CADILLAC
GM has made updates to both their powerplants and their chassis in hopes of making a second year bid at the Le Mans 24 Hours. The Donington race will give them a quick appraisal of their chances at the June event. "We've made some big changes in chassis and engine to the Cadillac Northstar LMP for the 2001 year," said Herb Fishel, executive director of GM Racing. "We're confident that these changes are a big step in the right direction of our initial commitment to sportscar racing at the highest level."

For the 2001 season, the development program targets a 5 percent horsepower increase with an attendant 20-pound reduction in weight. Not only has the Northstar engine been extensively reworked inside to include a 180-degree crankshaft but the engine itself also rides some 0.950" lower in the chassis. Several chassis modifications have been made to help improve the performance of the car. To improve chassis stiffness, a new bell housing and gearbox have been incorporated.

CHRYSLER
Chrysler will also be getting their first taste of how they stack up against the Audis in their bid for victory at Le Mans this year. Team Oreca has teamed up with playstation to now be called Team playstation The team has recently completed a successful test at Jerez, Spain, last week, completing more than' 750 trouble-free kilometres with the new engine and chassis package. "It was a good first step, and the second is coming," said said lead driver Olivier Beretta after the test.