What's going on with the Saleen program?

[Brant]

I'm a little in the dark. Last year they were being punished for not building enough cars. Lots of weight penalties and I beleave even a smaller restrictor plate. I think some of the penalties were eventually removed. Question is, have they built enough cars, to compete on an even footing, penalty free.? and is this really what is holding them up? Perhaps it's budget or problems inherant with the car itself? At Road Atlanta you only saw them as they were spinning across the grass. Perhaps they just need better driver lineups???

[Cynic]

I don't know where they stand at the moment, but as I understand it, where they fell foul last year was in not building enough road cars. I think 25(?) is the minimum for FIA & ACO, and while they have probably built more than that, the majority have been full-blown racing versions.

[C_g]

They've built plenty of cars now to get the restrictions of 2002 removed. Hopefully we'll see them competitive this year.

Actually, they may have a leg up on the opposition. They've already developed motors for the smaller restrictors which they ran all last year. This year, when everyone else is dealing with 10% reduction, Saleen is dealing with a 5% increase.

[Gunman]

Saleen just laidoff about half of their engineers (4), 4 techs, and a couple others, about a month ago (christmas time). From what I've been told, by laidoff employees, they are having some financial trouble, and I believe have only delivered 3 roadcars (still not US certified).

Should be interesting.

[Liz]

I see Borcheller is driving for Ferrari this year. That is perhaps a sign of some changes coming, as he is a Saleen man or at least he was.

[SALEEN S7R]

Hes driving for Ferrari? Which team, Im guessing u mean Prodrive.

[19dodge]

Borcheller is in the Risi 360

I thought Borcheller was a factory Driver. Johnny Mowlem is also a Saleen Factory driver. but Mowlem has not driven a Saleen since his Factory Driver Appointment.

Since Borcheller is gone, Konrad is using $ drivers, i dont think that his car will be competitive in the ALMS this year.

[C_g]

Saleen doesn't have factory drivers as far as I'm aware. I'm not surprised Borcheller jumped to Risi, a team that pays their drivers.

I wouldn't be surprised by stories about Saleen financial troubles, but "only 3 road cars delivered" is a bit off I think.

[Gunman]

Latest rumor I heard, regarding the Saleen S7's...

Story is Saleen has been playing a 'shell game' of sorts with their roadcars. The original silver prototype chassis #001 is rumored to have been rebuilt as chassis #016, and then rebuilt as chassis #024 (each rebuild getting a new VIN, alas 3 cars from 1). Also, the interior 'buck' recieved VIN #014, even though its only an interior and shell.

Anyone else heard anything to this effect?

[dretceterini]

Not much market for a car as expensive as a Ferrari or Porsche without the pedigree. I have no doubt they are having financial dificultis, but don't know anything about re-numbering cars..

[Smokey 6 litre]

Pedigree doesn't mean much, some of the greated maufactueres of all time have been on the brink of bankrupsy, Aston Martin is a good example, only the deposit from the wierd wedge car (the name euldes me) kept them in business.

[Cynic]

I don't know what he's doing now, but Jonny Mowlem did sign a deal to be Saleen's factory driver, and should have been in the Konrad car at Le Mans. Unfortunately he got replaced by some American who offered Saleen a big wedge of cash. Jonny got the last laugh though - the guy failed to run quickly enough to qualify, so the ACO didn't let him into the race.

[19dodge]

yea, Mowlem should have been with the 66, and Seiler should have brought down to the 67 at lemans. but it was Rodney Mall who had the K&N money, and he came first i guess...

[paul-collins]

Is Steve Saleen spread too thin? I had heard he was heavily involved in Ford's "GT43" project.