Oliver Tancogne, driving his 2000, Saleen S7R down the International Pit Lane during the Qualifying session for the Masters Endurance Legends Race.
Image details
Contributor:
John Gaffen / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
2H9CWDXFile size:
60.2 MB (2.6 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
5616 x 3744 px | 47.5 x 31.7 cm | 18.7 x 12.5 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
30 July 2021Location:
Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TNMore information:
The Saleen S7R is a racing version of the standard, naturally aspirated S7, produced from 2000 to 2007. It was designed to compete in grand tourer–style motorsports series and events such as the American Le Mans Series, FIA GT Championship, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ray Mallock Ltd. (RML) assembled the first few S7Rs under the supervision of Saleen's engineering team in their workshops in Britain, before Saleen assumed control over all S7R assembly with the French Oreca squad executing final outfitting in 2006. A total of fourteen S7Rs were completed to race-ready condition. Seven additional S7Rs were assembled to a level of completeness requiring the assignment of Vehicle Identification Numbers; however, these chassis were never outfitted into complete vehicles. In 2004, Ferrari had gathered VIPs and automotive press around the world at Ferrari's Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari race track for the round 8 of the FIA GT Super Racing Weekend Imola to witness the sure victory of their race cars and then new Maserati MC12 GT1 against foreign competition. Vitaphone Racing's S7R driven by Michael Bartels and Uwe Alzen competed against two Maserati MC12s, three Ferrari 550s, three Ferrari 575s and two Lamborghini Murcielagos in GT Class specification securing the overall win. Ferrari's then CEO Luca Cordero di Montezemolo was in attendance of the race and he admitted the S7R's victory by saying "We were no match for the Saleen today". It was regarded as one of the biggest upsets in auto racing history by the automotive press as a race car from a low volume manufacturer had beaten Ferrari at their home track. The Saleen S7 has been very successful in international motorsports having amassed many victories in professional racing in a number of different classes competing across the globe in America, Asia and Europe.The first S7-R assembled by RML was completed in late 2000 and made its racing debut in the American Le Mans Series event at Laguna Seca Raceway.