As Level 5 Motorsports prepares to return to France for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, we are taking an in-depth look at the preparation that goes into fielding a world-class entry into the World's Most Prestigious Endurance Race. This installment in our series breaks down the numbers to give you an idea of just how much equipment is required to support an entire race team for close to a month at Le Mans.The 24 Hours of Le Mans is considered to be the ultimate test of man and machine, and for Level 5 Motorsports, that means being fully prepared for the task at hand. Earlier this month, the three-time American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrn champions arrived in France for the nearly four-week-long trip, which culminates with this weekends running of the worlds greatest endurance race.
With the goal of heading home as Le Mans champions, the Scott Tucker-owned organization has ticked every box in the quest for victory. In addition to Tucker, a nine-time national driving champion, Marino Franchitti and Ryan Briscoe will complete the driver lineup in Level 5's No. 33 Honda Performance Development ARX-03b, with more than 30 crew members having made the trip overseas for the event.
This years race will mark the teams third attempt at Le Mans, following a podium finish in its debut in 2011. Level 5 is one of six American teams in the entire 56-car field and the only U.S.-based prototype team. There are a class-high 22 entries competing in LMP2, with Level 5 being the only HPD chassis or Honda-powered car. The same HPD ARX-03b package won last years race.
Take a look at some other key numbers and statistics behind Level 5s effort for this years 24 Hours of Le Mans.
FREIGHT: More than 30,000 pounds (15 tons) of equipment air freighted, including 2 Honda Performance Development ARX-03b race cars and multiple sets of spares; Delivered via ground transport on 3 curtain-side tractor trailers
PERSONNEL: 34 crew members, 7 vendors, 3 drivers and a massage therapist; 46 guests
ACCOMMODATIONS: 552 room nights; 28-room chateau for drivers and guests and 2 American-style motorhomes for drivers at track
MEALS: 901 catered meals from Vanessas Hospitality Service
SUPPLIES: 170 cases of drinks; 327 pounds of fresh fruit; 1,600 coffee capsules and cups; 3,000 hats for giveaway at drivers parade
CAR MILEAGE: Appx. 4,800 miles for entire event; including appx. 3,000 miles (360 laps) during race
FUEL: Appx. 950 gallons between test day and race week, including 650 gallons during race; Average fuel consumption: 4.5 mpg
TIRES: 24 sets total (not including wets); 8 sets for test day; 11 sets for race
PIT STOPS: Appx. 32 during race, totaling appx. 45 minutes in pits; 8 driver changes; 3 sets of brakes
OIL: 4 gallons of replenishment during 24-hour race
GEAR CHANGES: Appx. 21,240 during race; 60 per lap
TOP SPEED: 185.3 mph
MIN SPEED: 49.5 mph
FULL THROTTLE: 2 minutes and 54 seconds out of a 3-minute and 41-second lap (75% of lap)
