After winning the American Le Mans Series LMPC class twice in his first two years, Core Autosport owner Jon Bennett wanted a new challenge. That challenge would be a full-season entry into the hyper-competitive GTE class with a Porsche, Bennett decided.
That Porsche would be piloted by factory driver Pat Long and three-time Le Mans class winner, Tom Kimber-Smith, Bennett decided—no sense not hiring two top gun-slingers when going to a gunfight.
With top-rank drivers and a proven team, Core could shake up the class; certainly the new crew is the favorite among the Porsche entries, and given Core’s history of excellence of preparation, should take the fight on even footing to the Corvettes, Ferraris, and BMWs that have dominated in recent seasons.
Core will carry on with its PC campaign—Bennett and co-driver Colin Braun want a three-peat in the class. But Bennett also saw a chance to compete for a second class championship, and he took it.
“Core Autosport has obviously achieved great success in the PC class in the ALMS but we’re really looking to expand our horizons and show what the team is capable of,” team owner, Jon Bennett saidsaid Bennett on the team’s website.
“This has been a strategic business design by our company. Our target for 2013 is to build a strong infrastructure capable of supporting a two-car factory effort. We want to prove we are capable of being successful in GT racing and this year will be a great learning experience for us.
“We know the GT class in the ALMS is one of the most fiercely contested events in the world. That will become a great measuring stick for us. We know we are really stepping into the big leagues—not only against other Porsche customer teams but Corvette, BMW and Ferrari.
With the withdrawal of the Flying Lizards from GTE, Bennet saw a chance to sign up with Porsche and to capture one of the world’s top Porsche drivers in Patrick Long.
“Morgan [team manager, Morgan Brady] and I are thrilled that Porsche has shown faith in our team by making Patrick available for us. There are a lot of Porsche fans in the paddock and we look forward making them Core Autosport fans as well,” said Bennett.
“We know the car can win races and Patrick’s record with three ALMS championships and two Le Mans wins is exceptional.
“Being able to team him with Tom Kimber-Smith who became a regular at Core last year is an amazing opportunity. In total they have five Le Mans wins between them.”
Patrick Long, 31, has been a factory Porsche driver since 2003—the only American on Porsche’s roster. He has three ALMS titles, 21 race wins, and two class wins at Le Mans.
“It is an exciting year for me. I’m ready for a role of growth in 2013. It is going to be a great challenge because the GTE class has a ton of activity and a lot of manufacturer involvement. It will be about getting up to speed quickly and growing for the future,” Long said.
