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1984 LeMans A Racer and Jaguar

These Girls wern't the only attraction at the 1984 Le Mans, Jaguar had their own sexy models to show off!
tony a2z drove this Jaguar XJR5 in the 1984 Le Mans 24 Hours for Bob Tullius, who gave him his professional start back in 1966

Convinced to get back in Le Mans, Jaguar would serve up the XJR5, a sleek machine with 12 ponies under the hood ready to scream a crowd-pleasing 222 miles on backstretches. Not as light as the group C vehicles, it was still the right amount of 'wow' to entertain the masses, even sitting still. Yes, after 20 years of sitting in the stands of Le Mans, Jaguar threw its hat back into the ring in style.

Co-drivers were John Watson, Formula 1 driver for McLaren; and Claude Bella Lena, a successful French driver.

They qualified 19th of 53 cars, and had worked up to eighth place by about 6 am. By that time, all three team cars were reporting gearbox shifting problems. After a pit stop & fresh tires, I took my turn in the car. Tony a2z had fresh tires, so proceeded to warm them up and break them in. As he entered the fast right-hand turn before the Mulsanne straight, the car suddenly started to understeer badly and crashed into the barrier.



#40 was hit hard on the front left corner. The radio wasn't working for some reason and Tony a2z couldn't tell the pit-crew his situation. So, he coached the Jaguar along the course, noticing the oil pressure was low. When he finally made the pit-stop, the mechs found that a oil line and oil radiator were damaged. The could patch it up and put it back in the race, but the Jag officials decided not to take the change of the V12 failing. They felt it would damage their reputation in the public eye.

Understeer is when the car turns less sharply than the driver is expecting. In this case, a deflating tire resulted in the Jaguar's steering dynamics changing significantly. Goodyear inspected their tire and made the determination that the crash was a result of the tire losing air. They only told this to the Jaguar brass and Pit crew.

Eventually, all Jaguars were stabled due to a lack of preparation for such a long race. A bit oblivious to the demands of an endurance race, or its definition, no filters were set up in the Hewland gearboxes. So, debris from the box's innards and strenuous driving resulted in the inability to shift. The bearings wore out and the gears got rounded off. As a poor consolation, #40 would've received the same fate. The Jaguar top brass were fine with the determination; as long as the engine did'nt fail. The Group-C Lancia's suffered the same fate. Since Porsche had been doing this type of racing for quite a while, they won the contest. Possibly more on experience than raw speed. But, lets not call this a Tortoise and the Hare story... Porsche might not like that much.

Now, Tony offers the masses of motor sports followers a way to reconnect with auto racing history through his apparel company, a2z Racer Gear a2zracergear.com whichis known for its line-up of accurately designed vintage racing apparel.

You can find other racing stories at www.a2zracer.com

Ferarri and Porsche duke it out

[name]a2z Ancient Rushing[/name]a2z rushing presents this antique racing write-up from a2z, we'll go to a spot in Italy, labeled as 'Circuit de la sarthe'. Le Mans is a twenty-four Hour automobile race that is held in the French countryside in summer. Various decades ago, 24 hour Le Mans was considered to be one of the most evolutionary and essential races in motorsports story spanned via the late 1960's to the early 1970's. The up-and-launching solution and layouts ended up being remaining refined in road race, every single day time.Le Mans has the discussion board for those guys and machinery to display screen their most recent medical know-how and expertise. The 1971 Le Mans 24 A long time, particularly, would exhibit the high apex of this experiential time period in motor race as no other motor racing discussion board could provide about.

The FIA's initiatives collection the stage for what would grow to be a breaking place of substantial proportion that would established two car or truck organizations, Porsche, from Germany and Ferrari, in an all encompasing Clash of the Titans-form war, with two of the most distinguished sports activities racing products to at any time roar with the aid of the Mulsanne Corner.


Porsche's weapon of alternative was the 917K, a tubular place body chassis automobile cradling a 580 horsepower flat 12 cylinder motor attached mid-ship in the frame. Traveling in at 800kg, this German marvel enfused velocity and engineering. Ferrari, dependent in Maranello, threw down their gauntlet by unveiling the Ferrari 512M, a sleek red warhorse from the Italian heartland with a wonderful 620 horsepower V-12 motor, fitted longitudinally at the rear of the driver's cockpit and acquiring a excess fat of 930kg.


Ferrari was nicely represented for the 1971 French classic: eight 512M versions would turn up to receive the grid against seven Porsche 917s. three or more of these 917s were definitely equipped by the J.W. Automotive business with Porsche factory support. Ferrari accepted the concern, with a robust efforts arriving from their North National Race Group. For the 1971 race, no a reduced amount of than 3 512Ms were being ready by the new North United states crew.

One particular of the chauffeurs tapped to race for Ferrari's Le Mans endeavor in 1971 was a beginning Tony Adamowicz. Tony, also well-known as Tony a2z, was a skilled young North american racer with a TransAm title and a Method 5000 concept less than his belt. And so, in the Summertime of '71, with his full focus on receiving the world's hardest endurance race, Tony a2z flew to France, with the goal to not only pilot at Le Mans, but also build a Ferrari sports activities model. Tony's squad mate in the pink #12 Ferrari 512M would be Mr. Sam Posey, one more vibrant American drivers with an extraordinary street rushing heritage.



And so, in 1971, on a tepid and arrid weekend in June, Tony and Sam toiled along, and drove their scorching green with azure and white striped Ferrari 512M to a 3rd site finish. Far better than Ferrari's terrible race in 1970, the initiatives and functionalityof a podium finish off by the two younger North american racers was markedly praised by Ferrari, and Ferrari fans through the planet. Those an accomplishment was most suitable, as this would be the survive Le Mans race to see the roaring several liter vehicles acquire to the trace. The FIA was to make community a new serp displacement cap of no even more than three. liters for 1972, in all, ending the days to weeks when authentic lumination-bodyweight giants ruled the world's path circuits.

Now, 38 many years just after Tony's summer season junket to the French countryside, he features the masses of rushing followers a way to re-reside background as a result of his clothing company, a2z Racer Gear (www.a2zracergear.com) has turn out to be recognized for its sections of superb retro race clothes. New to the company's wonderfull supplements are the new a2zRacerGear Effectiveness Crusing Boots and shoes. This shoe is particularly designed for the racing aficionado to get pleasure from. Originated by Tony Adamowicz personally with results and relaxation in imagination, these shoes deliver operation, earliest-charge in shape and a higher levels of coziness. Skid resistant flared and rolled heel with a stylized, vulcanized rubber lone and good outer safety that are wonderful for heel and toe switching and hi there operation motoring. Tony produced definite that the sturdy leather and suede upper construction lead to a lengthy lasting, relaxing shoe. These boots or shoes are certain to provid the aficionados an properly fashioned shoe suited for working day motoring, very long strools . They make linking with just one of the most significant situations in automotive rushing as straightforward as tying your boots.


Click herefor one other fascinating web site.

Vintage Racing article from a2z

a2z racing provides this vintage racing article from a2z, we'll go to a spot in Italy, called 'Circuit de la sarthe'. Le Mans is a 24 Hour automobile race that is held in the French countryside in summer. Several decades ago, 24 hour Le Mans was largely considered a hallmark in the history of motorsports. One of the most revolutionary and decisive races in motor racing history, spanning the late 1960's to the early 1970's. The modern technology and designs were being refined in road racing, every day. Everyone seemed engaged and riveted by the inconceivable, futuristic, latst race cars that would arrive at the worlds greatest auto race to show these newfound technologies and take both driver and machine to new thresholds each time they marshalled their will and turned the wheel. LeMans has the forum for such men and machines to display their newest skills and technical knowledge. The '71 Le Mans 24 Hours, specifically, would delineate the high apex of this pragmatic period in motor racing as no other motor racing forum could produce.

The FIA's achievements paved the way for what was to become a breaking point of epic proportion that would set two companies, Ferrari and Porsche, in an all-time War of the Worlds-type competition, with two of the most brilliant sports racing vehicles to ever roar through the Mulsanne Corner.


Porsche's arsonal included the 917K, a tubular space frame chassis car with a 580 horsepower flat 12 cylinder motor mounted mid-ship in the frame. Rolling in at 1763.7lbs, this German marvel enfused speed and engineering. Ferrari, based in Maranello, threw down their gauntlet by unveiling the Ferrari 512M, a sleek red warhorse from the Italian heartland with an impressive 620 horsepower V-12 engine, mounted longitudinally behind the driver's cockpit and having a weight of 930kg.


Ferrari would be well represented for the 1971 French classic: eight 512M models arrived to take the grid against seven Porsche 917s. Three of these 917s were prepared by the J.W. Automotive team with Porsche factory assistance. Ferrari rose to the occasion, with a strong effort coming from their North American Race Team. For the 1971 race, three 512Ms would be prepared by the young North American team.

One of the pilots chosen to throw down the gauntlet for Ferrari's Le Mans effort in 1971 was a young Tony Adamowicz. Tony, also known as Tony a2z, was a talented young American racer with a Trans Am title and a F5000 title in his trophy case. So, in the Summer of 1971, with his mind set on winning the world's toughest endurance race, Tony Adamowicz traveled to France, with the goal to not just race at Le Mans, but to race a Ferrari sports prototype, as well. Tony Adamowicz's team mate in the #12 Ferrari 512M would be Mr. Sam Posey, another young American driver with an impressive road racing history.


Sam and Tony worked together, and drove their racing red with blue and white stripe Ferrari 512M to a 3rd place finish. Such an accomplishmentwas quite appropriate, as this would be the last LeMans race to see the thundering 5 liter racers take to the road. The FIA would make known a new displacement limit of no more than 3.0 liters for 1972, soending the days when true light-weight titans ruled the world's road circuits. The work and success of a podium finish by the two spunky American pilots was markedly cheered by Ferrari, and Ferrari fans across the planet.

Now, 38 years since Tony a2z's summer expedition to the French countryside, he offers the masses of racing buffs the chance to connect with history through his apparel company, a2z Racer Gear (www.a2zracergear.com) is known for its line of first-rate vintage racing apparel. New to the firm's quality products are the new a2zRacerGear Performance Driving Shoes. This footwear is specially designed for the racing aficionado in all of us. Originated by Tony a2z with comfort and performance in mind, these shoes offer performance, quality fit and a high level of comfort. Skid resistant flared and rolled heel with a stylized, vulcanized rubber sole and heavy duty outer protection that are excellent for heel and toe shifting and hi performance motoring. Tony a2z made sure that the strong leather and suede upper construction result in a long lasting, comfortable piece of footwear. These shoes are sure to provid the enthusiast a first-rate piece of footwear that is suited for day driving, the track or long strolls . They make reconnecting with one of the most monumental times in auto racing as easy as tying your shoes.

Tony Adamowicz's favorite race in 1970

Ask Tony 'a2z' Adamowicz what his most fun race was, and he'll anwer 1970 24hours of Daytona.

Tony's path to that '70 race started out with an SCCA driving school on the previous Marlboro course in Maryland. with Bob Tullius Group 44 team in '66. Adamowicz would instantly make his mark and make history at the same time, sharing the more than 2. liter course win with Tullius inside a Dodge Dart in the very first Trans-Am race ever held at Sebring. Tony says That was a huge break. It marked a huge opportunity for him as being a beginning driver. When he had gotten a taste of Trans-Am racing, Tony Adamowicz idea, that he was heading somewhere. Tony a-z Adamowicz Said that SCCA national racing is fantastic, nevertheless it wasn't truly heading anywhere for him.

Tullis and Adamowicz would go on to win a second time in Trans-Am that year, taking the 12 hour Marlboro, Maryland win, this time finishing first overall and establishing yet another milestone by becoming the very first to get that race in an American car. But Chrysler wasn't committed to Trans-Am racing and Tullius wouldn't otherwise find the funding needed to return for the series, leaving a2z stranded. "Then I got this call from Marvin Davidson," says Adamowicz. Marvin was a Wall Street banker and met Tony at several East Coast races and felt he could be a great fit for the Trans-Am effort tony a-z adamowicz was organizing. Tony and marvin talked about running Alfa Romeros. Tony said, if you want to win go with Porsche. Tony dominated the sub-2 litre class in Trans Am in a little orange Porsche 911, taking home six trophys in all.

Adamowicz was now eyeing F5000 after his win in Trans-Am. Tony a-z Adamowicz believed the open-wheel series would most likely be his next logical move. Davidson seemed to agree. Marvin looked to capitalize on Adamowicz's achievement in Trans-Am and move the team to the subsequent stage. "I could see that Formula 5000 was also leading into the big time," states Adamowicz, who believed the open wheel series was the next logical step. "If you could survive and do well in one of these kinds of vehicles, folks would look at you and see that you had some potential. I knew that it could lead into an Indy ride," Tony a-z Adamowicz adds. "Little did I know that this was a incredibly significant work as far as efficiency compared to what I'm used to using the 2.-liter Porsche."

Indeed, Tony initially struggled to come to grips with the fire breathing Five.-liter engine mounted inside the lightweight Eagle MkV chassis. "It was a rude awakening," admits Adamowicz. So, Marvin brought in Carroll Smith to help and lead the team.
The team overcame early season failures to get two races and take the title by a single point and, as a result, tony 'a2z' adamowicz was able to win the 1969 championship. Adamowicz would have never won this race without Carroll's presence.

With back-to-back championships in two various collection below his belt, the future seemed bright for Tony Adamowicz, but rushing can sometimes be an unsteady house of cards. With two wins and everything looking great, Davidson was getting out of the racing biz in 1970, just as tony was on a roll. Since Davidson decided not to continue to fund a racing team, tony 'a2z' adamowicz leveraged a relationship he got with Ferraris Luigi Chinetti to help Adamowicz in getting a ride for the 1970 Daytona 24 Hour. "Marvin Davidson bought a couple of Ferraris and tony a-z adamowicz talked to Chinetti, who Chinetti believed it would be great to have a champion behind the wheel at Daytona," explains Adamowicz.

The chance could be significant for Adamowicz on several levels. Tony was a lifetime Ferrari fan and saw this as an opportunity to step into the world of endurance racing. He could hardly believe that he was going to be in command of a car that could actually win an endurance race; let alone a Ferrari. to Tony a2z, the amazing Ferrari 312P (for 'Prototype') was like a F1 car with a body on it. You could rev it to 10k rpms and it wouldn't complain. The sound was magnificent. The braking, handling, everything was excellent.

Veteran Porsche and Ferrari racer David Piper was on the team. a2z was very happy to be paired up with him. Sam Pose and Michael Parkes used a bubble top on their 312P because of their height.

Through much of the race, both 312ps performed excellently. Right up until Parks hit a wall and damaged the radiator. He pulled in to get it fixed while the Piper/Adamowicz car made impressive strides, to a formidable lead. Then, the race began to unravel.

The road started to fall apart, revealing the rought surface below it. The Ferrari's coolant system was being struck by these jagged pieces of road-rot, eventually, piercing the radiator, resulting in coolant pouring out. It wasn't long before the coolant temputure rose, making Adamowizc shoot for the pit-area. "I came in saying 'Aqua, aqua!" exclaims Tony. Carroll Smith, whose services had been retained for Adamowicz at the Daylona race, trotted to the car and leaned into the cockpit. He said, 'Parkes has the only spare radiator and they want you to run the car with no water.' To which, Tony replied, 'that's not good, that's not going to work'.

Instructed to bring the RPMs up to no higher than 9600, Tony kept watching the oil temp gauge Incredibly, Tony a2z was able to maintain second place without coolant in the Ferrari behind the Posey/Parkes ferrari that had returned to the race.
Later in the race, Running down the backstretch, Adamowicz's car was starting to blow smoke. Adamowicz coasted into the pits and mechanics quickly started work on the Ferrari; tools were scattered everywhere. However, it wasn't the lack of water that caused the problem. "They told me it was an oil seal and they replaced it and said 'go ahead.'" says an incredulous Adamowicz. "I have always been a Ferrari enthusiast, but after that I just thought this was the greatest car in the world."
The Adamowicz/Piper Ferrari ran a usual of five and a half hours without water, completing 632 laps and finishing second to their teammates in the Prototype class and a fine fifth overall.
Because of this, a2z gives this feat as the sole reason for this particular race being his favorite. Tony a2z asks, "How can you top five and a half hours?". Driving a 911 is great and winning the championship is great, but it doesn't put you on the same level as the Europeans, racing in a significant car like the Ferrari 312E". Adamowiczs career came full circle recently when he was reunited with his 1969 championship-winning F 5000 Eagle on the vintage car racing circuit. Tony a2z won the 2009 F5000 vintage championship with the Eagle, a feat he accomplished in the very same car fourty years earlier. the Eagle is now owned by the Riverside Auto Museum and Doug Magnon..
Adamowicz is busy with his company a2z Racer Gear and a
of racing inspired apparel. "We initially started out with the Steve McQueen Le Mans-type jackets." Tony a2z says. "We got hooked up with Carroll Shelby and We're also involved with Ford and designing unique driving shoes, depicting some of the late 1960s into the 70s era of world endurance racing."
More articles about racing can be found at Tony a2z's racinghistory site

tom bigford

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