Doug Fehan, boss of the iconic Corvette Racing team in endurance racing since 1999 says he has "never seen such interest from builders."

Successful last year in GTE Pro (and Am with Larbre Competition), the official Corvette Racing team will defind their title in the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans. Less than two months before the launch of the World Endurance Championship, he shares his feelings about the evolution of his team in particular and the world of endurance racing in general.
 

What are the strengths of the Corvette C6.R ?
"We have always taken pride in the durability and reliability of the Corvette C6.R race cars. The Corvette C6.R has only been on the pole once at Le Mans, but Corvette Racing has won there seven times. I think that clearly illustrates the team's priorities and the most important strengths to develop."

And its weaknesses?
"I don't think Corvette Racing has ever demonstrated any fundamental weakness. The rules control many aspects of the car's performance, so the challenge is to maximize the potential and be successful within the parameters of the rules."

Has the car received improvements this winter? 
"We have added 50mm to the overall width of the car in compliance with the new rules. In addition, GM Powertrain has worked hard to further refine the GM small-block V-8 engine. We have made several small aerodynamic refinements as well."

 

What are your goals for this year ?
"To win Le Mans and ALMS... we currently have customers that participate in that series (WEC), and we do not think it would be good business practice to compete against them. We think it is far more valuable to help them develop and succeed as an independent team. I think Larbre Competition is a great example of the success of this philosophy."

What kind of support will you give to Larbre Competition? ?
"Corvette Racing provides technical and engineering assistance to Larbre. The two groups work together cooperatively, such as last year's Le Mans Test Day when the Corvette Racing drivers tested Larbre's C6.R. Larbre has purchased a second Corvette C6.R and is finalizing its plans for 2012."

What do you think of the evolution of endurance racing?
"At no time in my career have we had this much interest and participation by this many quality manufacturers. It is a GREAT time in GT racing around the world!"

This kind of races is important for GM?
"GT racing is very important for Chevrolet because the Corvette we are racing in Le Mans and the ALMS is the same vehicle that we are selling to our customers. What we learn on the racetrack is then applied to building better future cars for our customers. In addition, our success in racing demonstrates the high quality, durability and reliability of all Chevrolet products.."

What do you think about the rules and particularly about performance adjustments made between races during the season?
"I think the ACO and the ALMS have done a very effective job in their efforts to balance the performance between many different brands, chassis configurations, and engine types. They don't jump to conclusions quickly; they carefully look at data which has resulted in good decisions... The nature of this business requires regulations to be in a continual state of evolution. The challenge is to properly manage the required changes. The system the ACO and the ALMS has developed, which involves input and ideas from the manufacturers, has proven to be very successful. So, today I see nothing that really needs any significant change."

Julien Hergault

Photo : LEXINGTON (OHIO, USA), ALMS MID-OHIO, 19 JULY 2008. Doug Fehan (right) and one of his most loyal drivers : Oliver Gavin.