Jes Competition & Dries Heyman ready for the real thing! During the 2004 edition Jes Competition managed to set a new pit stop record. Within the 24 race hours the Haacht-based belgian team had no more than 10 pit stops, finishing 11th overall and 7th in class (GTB).
For the 2005 edition the last details have been arranged. The Porsche 996 GT3 Cup went through a complete check-up, saving neither cost or effort. Hence the gear box, the engine and the suspension have been changed. This year Jes Competition is also once again calling in "night owl" Dries Heyman. During the BTCS 12 Hours of Spa, as well as during the Spa Francorchamps 25 Hours (VW Fun Cup) Heyman recorded his fastest lap times at night time. We ask him about his preparations for the Euphony 24 Hours of Zolder.
Is there any particular explanation for your exceptional speed during the night?
"I think so. Since I was 3 years old I have been around at Zolder. At first on a bike, then by myself and during the last 8 years on race cars. I think I should know every single pot-hole around the track by now. (laughing) On the other hand I have no explanation whatsoever for my fast times around Spa at night times. I think it's mainly about concentrating on the other cars, paying less attention to the actual track. Knowing the track is clearly a benefit, allowing to focus more on overtaking other cars. In the 2004 edition, on the very same car, I put in my fastest lap times at night."
Why did you choose Jes Competition once again?
"First of all because I have a very good connection with the entire team. I've known John and Pascal for long, and although not being officially part of the team I'm feeling pretty much at home. Also the team's decision to work with TT Racing's Luc Goris was clearly an asset. During regular Belcar races we have been setting up Luc's boxes and we have been convinced by his professionalism. The bare fact that the same car is going round 5sec faster this year is the ultimate proof of Jes Competition making the right decisions. Lastly their 6th overall result at the Spa 12 Hours has been a tremendous result."
You have been calling ons ome very faithful partners year after year. Is this blind confidence?
"I'm no exception. Finding the right sponsors is for me – and so many other drivers – the hardest part about this 24 Hours race. I'm very happy to be calling on some reliable people showing creativity to deliver our partners that extra something, ultimately convincing them about our project. We've done a highly succesful mailing – going out on Tuesday, and bringing in the necessary budgets by Wednesday. AMD and Van Soest Westerlo are my regular partners, joined now by Pauls Convoy Service, Elite Reklaam and Deckers Druk. I also owe a great lot to Jan Smits, managing director at 'Added Value'. He brought me in contact with the AMD people, showing a strong interest in motorsports, next to Lance Armstrong's cycling efforts."
What will be your strategy for this 24 Hours race?
"We don't like to talk about this too much. Still we're not a team looking for the overall victory. The Corvette, the Vipers, the Biturbos are supposed to be much faster. Still... it's a very long race and these cars will be refuelling a lot more than we do. We're also very aware we might need some luck to to make it through the night without accidents. Hence we will have to go really fast to equal last year's result. Given last year's lap times and some recent evolutions on the car we should be able to put in 1.46" laps. If we can manage to keep that pace we will be aiming for a top-10 spot. If... we stay out of troublen, that is."
What will be your preparation for this 24 Hours race?
"Just working hard. During the 24 Hours race we will have a VIP tent in which we will be hosting some 1000 VIP guests. I'm also in charge of the official Euphony 24 Hours of Zolder programme brochure. Given this schedule it will be hard to save some time for jogging or fitness some 3 weeks before the event. At the race I have to be drinking, a lot. On the car I'm losing some 2 liters of fluid per hour, especially as temperatures can go up to 70° C. At night it's somewhat less hot in the car, still there's always plenty of water in the car."
Are you ready to give it a go?
"Totally! Still let's be clear about this. I would not be starting this 24 Hours race without all these partners. It's good to see them appreciate the fact that we're becoming more professional every year. Lastly I hoping for a great, enjoyable 24 Hours race for all the Jes mechanics, with lots of sleep and few work! "
(Jes Comp. Press)
 VZW 24u.be - Jan-Frans Lemmens on Monday 15 August 2005 at 09:46. | 
