Club Arnage

There seems to be new information in Ouest France. Could someone who speaks French summarize whats in this story at  http://www.endurance-series.com/le-torchon-brule-chez-pescarolo-sport/8960/ ? I tried the Google translation but the result doesn't make any sense >:(

Cheers

Werner

A very swift, off the cuff, translation from me:

Although Jean Py announced, at the Le Mans 24 Hours presentation on 4th Feb that two Pescarolos would take part in this year's Le Mans Series, the cars designed by Henri Pescarolo are noticable by their absence. Behind the scenes, Ouest France says that the team's founder had been fired…
News from  Ouest France sometimes needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. The paper announced that Sébastien Loeb would be driving in the  24 Mans Hours a few days before Peugeot Sport’s press conference … when Olivier Quesnel stated that the Citroën rally driver will not drive a  908 in the  Sarthe.
But, unfortunately the news may be accurate: Henri Pescarolo is no longer with Pescarolo Sport. We already know that there’s been bad blood between the 4 times winner of le Mans and Jean Py, who has taken back his team, the news confirms.
Ouest France reveals that after Henri Pescarolo took Jean Py to court last autumn, Py recently fired Pescarolo for misconduct . Ouest France says that the cars are at le Mans under covers, with no work or development expected in the immediate future. From that can we expect withdrawal from the 24 Hours?
Ouest France also says that negotiations are in hand to sell the team to Gravity Sport Management, managed by Eric Boullier, current Renault F1 director.

That doesn't sound good - lets hope Henri gets somehow off the ground again

Le Mans without HENRI ? Unthinkable. Unacceptable.
Phil

Well, for many years I thought the same about my former home town team - Kremer Racing. Le mans without them? No way! But after 32 consecutive  participations  - probably still the all-time record for a team - the plug was pulled and they never came back again :(

The Pescarolo entry has looked odd from day one with the 18 car being a Sora Racing entry.  Also, his traditional driver line-up seems to have evaporated somewhat.  Doesn't suprise me really but it is sad, as he is one of the real local heroes here in the Sarthe.  It will be a pity if he goes out in this way rather than with a proper, dignified retirement which he well deserves.

On the plus side, Maine Libre reports today that that other great Sarthois team, Luc Alphand Aventures, has confirmed his two cars and five drivers.  He hopes the sixth will be him but all depends on his getting the OK from his docs following his motor bike accident last year.  Digits crossed.

Poor old Grumpy Henri, looks like his famously sour demeanour's got the better of him. I realise he's a LM legend, but I've never warmed to him or his team.

It was amusing watching him and Olivier Quesnel 'discussing' the pit lane incident while standing on the pit wall last year.

Much Gallic waving of arms & shrugging of shoulders.

Thought the end result was amusing - they blamed the media for getting in the way!

I get what you mean.  However, locally he's well thought of because he turns up so often, even to little events.  Last year the team brought one of the cars down to our local small town and spent a couple of hours signing autographs and  chatting to people etc.  A little thing, I know, but at least he realises where his roots are and who ultimately pays for the teams to compete.

He never comes across as a loveable cuddly team owner does he, but credit where its due, he drove in almost every class, has won LM and countless other races. A bit of a whinger when the aco would not fall over to him and ensure his cars won but I think I will miss his little green helmet!!

He's not helped either by his stroke or the result of the facial burns he suffered.  Even his smile is hard to detect at times!

There seems to be more critical news about the Pescarolo Le Mans entry today: http://www.endurance-info.com/version2/actualite-endurance-4210.html

I googled and "tres compromise" seems to mean "in danger"

Its seems that their backers aren't producing the dosh

Henri has had a big falling out with the new owners and refers to them as Gangsters. I dont think there will be any co operation with them in the future.

Peugeot will have to find something else pull out of the pits in front of now ....

Be a shame if it ends in tears as it seems that it is - one of the "characters", who has been associated with Le Mans for a long, long time - 33 starts and 4 wins or thereabouts is no mean feat.

MG Mark 

Genii Capital has ceased negotiations with Pescarolo Sport - This has just been released at http://www.endurance-info.com/version2/news-focus-4223.html

Wonder what that means for the 2 entries at Le Mans ???

No day without  more bad news from Pescarolo: http://www.endurance-info.com/version2/actualite-endurance-4226.html

If the google translation isn`t complete BS then he doesn't believe himself any more on an entry at Le Mans 2010.

http://www.lemans.org/fr/actualites/Surprise-a-la-vente-aux-encheres-Pescarolo-Sport_2169.html?ref=nf (http://www.lemans.org/fr/actualites/Surprise-a-la-vente-aux-encheres-Pescarolo-Sport_2169.html?ref=nf)

Sold at auction following the bankruptcy of the team, Pescarolo Sport equipment might be scattered to the four winds. It will not happen!

This afternoon, two passionate and gentlemen Nicolet River relied on expertise of Hervé Poulain - the famous Paris-auctioneer to buy all seven lots for 400,000 €. This issue has been strongly welcomed by applause from the audience. The buyers intend to make such property available for Henri Pescarolo, who could then resume his sports activities!

Well done that man.
What happened to Henri was a disgrace.
Hope the ACO will give him an automatic entry, all he has to do is apply online.  Oh  ;)