Porsche Takes The Lead With 90 Minutes Left.

By P. Michael Clarke

The Toyota GT One racecars have had their problems with gearboxes since the beginning of the race. Except, of course, for the lead car, Toyota #29, which only needed linkage adjustments. That is, until 22 hours and 45 minutes had expired at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The #29 Toyota has inexplicably disappeared in the Arnage corner with just over an hour remaining in the race. It was something everyone expected as the rumor mill started to buzz, theorizing the #29 car may indeed be equipped with a different gearbox.

A situation like this one is always devastating for a team as the end of the race is so close you can almost taste victory. One cannot help but remember last year's major mishap which cost Porsche the victory, when the Porsche GT1 #26 car burst into flames on the Hunaudiere straight with barely two hours to go.

Toyota will be remembered as a serious competitor, one that was all but discounted at the beginning of the race as a mere hopeful for third to Mercedes-Benz and BMW. As we stand now, Porsche is in first and second place and looking good for a finish at the 66th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The closest competitor in the Nissan R390 GT1 which is almost 4 laps down.