MP4-12C racing

[Davidoff41]

Hi, i have an interesting information.Chris Goodwin who participate to the set up of the F1 GTR, and who is now in CRS racing team (ex Scuderia Ecosse) confirme that he get in touch with McLaren head office to prepare the GT3 version of the new MP4-12C. And if Woking give the "OK" They will also prepare the GT2 version for 24 hours of Le Mans 2012.So lets so what will happend.bye

[cabrio92]

Yes, I heard that on august

Phil

[arjan916]

Some interesting pictures (text in Dutch)

http://www.autoweek.nl/autonieuws/15...or-het-circuit

[Davidoff41]

Interresting information. I can be wrong, but with that type of big wings it looks more like a Deutch Championship version, than a FIA / ACO version.
bye

[Davidoff41]

MCLAREN CONFIRMS GT3 RACING PROGRAMME FOR MP4-12C

• McLaren and CRS Racing in partnership to develop GT3 racing car based on new McLaren MP4-12C road car
• First customer cars planned for 2012 season
• 12C’s innovative carbon chassis, light weight and aerodynamics promise winning performance from race-bred road car

WOKING, UK (Dec 17, 2010) – McLaren today confirms its plans to bring back the McLaren name to GT sports cars racing. From 2012, McLaren and CRS Racing will supply and support a limited number of GT3 racing cars based on the McLaren MP4-12C high-performance sports car for European-based privateers.

15 years since the McLaren F1 GTR famously won the world-famous 24 Heures du Mans (Le Mans) on its debut, and 12 years since six ‘Longtails’ last raced at Le Mans, McLaren and CRS Racing, a successful and experienced UK-based racing team, have begun development work aimed at turning the 12C road car into a race-winning GT3 sports car. As part of the development programme, McLaren and CRS Racing will compete at a limited number of European GT races in 2011.

With the 12C’s revolutionary lightweight one-piece moulded carbon chassis (the ‘MonoCell’), its high levels of downforce and aerodynamic performance, and its focus on form and function, the 12C should prove to be a great platform on which to develop a racing car, as well as visually setting pulses racing at European race tracks.

Martin Whitmarsh, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal said: “Racing is in our blood – it was natural to develop a GT3 car alongside the 12C road car. We have a legendary history in global motorsport, including GT racing, and we aim to maintain that reputation with this GT3 programme, and any future sports car projects that may evolve.

“The 12C’s architecture and design was always aimed at high-performance and ease of maintenance - two key criteria for potential customers. Combine that with the vast amount of racing experience in our automotive team, and CRS Racing’s specialist development experience, and the 12C GT3 should be an exciting proposition for the top teams planning to race in GT3 from 2012.”

Andrew Kirkaldy, Team Principal, CRS Racing said: “It is a rare opportunity to work with a company like McLaren and we are proud to be involved. Together, we aim to produce the highest quality GT car on the grid. The level of engineering experience at McLaren is unparalleled and this will be reflected in the 12C GT3. One of the most important aspects of this programme will be customer service and for that reason we will be building a limited number of cars at a competitive price. The result will be an incredible GT car with manageable running costs and good residual value that will provide its owner with an unrivalled experience.”

Further details about the McLaren 12C GT3 racing car programme will be announced in 2011 and interest from prospective customers can be registered on www.mclarengt.com.

Initial plans are for a limited run of 12Cs developed for the 2012 European FIA GT3 Series, but, as with McLaren Automotive’s road car business, conservative growth and expansion will be considered.

CRS Racing will build, sell and support the 12C GT3 cars in close collaboration with McLaren. The Leicestershire-based racing team has a strong pedigree in GT racing in the Le Mans Series, the FIA GT Championship, the International GT Open and the British GT Championship. CRS also runs two successful single-seater teams: in the Formula Renault UK Championship and as Atech CRS in the GP3 Series

[Peloton25]

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhvqWKuMlV8

>8^)
ER

[Peloton25]

At the Autosport International Racing Car Show, Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of McLaren Racing, was accompanied by Andrew Kirkaldy (one of the drivers of their MP4-12C GT).

In an interview lasting over 11 minutes, motoring writer Henry Hope-Frost questions the pair, and gains an insight into McLaren's GT racing plans as well as the future for their road cars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=afYPhhMytEM

>8^)
ER

[Davidoff41]

Hi, just few words to say that McLaren confirm today that they will racing the GT3 end on 22 of may in Navarra, end of july for the big 24h of Spa, end of august in Magny-Court then Silverstone in october.

[cabrio92]

any infos and pics of Navarra race ?

[Davidoff41]

Finally they didn't come. They need a bit more time to upgrad more the car. Hope to see it for the 24h of Spa and Magny Cours.

Also, about 24R -> At this time, no plan to run the GTR.
and 22R keept silence on that point.

[Davidoff41]

The provisional entry list of 24 hours of Spa, show 2 MP4-12C.
No information yet, on the cat. : Pro-cup or Pro-Am Cup.

But first, lets see if the cars will be on the test day on 6 of next month.

[Peloton25]

Thanks for the news - do keep us posted. I very much look forward to seeing McLaren racing sports cars again. It has been far too long really.

>8^)
ER

[Davidoff41]

Hi!!!
Back with some good news. Everyone knows that the GT3 will run in Goodwood. But THE news is that the car will probably run in Spa with the British GT Championship on 9 july to prepare 24 hours of Spa end of july.
Also, McLaren upgrade the car with new bonnet (2 holes), new front bumper (1 hole in the middle) and a BIG air intake on the engine bonnet.
bye

Edit: They also add a fog light between the exaust exit and change the position of air jack plug

[arjan916]

Originally Posted by Davidoff41

The provisional entry list of 24 hours of Spa, show 2 MP4-12C.
No information yet, on the cat. : Pro-cup or Pro-Am Cup.

But first, lets see if the cars will be on the test day on 6 of next month.

I'll be at the 24h race from wednesday or thursday and will make loads of pictures

[Davidoff41]

Finaly the 12C GT3 is in Spa today!!!
They arrived this morning on the track, with a more racing car (front and rear Tow) and with stickers from British GT Championship (Avon tyres).