Prototype Acura ARX-01b Impressive During Speed Testing
Acura has a lot to smile about these days. Aside from being able to acquire a fourth entry for the ALMS series by having Gil De Ferran join their team, Acura has also been able to make waves during the speed testing conducted at the winter testing held in Sebring for the American Le Mans Series. It was during this testing that Acura sported its new prototype car, the Acura ARX-01b, on the course.
The speed testing for the Acura ARX-01b was done by a number of teams including the No. 26 XM Satellite Radio Acura team from Andretti Green Racing Team. The team is the current and defending Sebring champions in the LMP2 class. One of its drivers, Bryan Herta was able to hit the speed of 127.413 miles per hour during the speed testing while driving the Acura ARX-01b. It was the top speed recorded during the three-day testing.
Veteran race car driver Scott Sharp, who has established himself by competing in the IndyCar series, also joined in the testing by teaming up with David Brabham and Stefan Johansson. During the testing, the drivers were able to reach a speed of up to 126.139 miles per hour. All three drivers (Sharp, Brabham and Johansson) are part of the No. 9 Patron Spirits Acura team. Sharp and Brabham will join the 12-race ALMS campaign while Johansson will be campaigning at Sebring and Atlanta.
Another team that took the road using the Acura ARX-01b prototype car is the Lowe’s Fernandez team. The team comprises of racing vets Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz who campaigned in the Lola last year. During the team’s first test drive using the Acura ARX-01b race car, the drivers were able reach the speed of 125.877 miles per hour.
The speed testing will continue this February for the three Acura teams in order for them to gauge the modifications they would still need to make for the competition. The race will begin on March 15 starting with the 12 Hours of Sebring. The Acura Sports Car Challenge will take place afterwards in St. Petersburg on April 5 and will be followed by the Long Beach Grand Prix which will be held on April 19.
Yup, Acura has definitely a lot to smile about these days.
Sources: Buzztracker, SpeedTV