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Team LNT retired the Ginetta-Zytek GZ09S in the 13th hour of the 77th annual Le Mans, as driver Nigel Moore experienced an engine fire at the Dunlop Bridge going into the car's 178th lap. The 17 year old, was in the middle of a stunning triple stint at 3.11am when the incident caused him to pull off the track - but his quick response prevented any extensive chassis or wiring damage. The fire was caused by a fuel line connector which became loose during the arduous competition.
Just one hour earlier the Yorkshire driver had taken the team to 18th position, their highest in the race and setting a best lap time of 3.37.676.
Moore said: "Obviously I'm disappointed that my fifth stint was cut short as I was well into my stride and achieving consistent lap times. But it's been an incredible initiation into Le Mans and I hope I have proved that I can compete in the endurance arena. I can't wait to get back to La Sarthe - the atmosphere is unrivalled anywhere in the world."
Richard Dean, who was about to take over from Moore at the time of the incident said: "It's been a particularly arduous Le Mans across the board from what we can see, but overall we've been really pleased with the way the GZ09S has run. Nigel's driving has impressed the most sceptical of critics out here and his lap times were continually spot on. People are genuinely amazed by the control he has over the car."
Meanwhile Team Principal Lawrence Tomlinson said: "I'm immensely proud of the team, of the car and of Nigel. He's demonstrated the type of clear thinking which underlines exactly why he was out here. By keeping a clear head he's given us a car that we can take back to Leeds and get to work on straight away to iron out those teething problems which have manifested themselves over the weekend. We want to thank all the supporters who have travelled to France and cheered us on from the outset - this is what Le Mans is all about and we'll be back in 2010."
At just 17 years of age Nigel Moore remains the youngest ever British driver to compete at the circuit - and from a stunning first performance it's clear to all that he has a long future at La Sarthe ahead of him.
