MG-Lola EX257
Encyclopedia
Le Mans Prototype
A Le Mans Prototype is a type of sports prototype race car most notably used in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, American Le Mans Series and Le Mans Series...
built by Lola Cars International for the MG
MG (car)
The MG Car Company is a former British sports car manufacturer founded in the 1920s by Cecil Kimber. Best known for its two-seat open sports cars, MG also produced saloons and coupés....
car company for their attempt to compete again at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining...
in . The car has had many years of mixed success since its introduction, even in privateer hands.
It was Lola's only car built specifically to LMP675 regulations, and was known by their designation as B01/60. The last EX257 in original specification was retired from racing in 2007.
Development
Following a resurgence for the MG brand in the beginnings of the 21st century, the decision was made to expand the brand into motorsports such as touring car racingTouring car racing
Touring car racing is a general term for a number of distinct auto racing competitions in heavily-modified street cars. It is notably popular in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Scandinavia and Britain.-Characteristics of a touring car:...
as well as sports car racing
Sports car racing
Sports car racing is a form of circuit auto racing with automobiles that have two seats and enclosed wheels. They may be purpose-built or related to road-going sports cars....
. MG had previously had success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining...
many decades ago, yet had never scored an overall win. At approximately the same time, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest
Automobile Club de l'Ouest
The Automobile Club de l'Ouest , sometimes abbreviated to ACO, is the largest automotive group in France. It was founded in 1906 by car building and racing enthusiasts, and is most famous for being the organising entity behind the annual Le Mans 24 Hours race...
(ACO) had changed the Le Mans Prototype
Le Mans Prototype
A Le Mans Prototype is a type of sports prototype race car most notably used in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, American Le Mans Series and Le Mans Series...
regulations for Le Mans, making it possible for two different classes of prototype to be capable of taking an overall win. This class, known as LMP675, would use smaller turbocharged engines yet would be lighter and more nimble, making it possible for them to compete with the larger, more powerful LMP900 class.
Seeing an opportunity to use a production-based engine in an LMP675 instead of a custom built engine that would be larger than anything MG had in their production cars at the time, MG decided to enter into this new class in agreement with Lola Cars International. Lola had previously built cars in 2000, known as the B2K/10
Lola B2K/10
The Lola B2K/10 was a Le Mans Prototype developed in 2000 by Lola Cars International for use in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, American Le Mans Series, Grand American Road Racing Championship, and Sports Racing World Cup...
and B2K/40
Lola B2K/40
The Lola B2K/40 was a Le Mans Prototype developed in 2000 by Lola Cars International as a cheaper, smaller, and lighter alternative to the similar Lola B2K/10...
, but they were not designed with the LMP675 regulations in mind. Lola would therefore have to build an all new prototype design that would center on the light weight and small engines of LMP675. Since the B2K/40 was more similar to the LMP675 regulations, many design elements of it were brought over for the new car, which Lola designated B01/60. The front fender design of the B01/60 was nearly identical to that of the B2K/40, yet the nose of the car would be radically different, incorporating a large square airbox (shaped like an MG grill) in the raised nose. The sidepods would also be radically different, using sweeping lines to better manage airflow both in and out of the car. A large single air inlet was placed on the top of the car, slightly off to the side of the cockpit in order to house the turbo inlet. Using a design element borrowed from the Audi R8, a single rollbar was used behind the driver, instead of a long rollbar that covered the entire width of the cockpit. In the rear, the wing was mounted low on the chassis in order to increase overall top speed. In the end, the EX257 would be very light, coming to approximately 690 kg at its launch (675 kg being the minimum allowed by the rules).
For an engine, MG would turn to Advanced Engine Research
Advanced Engine Research
Advanced Engine Research, Ltd. is an auto racing engine manufacturer based in Basildon, Essex, England...
(AER) for construction of their engine and Garrett
Garrett AiResearch
Garrett AiResearch was a manufacturer of turboprop engines and turbochargers, and a pioneer in numerous aerospace technologies. It was previously known as Aircraft Tool and Supply Company, Garrett Supply Company, AiResearch Manufacturing Company, or simply AiResearch...
for turbocharging it. Using some elements of MG's production engines, the new 2.0 Litre turbocharged Inline-4 known as the MG XP20 (AER designation P07) would come to approximately 500 hp, limited by air restrictors put in place by the ACO to equalize cars.
Modifications
In 2003, the Intersport Racing team would feel that the MG engine was lacking the power necessary for tracks used in the American Le Mans SeriesAmerican Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is a sports car racing series based in the United States and Canada. It consists of a series of endurance and sprint races, and was created in the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Teams compete in one of five classes: LMP1, LMP2 and LMPC...
. The team would transplant a Judd
Judd (engine)
Judd is a name brand of engines produced by Engine Developments Ltd., a company founded in 1971 by John Judd and Jack Brabham in Rugby, Warwickshire, England...
KV675 naturally aspirated V8 engine
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
in place of the MG XP20. This would necessitate the removal of the large turbo inlet, replacing it with an air inlet mounted behind the cockpit. This car (referred to by its Lola designation only due to the loss of the MG engine) would have a short career with some success.
Racing history
The new MG-Lola EX257 made its competition debut at the 2001 24 Hours of Le Mans2001 24 Hours of Le Mans
The 2001 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 69th Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place on June 16 and 17 2001.On recommendation of the FIA following the incidents involving the Mercedes-Benz CLRs in 1999, the large hill on the third section of the Mulsanne straight was lowered in order to decrease the...
, with two cars being run by MG
MG (car)
The MG Car Company is a former British sports car manufacturer founded in the 1920s by Cecil Kimber. Best known for its two-seat open sports cars, MG also produced saloons and coupés....
Sport & Racing Ltd. The new cars showed their pace, qualifying 14th and 17th overall, the fastest two times amongst LMP675. Unfortunately for the race, the problems with the LMP675 formula showed their signs early in the race. Although quick even with their small engines, these engines were highly stressed and lacked the capabilities to survive long distances. Following a mere 30 laps, one MG was forced to retire due to exhaust failure. A few hours later, the second MG succumb to an oil leak, leaving MG retired from the event at a very early stage.
For 2002, the EX257s were offered to customers for the first time. Two American teams, KnightHawk Racing and Intersport Racing, would seize the opportunity and purchase one chassis each, for competition throughout the American Le Mans Series
American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is a sports car racing series based in the United States and Canada. It consists of a series of endurance and sprint races, and was created in the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Teams compete in one of five classes: LMP1, LMP2 and LMPC...
season. Improvements to the EX257 allowed for greater durability, and it was shown at Sebring with Intersport taking the LMP675 win and seventh overall, while KnightHawk took third in LMP675. Over the rest of the season, the pair of EX257s dominated the series, taking four more wins total. KnightHawk took the LMP675 championship by a single point over Intersport. Also, for the final four races of the season, a third EX257 would join the series, in the hands of Dyson Racing
Dyson Racing
Dyson Racing is a professional sports car racing team based in Poughkeepsie, New York in the United States. Founded by Rob Dyson in 1974, the team is one of the longest-running and most successful privateer racing organizations. Over the years, it has competed in IMSA GTO and GTP, SCCA Trans-Am,...
, who managed fifth in the championship, even with running a handful of races.
Back at Le Mans, the factory MG team again returned with their two EX257s. Their reliability was improved as well, as both cars survived farther than they had the previous year. Unfortunately gearbox problems eliminated one car after 129 laps. The second car was running strong until the final few hours of the race, when the engine let go. The American KnightHawk team also participated, but their car succumbed to fire during the night.
After two years of being unable to finish at Le Mans, as well as financial strain on the MG Rover Group
MG Rover Group
MG Rover was the last domestically owned mass-production car manufacturer in the British motor industry. The company was formed when BMW sold the car-making and engine manufacturing assets of the original Rover Group to the Phoenix Consortium in 2000....
lead to the sportscar project being cancelled. However Lola would continue on selling the cars to customers, offering continued technical support along with Advanced Engine Research
Advanced Engine Research
Advanced Engine Research, Ltd. is an auto racing engine manufacturer based in Basildon, Essex, England...
. In the American Le Mans Series
American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is a sports car racing series based in the United States and Canada. It consists of a series of endurance and sprint races, and was created in the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Teams compete in one of five classes: LMP1, LMP2 and LMPC...
, KnightHawk Racing would leave, yet its place would be taken by a second Dyson Racing
Dyson Racing
Dyson Racing is a professional sports car racing team based in Poughkeepsie, New York in the United States. Founded by Rob Dyson in 1974, the team is one of the longest-running and most successful privateer racing organizations. Over the years, it has competed in IMSA GTO and GTP, SCCA Trans-Am,...
EX257. Both Dyson and Intersport would trade wins off during the entire season, with the EX257 winning every race that year to give Dyson the championship. Notably, the #16 Dyson entry, piloted by James Weaver and Butch Leitzinger, took an overall victory at the Infineon Raceway round, the first time an LMP675 car had pulled off the upset. However, Intersport made an unusual decision for the final round at Petit Le Mans
Petit Le Mans
The Petit Le Mans is a sports car endurance race held annually at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia, USA. It uses the rules established for the 24 hours of Le Mans by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest , which are slightly modified if necessary, mainly to allow additional cars to compete.The race was...
, deciding to replace the turbocharged MG engine with a new naturally aspirated Judd
Judd (engine)
Judd is a name brand of engines produced by Engine Developments Ltd., a company founded in 1971 by John Judd and Jack Brabham in Rugby, Warwickshire, England...
KV675 V8. This move forced the team to make some mechanical changes to their car (now referred to as B01/60), but it was successful as the team managed to take the LMP675 win. Even with this perfect season for the EX257, Le Mans still saw problems. A single entry from Intersport failed to finish yet again, due to an engine failure after a mere 102 laps.
Unfortunately for 2004, the ACO decided to alter the Le Mans Prototype rules due to the inherent problems of the LMP675 class. The classes were restructered into LMP1 and LMP2, and the MG's found themselves moved into the top LMP1 class. Over in Europe, Ray Mallock Ltd.
Ray Mallock Ltd.
Ray Mallock Ltd., also known as RML Group, is a motorsports racing team and engineering company. In 2010, RML is engaged in the Le Mans Series as well as being the works Chevrolet team in the British Touring Car Championship and the World Touring Car Championship.-Early history:Ray Mallock began...
would carry on the MG name in the new Le Mans Endurance Series
Le Mans Series
The Le Mans Series is a European sports car racing endurance series based around the 24 Hours of Le Mans race and run by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . The series was originally named the Le Mans Endurance Series, but changed its name prior to the 2006 season...
. The car performed well over the short season, finishing all races and achieved a best finish of fifth, earning them fifth in the teams championship. In America, Dyson would continue with their two-car squad, while Intersport would continue with their Judd-powered entry. Unfortunately the success of the previous year could not be repeated, as Dyson was now in the same class as the dominant Audi R8. Although Dyson was able to score an overall victory against the R8s at Mosport
Mosport
Mosport International Raceway is a multi-track facility located north of Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. The facility features a , 10-turn road course; a half-mile paved oval; a 2.4 km advance driver and race driver training facility with a quarter-mile skid pad Mosport International Raceway...
, the team had to settle for second in the championship. Intersport's hybrid car failed to perform, managing to score points in only two races. For Le Mans, both Ray Mallock, Ltd. and Intersport would participate, yet once again neither car finished. Intersport's car was taken out in an accident, while RML's entry blew an engine in the closing hours of the race.
American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is a sports car racing series based in the United States and Canada. It consists of a series of endurance and sprint races, and was created in the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Teams compete in one of five classes: LMP1, LMP2 and LMPC...
, and RML in the Le Mans Endurance Series
Le Mans Series
The Le Mans Series is a European sports car racing endurance series based around the 24 Hours of Le Mans race and run by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . The series was originally named the Le Mans Endurance Series, but changed its name prior to the 2006 season...
. However, RML had performance extensive modifications to their car during the off-season including the addition of a Judd XV675 V8 similar to Intersport's modification, leading to the new car being renamed the MG-Lola EX264. The car was now transferred to the LMP2 class, while Dyson's unmodified cars remained in LMP1. Unfortunately Dyson once again suffered against the R8s, although it did manage to take two wins over the season. The team had to once again settle for second in the LMP1 championship. In Europe, RML saw better performance against their LMP2 competition, including their first class victory at Istanbul Park
Istanbul Park
Istanbul Park , also known as the Istanbul Racing Circuit or initially Istanbul Otodrom, is a motor sports race track in Akfırat County east of Istanbul, Turkey. It was inaugurated on 21 August 2005...
. RML managed to finish second in the LMP2 championship behind Chamberlain-Synergy Motorsport. However the MG's greatest success came at Le Mans, with RML managing to not only score the car's first finish in the race, but also taking the LMP2 class victory by a mere four laps over a pair of Paul Belmondo
Paul Belmondo
Paul Alexandre Belmondo is a French racing driver who raced in Formula One for the March and Pacific Racing teams. He is the son of actor Jean-Paul Belmondo and grandson of sculptor Paul Belmondo...
Racing Courage
Courage Compétition
Courage Compétition was a racing team and chassis constructor company now owned by Oreca, based in Le Mans, France near the Circuit de la Sarthe. It was founded by Yves Courage, a French race driver who ran hillclimbs before founding the company...
s.
For 2006, Dyson Racing
Dyson Racing
Dyson Racing is a professional sports car racing team based in Poughkeepsie, New York in the United States. Founded by Rob Dyson in 1974, the team is one of the longest-running and most successful privateer racing organizations. Over the years, it has competed in IMSA GTO and GTP, SCCA Trans-Am,...
decided that the old EX257 was no longer competitive, and purchased newer Lola B06/10
Lola B06/10
The Lola B06/10 is a Le Mans Prototype developed by Lola Cars International for use in the LMP1 class of the American Le Mans Series, Le Mans Series, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was developed in 2006 as a replacement for the Lola B2K/10 as well as the MG-Lola EX257...
s. The two former Dyson EX257s were sold to two teams, Highcroft Racing
Highcroft Racing
Highcroft Racing is an American auto racing team based out of Danbury, Connecticut and founded by driver Duncan Dayton in 1989. Initially founded for Dayton's involvement in historic motorsport, specifically the restoration and preparation of classic automobiles, the team was expanded for Dayton's...
and Autocon Motorsports, who would compete in limited schedules in the American Le Mans Series
American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is a sports car racing series based in the United States and Canada. It consists of a series of endurance and sprint races, and was created in the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Teams compete in one of five classes: LMP1, LMP2 and LMPC...
. Highcroft would score the best result of the season, taking third place overall at Petit Le Mans
2006 Petit Le Mans
The 2006 Petit Le Mans was the ninth race for the 2006 American Le Mans Series season. It took place on September 30, 2006.-Official results:Class winners in bold...
. Meanwhile Ray Mallock, Ltd. would continue to campaign their EX264, now using the old MG/AER turbocharged engine once again. Another single victory was achieved by the team at Donington Park
Donington Park
Donington Park is a motorsport circuit near Castle Donington in Leicestershire, England.Originally part of the Donington Hall estate, it was created as a racing circuit during the pre-war period when the German Silver Arrows were battling for the European Championship...
, yet again leaving them with second place in the LMP2 championship. At Le Mans however, RML would repeat their success. Again taking the LMP2 class victory, this year they actually finished in eighth place overall, a mere 37 laps behind the overall winning Audi R10
Audi R10
The Audi R10 TDI, usually abbreviated to R10, is a racing car from the German car manufacturer Audi. The car is a classic at Le Mans, winning every year since its introduction until it was replaced by the R15. It is designed and constructed for sports car racing in the Le Mans Prototype LMP1 class...
.
2007 would begin to see the end of the EX257. The final original car still in competition, Autocon Motorsport's entry, began the 2007 American Le Mans Series season
2007 American Le Mans Series season
The 2007 American Le Mans Series season was the 9th season for the IMSA American Le Mans Series. It was a series for Le Mans Prototypes and Grand Touring race cars divided into 4 classes: LMP1, LMP2, GT1, and GT2. It began March 17, 2007, and ended October 20, 2007 after 12 races...
. However following three rounds of racing, the team decided to buy a newer Creation
Creation Autosportif
Creation Autosportif, Ltd. is a sports car racing team based in Oxford, England. It was founded in 2003 by Ian Bickerton and Mike Jankowski and has raced in the FIA GT Championship, FFSA GT Championship, American Le Mans Series, Le Mans Endurance Series, as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans...
CA06/H after the Grand Prix of Long Beach
2007 ALMS Grand Prix of Long Beach
The 2007 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach was the third round of the 2007 American Le Mans Series season. It took place on April 14, 2007.-Official results:Class winners in bold...
.
Chassis history
The following is a list of the owners of each EX257 or B01/60 chassis. Intersport's #HU-01 and RML's #HU-03 were the chassis modified to fit a Judd engine. #HU-05 was planned but never built.#HU-01:
- MGMG (car)The MG Car Company is a former British sports car manufacturer founded in the 1920s by Cecil Kimber. Best known for its two-seat open sports cars, MG also produced saloons and coupés....
Sport & Racing, Ltd. (2001) - Intersport Racing (2002–2004)
#HU-02:
- MGMG (car)The MG Car Company is a former British sports car manufacturer founded in the 1920s by Cecil Kimber. Best known for its two-seat open sports cars, MG also produced saloons and coupés....
Sport & Racing, Ltd. (2001–2002) - Mike Newton / Ray Mallock Ltd.Ray Mallock Ltd.Ray Mallock Ltd., also known as RML Group, is a motorsports racing team and engineering company. In 2010, RML is engaged in the Le Mans Series as well as being the works Chevrolet team in the British Touring Car Championship and the World Touring Car Championship.-Early history:Ray Mallock began...
(2003–2011)
#HU-03:
- MGMG (car)The MG Car Company is a former British sports car manufacturer founded in the 1920s by Cecil Kimber. Best known for its two-seat open sports cars, MG also produced saloons and coupés....
Sport & Racing, Ltd. (2001–2002) - Chamberlain Engineering (2003)
- Intersport Racing (2003, under lease)
- Mike Newton (2007 - 2011)
#HU-04:
- KnightHawk Racing (2002)
- Dyson RacingDyson RacingDyson Racing is a professional sports car racing team based in Poughkeepsie, New York in the United States. Founded by Rob Dyson in 1974, the team is one of the longest-running and most successful privateer racing organizations. Over the years, it has competed in IMSA GTO and GTP, SCCA Trans-Am,...
(2003–2005) - Autocon Motorsports (2006–2007)
#HU-06:
- Dyson RacingDyson RacingDyson Racing is a professional sports car racing team based in Poughkeepsie, New York in the United States. Founded by Rob Dyson in 1974, the team is one of the longest-running and most successful privateer racing organizations. Over the years, it has competed in IMSA GTO and GTP, SCCA Trans-Am,...
(2002–2005) - Highcroft Racing (2006)
External links
- Mulsannes Corner - Lola B01/60 technical analysis
- rml-adgroup.com - MG Collection, including two EX257's for sale