Sonoma California, April 2, 2012

Geri Amani joined Audi Style Racing for the 24 Hours of LeMons at Sears Pointless event (Infineon Raceway) driving the 1982 Audi Turbo Coupe. Amani was one of two new additions to the team, along with Bill Paterson, official artist of Laguna Seca. Her teammates Christopher Wynn, Craig Moore, Sophia Meler, and Nick Roshon were both drivers and track-side support during the event.

Per LeMons judges, Audi Style was given one “BS Penalty Lap” resulting in a starting position of 167th. Paterson would be the opening driver for Saturday’s racing session which was plagued by rain, followed by Nick Roshon. Amani would be the closing driver for the Saturday racing session during the brunt of the storm, bringing the team to 6th in class, 22nd overall until a pit stop was required to clear severe windshield fogging. Amani would complete the day 27th in class, bringing the team to its best finishing position across a checkered flag to date.

Sunday’s session would commence with Sophia Meler behind the wheel and dry sunny weather. Suffering a contact and a penalty stop, a few positions were lost but more than enough was regained as Christopher Wynne took the wheel. Craig Moore brought it home, with the team finishing 5th in Class, 34th out of a 170+ car field.

“This race was certainly like nothing I’ve ever experienced.” Amani said.
“The teamwork was great, filled with spirit, and the car despite it’s age and for what it is, it was a pretty good drive.”

Amani with little front-wheel-drive experience did well with the platform, and made substantial gains in some of the tracks worst weather that weekend.

“I remember when Chris came on the radio asking how I was doing. All I could say is ‘I wish I could see!’ With pouring rain, fogged up windshield, no wipers, a shift light that wouldn’t shut off, and navigating such a huge field of cars, it took a bit of work to keep the car pointed in the right direction and avoid contact with the many unaware drivers.”

LeMons is an infamous series where both pros and amateurs can drive wheel-to-wheel in race-prepared cars not exceeding an acquisition cost of $500. This event had a fantastic turnout selling out all entries despite the gloomy weather, exceeding 170+ cars. For more information about the LeMons series visit the official LeMons website at http://www.24hoursoflemons.com.

Amani also wrote an event feature for Formula1Blog. You can find the full article at http://www.formula1blog.com/2012/03/31/le-mans-to-lemons