Ford Mustang GTP stunning debut

The race was to feature the debut of the new Ford Mustang GTP cars. Those cars were stunning and were front engined, as Ford dictated it, and powered by a turbocharged 2,3L dohc four. Klaus Ludwig and Tim Coconis drove one car while Bobby Rahal and Geoff Brabham the other one. They would have to face a regular field, with Al Holbert's March 83G Porsche still the strongest of them all. Jim Trueman was co-driving Al Holbert. Kenper Miller and David Cowart had another March 83G, Chevrolet powered, with Red Lobster sponsorship. The Leon Bros also had a new 83G. Three Lola T600 were entered, with Conte Racing, Kalagian and Bayside Racing each fielding one car. The last car being Porsche powered, with Bruce Leven co-driven by Jim Adams. John Kalagian, who had purchased the ex-JLP car, drove it with John Mills. Bob Lobenberg and John Morton were at the wheel of the Conte Racing car. Only three Porsche 935s were entered, as the GTP cars were now taking over. Preston Henn was running the car built by Andial and was partnered by John Paul. Ken Madren drove the JLP2 car while Bob Akin was still running his 935K3 with John O'steen. John Gunn was also fielding his Phoenix JG1 Chevrolet. Forty eight cars were taking the green of this 500 Miler. The remainder of the field consisted of GTO and GTU cars, as per usual. The Electramotive Datsun 280ZX Tc was the favorite of the big bangers, with Don Devendorf and Tony Adamowicz at the wheel. The Chevrolet Camaro was to be its strongest opponent, with Gene Felton and Billy Hagan driving. A string of BMW M1s with Diego Montoya-Fomfor, and Paul Davey could be a threat. A pair of well driven Pontiac Firebirds could also not only play second fiddle, entered by Rob Dyson and Paul Canary. The GTU category would have to be less interesting, with Mazda and Datsun fighting it up. Roger Mandeville and Jim Downing were long time opponents, and they would again run for the win. Joe Varde and Jeff Kline were also in contention for the win. Logan Blackburn fielded his Datsun 280ZX and would be the fastest in practice. AAR entered a single Toyota Celica for Scott and Mike Gillman, who were new to the team. The practice sessions saw Al Holbert take another pole position in his March 83G Porsche, just ahead of Klaus Ludwig and Tim Coconis. The race was to be somewhat amazing, as Al Holbert took the lead in the first lap, followed by Klaus Ludwig. On lap six, the Ford Mustang GTP took the lead, while Geoff Brabham pitted in the second car with a fluid leak. Klaus Ludwig would lead the race for the next laps, followed by Al Holbert, John Morton, Kenper Miller, John Kalagian and John Paul Jr, who was hampered by brake problems. Then, the cars would have to pit for fuel and the Red Lobster car would retire with a broken gearbox. The CRC Chemical March 83G Porsche made a lengthy pit stop with severe misfire. The Ford Mustang GTP was easily maintaining its position, with John Morton and Bob Lobenberg in second place. An off-course would cost the Conte Lola T600 a great deal of time, as the nose had to be changed. The TBird Porsche 935L was out of the race with a broken wastegate. At mid point, Klaus Ludwig and Tim Coconis were always in the lead, now followed by John Kalagian and John Mills in the Kalagian/Ardisana Lola T600 Chevrolet. Bobby Rahal and Geoff Brabham were back in third place, with Don Devendorf and Tony Adamowicz in fourth place in the Electramotive Datsun 280ZX Tc! The GTU class was led by Roger Mandeville and Amos Johnson, who were chased by Jim Downing and John Maffucci. While the leading car ran trouble free, the same could not be told about the second Ford Mustang GTP, who pitted twice. The first time with the fire extinguisher going off in the cockpit and the second time with a misfire. The car was now in fourth place. Then it was the leading car who was to be slowed by a misfire, and the Lola was about to pass the Ford when the clutch let go. John Kalagian and John Mills would have probably won! Then, it was the weather which turned into a steady rain. The two Ford Mustang GTPs were now running at a very slow pace, in the deluge. Don Devendorf Datsun was now running faster, but three laps down. He could not make up for the gap. While the track was getting completely sodden, it was clear that the race had to be shortened. The checkered fell on lap 115, shortening the race by ten laps. Ford took first and third place, with Klaus Ludwig and Tim Coconis winning in the Ford Mustang GTP. It would be the first and only win for this very spectacular car. Geoff Brabham and Bobby Rahal were third, behind Don Devendorf and Tony Adamowicz, who ran in a magnificent way to capture the GTO class win. Paul Canary and Eppie Wietzes were second, driving a Pontiac Firebird. The GTU class was won by Roger Mandeville and Amos Johnson, in the Mandeville Auto Tech Mazda RX7, who defeated Jim Downing and John Maffucci in the RGP500 Mazda RX7. Joe Varde and Jeff Kline took third in the Trinity Racing Mazda RX7, a perfect Mazda sweep.