The Intersport Racing team has announced that it has withdrawn its No. 37 LMP1 Lola prototype entry from this Saturday's 12 Hours of Sebring, following yesterday's spectacular crash of the team's primary car in testing for the American Le Mans Series season opener.
The AER-powered Lola B06/10, driven by Jon Field, got airborne and flipped several times on the straight between Turns 9 and 10 of the 3.7-mile, 17-turn Sebring International Raceway circuit, ultimately coming to rest on its front wheels. Prior to the crash, the car had set the fastest time of the test.
After sorting through the damage, the team determined the driver experienced a failure to the right-rear suspension. Field, who climbed out of the wreckage, was taken to Highlands Regional Medical Center following the accident, but was released a few hours later.
"First and foremost, we are relieved that Jon was able to walk away from the wreck without injury," said Intersport team manager Brian Alder. "It is a tribute to IMSA safety regulations and the construction of the Lola to see our driver walk away from such a horrific crash.
"With Jon on the mend," Alder continued, "we will channel our focus for the 12 Hour to the team's LMPC car. We will also be busy with our IMSA Lites entries. We're very confident and enthusiastic about the team's competitiveness in those programs. Jon and Clint Field will return to Long Beach with our LMP1 car in April. Not starting Sebring is disappointing and significant as it ends Jon's streak of 13 consecutive 12 Hours of Sebring starts."