On the heels of bringing a Courage C65 to America in August, Miracle Motorsports team owner John Macaluso announced today an effort to bring a second Courage C65 into the fold to compete in the American Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2005.
"We have been very happy with the C65 and the support from Yves (Courage) and his team," said Macaluso. "The motivation to put together a two car effort is the enhanced ability to win championships and better economies of scale in operating our team."
Drivers Jeff Bucknum and Chris McMurry have been signed to contest the entire 2005 American Le Mans Series schedule in a Courage for Miracle, with Macaluso joining the familiar sports car duo in the longer races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans.
"These two guys have a great relationship and similar driving style. Together they have been quick and clean for the last three seasons in the series, and they have shown they have the sensibility that's needed for endurance racing success," said Macaluso.
Team Bucknum replaced its Pilbeam MP91 beginning at Petit Le Mans with the Sebring-winning Lola B2K40 used by Miracle prior to the C65's debut at Road America. The Lola has been re-skinned in the checkerboard look of the Pilbeam and operated under the Team Bucknum tent, although it was entered under Miracle for Petit Le Mans, and will be for the final race at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway as well.
"Everyone has seen the outright speed and potential of Miracle's Courage C65," said Bucknum. "We're very excited that our relationship has evolved nicely and we look forward to helping expand the success that John and his team have already enjoyed."
For those wondering about the future of Team Bucknum Racing, which has campaigned a single-car effort in the P2 class of the American Le Mans Series since Petit Le Mans of 2001, it will continue fielding its very successful and growing Star Mazda Series team. The Star Mazda Series operates as a support series for the American Le Mans Series.
If a second Courage becomes a reality, additional seats would become available at Miracle, which is currently in the midst of a fierce fight for the 2005 team and driver's points championship in the ALMS with drivers Ian James and James Gue at the helm.
"We're viewing all of these developments as the beginning of a long-term relationship with John and Miracle. We have been able to generate more sponsorship every year and we want to use that momentum to give our collective efforts legs year-in, year-out," added McMurry. "Just as we have shown to date, we're in this for the long haul."
