New sportscar team set to link up with Reynard.

Vic Lee Racing (VLR) is set to expand its motorsport operation with a move into Sportscar racing next year and plans to link up with Reynard for the teams' debut are moving ahead in preparation for the 2002 season.

The recently announced Reynard 02S Sportscar will be used for a two-car programme, which aims to focus on Le Mans 24 Hour race and selected ALMS events.

Vic Lee, Managing Director of VLR, explains: "Sportscars have always been one of my passions and Le Mans 24 Hour race has always been one of my goals. With the foundations that are starting to be put in place for the team, I'm moving closer to realising a dream - although it's early days and I need to get all the elements together in the next few months."

"The opportunity to work closely with a company of the calibre of Reynard doesn't come along too often, so I jumped at the chance to work with them when the right package was presented to me. The 02S is shaping up to be a competitive, lightweight contender in the 675 class and the engineering and design teams are first rate, so I think we'll be strong challengers for next years race."

The team is anticipating delivery of its first car in February, with a full testing programme, including at least one 24-hour test and a possible ALMS outing prior to the Le Mans 24 Hour test session in May. After Le Mans a selected programme of races is planned, with possible European and USA events pencilled into the calendar.

"We're delighted that Vic Lee Racing has chosen to work with us," says Robert Synge, Reynard Motorsport. "It will give us an opportunity to work together in the development of the 02S as they are a fairly local company and I'm sure we can both benefit from the geographical proximity. The team is dedicated to putting together a highly focused programme leading up to Le Mans and we will be giving them as much help as we can throughout this period. We believe it is important to provide the highest levels of customer support, in order to maximise the potential of a car such as the 02S."

Vic Lee Racing has been involved with Peugeot and the British Touring Car Championship in recent years, having been contracted to design, build and run three 406 Coupes for Peugeot Sport UK as the official works team for the 2001 season. This has followed the teams' success in the Peugeot Super N programme in both the UK and Asia. The Peugeot 306 GTI was developed so well in 1999 and 2000, winning both the Manufacturers and Drivers Championship, that it is now the car every Production class team and driver want, and is seen still leading the field this year.