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Level 5 prepares for Le Mans: The numbers

As Level 5 Motorsports prepares to return to France for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, we are taking an in-depth look at the preparation. This installment in our series breaks down the numbers to give you an idea of just how much equipment is required to support an entire race team for close to a month at Le Mans.

#44 Level 5 Motorsports HPD ARX-03b: Scott Tucker, Ryan Briscoe, Marino Franchitti

#44 Level 5 Motorsports HPD ARX-03b: Scott Tucker, Ryan Briscoe, Marino Franchitti

Eric Gilbert

LE MANS, FRANCE -- The 24 Hours of Le Mans is considered to be the ultimate test of man and machine, and for Level 5 Motorsports, that means being fully prepared for the task at hand. Earlier this month, the three-time American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón champions arrived in France for the nearly four-week-long trip, which culminates with this weekend’s running of the world’s greatest endurance race.

#44 Level 5 Motorsports HPD ARX-03b: Scott Tucker, Ryan Briscoe, Marino Franchitti
#44 Level 5 Motorsports HPD ARX-03b: Scott Tucker, Ryan Briscoe, Marino Franchitti

Photo by: Eric Gilbert

With the goal of heading home as Le Mans champions, the Scott Tucker-owned organization has ticked every box in the quest for victory. In addition to Tucker, a nine-time national driving champion, Marino Franchitti and Ryan Briscoe will complete the driver lineup in Level 5's No. 33 Honda Performance Development ARX-03b, with more than 30 crew members having made the trip overseas for the event.

This year’s race will mark the team’s third attempt at Le Mans, following a podium finish in its debut in 2011. Level 5 is one of six American teams in the entire 56-car field and the only U.S.-based prototype team. There are a class-high 22 entries competing in LMP2, with Level 5 being the only HPD chassis or Honda-powered car. The same HPD ARX-03b package won last year’s race.

Take a look at some other key numbers and statistics behind Level 5’s effort for this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

FREIGHT: More than 30,000 pounds (15 tons) of equipment air freighted, including 2 Honda Performance Development ARX-03b race cars and multiple sets of spares; Delivered via ground transport on 3 curtain-side tractor trailers

PERSONNEL: 34 crew members, 7 vendors, 3 drivers and a massage therapist; 46 guests

ACCOMMODATIONS: 552 room nights; 28-room chateau for drivers and guests and 2 American-style motorhomes for drivers at track

MEALS: 901 catered meals from Vanessa’s Hospitality Service

SUPPLIES: 170 cases of drinks; 327 pounds of fresh fruit; 1,600 coffee capsules and cups; 3,000 hats for giveaway at drivers parade

CAR MILEAGE: Appx. 4,800 miles for entire event; including appx. 3,000 miles (360 laps) during race

FUEL: Appx. 950 gallons between test day and race week, including 650 gallons during race; Average fuel consumption: 4.5 mpg

TIRES: 24 sets total (not including wets); 8 sets for test day; 11 sets for race

PIT STOPS: Appx. 32 during race, totaling appx. 45 minutes in pits; 8 driver changes; 3 sets of brakes

OIL: 4 gallons of replenishment during 24-hour race

GEAR CHANGES: Appx. 21,240 during race; 60 per lap

TOP SPEED: 185.3 mph

MIN SPEED: 49.5 mph

FULL THROTTLE: 2 minutes and 54 seconds out of a 3-minute and 41-second lap (75% of lap)

Level 5 Motorsports

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