Viva La Mans

Because there are four classes of cars on the track at one time, and following the goings-on in the different categories can be difficult, the different classes have been assigned colors, and each of the cars has been fixed with three colored lights on the door panel.

Numbers on the LMP1 cars are red, on the LMP2 cars blue, on the GT1 cars green and on the GT2 cars yellow.

Three lights are set up vertically and identify leaders. In the LMP1 class, for example, one red light lit identifies the leader, two red lights notes second place and three red lights lit indicates third place. Those cars behind the leaders run without lights.

Many of the world's leading car companies are, in fact, involved in the Le Mans Series. They include Audi, Chevrolet, BMW, Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Mazda, Lola, Saleen, Panov, Maserati and Courage.

The race at the Motorsports Park will be new and very different for incoming drivers. First, it will be a new track so it will take drivers a few laps to become familiar with the turns.

"They've got to know what they're doing to go really fast on this track. Lots of people will be able to go out at 98 percent, but very few will be able to pull out 100 percent, and fewer still will be able to go at 100 percent consistently. They'll think they've got it right, but then may make a minor mistake, and they'll see their lap times get longer and longer. A mistake in one corner carries over from section to section. It was deliberately designed that way," said Alan Wilson, track designer and park CEO.

Second, the Tooele track is also unique in that it is the longest track in the 10-race series — 4.5 miles — and has the most turns — 24 in all. The Sebring track is 3.7 miles long and has 17 turns. Most tracks average around 10 turns.

One twist to this race is the favored car to win the overall title is the Audi R10, a diesel-powered car that won the 24-hour Le Mans earlier this year.

Current leaders in the series are Dindo Capello and Allan McNish in the LMP1 class; Cling Field and Liz Halliday in the LMP2; Olivier Beretta and Oliver Gavin in the GT1; and Johannes Van Oberbeek in the GT2.

There will be an open house on Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed by sanctioned test runs. Cars will practice Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with qualifying starting at 4:10 p.m. There will be an open house and autograph session from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m., with racing starting at 6 p.m.

Ticket prices can be found on www.millermotorsportspark.com or by calling 801-563-4250.

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