche rented the track Monday- Tuesday, October 1-2 following Rennsport Reunion VI, but the purpose was not disclosed. Video shows the 919 Evo driving the track access roads and along California Highway 1 in Tribute Tour promotion shots. Minus new tires and the power fix, there would be no reason to return to the track. The 919 Evo appeared at the Leipzig Opera Ball October 10th in its final 919 Tribute Tour appearance and then was driven to its final home at the Porsche museum by Mark Webber. Like most museum cars, we should expect the 919s to appear at future Porsche events, but it is likely we will never know the true performance of this marvelous internal combustion/ electric hybrid. Stack of blistered tires on a dolly. 919 released. On the flying pass the car registered a 188 miles per hour under the front straight bride.

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