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Park Place Finishes 4th in Long Beach

Park Place Motorsports Driver Alan Brynjolfsson capitalized on his clean racing to finish fourth in the Am class of the SRO GT4 America Sprint Powered by Pirelli series at the GT Long Beach Grand Prix ensuring he claims the lead in the Am Drivers points standing. 
 
While race strategy does not tend to vary significantly in sprint races, Brynjolfsson may have had a bit unusual one. Starting fifth in the No. 7 VOLT Lighting Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR, he patiently awaited the Long Beach streets to claim their first victim. His wait was far from long with the first caution coming out seven minutes into the race with a car and debris covering Turn 9. The first restart gave way to the second and final yellow nearly instantaneously. 
 
From the second restart forward Brynjolfsson used his racecraft to gain traction and the Porsche’s agility to fight against the competition. With 25 minutes remaining Brynjolfsson and the No. 7 Volt Lighting Porsche Cayman advanced as high as third in the Am class. While the front of the field was packed in the tight confines provided by the street course, Brynjolfsson fell back to fifth and battled back to fourth for the finish in the second street course event of his racing career.
 
“I’m very happy with the way the weekend went,” Brynjolfsson went. “Number one walking away with a clean car and just having a solid performance weekend all weekend. I’m happy with the team. The race went almost perfect from my standpoint, I just wished I had qualified better. That was the big difference in terms of the race finish. Right now, Mike Johnson told me we’re sitting first in both Sprint Am and GT4 Am drivers’ championship, so that’s more important. Today, we got great points toward the championship. It’s been a great experience having my first street courses, St. Pete and Long Beach, back-to-back and leading championships is excellent.”
 
Director of Race Operations Mike Johnson had his eyes on the championship before the street courses knowing it was an opportunity to create a point cushion ahead of the competition.
 
“Right now, I am just happy with how well Alan is driving and how well our team is performing,” Johnson said. “To lead both the GT4 Sprint and Sprint X East Championships in our first season at this point of the year is a real testament to how hard our guys have been working.  Of course, the next race at VIR will really show how organized we are, or are not, as we try to run 4 races in one weekend, but having a win there last year for Alan and Trent in the Mustang gives us some confidence going into the weekend.”

Coming Up Next

Park Place Motorsports next sees SRO GT4 America action in both forms of the GT4 America EAST and GT4 America Sprint at VIRginia International Raceway April 26-28. Park Place Motorsports will compete with Brynjolfsson in the No. 7 Volt Lighting Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR in the Sprint series. In the same weekend, he will be joined by co-driver Trent Hindman in the No. 77 Volt Lighting Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR in the EAST series. Watch the race with the live stream or follow live timing with http://gt4-america.com.

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Range Rover SUV Experiment Continues with 2019 Velar

The phrase avant-garde is defined as new and unusual or experimental ideas. Following the first edition release last year, the 2019 Range Rover Velar returns with more in store, bringing avant-garde to your luxury SUV. While Range Rover conducts another amazing SUV experiment, here’s why the Velar should be tested by you.

Interactive Design

A full 12 months after receiving the World Car Design of the Year in 2018, the Range Rover Velar has continued to age gracefully. The 2019 Velar fills a gap between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport.

For those who prefer simplicity, drivers will enjoy the minimalist skills needed to operate engaging technology inside the front cabin. Two 10 inch, high-definition touchscreens are accessible to the driver and front passenger. The two vertical screens allow for navigation guidance to be visualized on the top screen, while audio is streamed on the bottom display.

The stylish SUV also provides a unique blend of compact mid-size swagger for those needing a vehicle for daily city driving or weekend off-roading.  The Sports Command Driving Position creates enough visibility for drives needing additional clarity while driving.

Capability Rules

If traveling is important to you, Range Rover’s All Wheel Drive (AWD) and Intelligent Drive Dynamics (IDD) systems are available as standard. The duo supports engine torque distribution that provides the essential power to perform under any situation. The torque is transferred to the front and rear wheels that also create the necessary traction in a variety of road and weather conditions.

The two systems together are specifically crafted for the Velar to handle low traction scenarios such as snowy and wet grassland climates, but also offer the best performing with high terrain driving.

Land Rover also patented Hill Descent Control (HDC) to assist a driver with controlled descents of difficult slopes. An Electronic Air Suspension also adds to the Velar’s stature by adjusting the height in preparation for uneven surfaces.

Powerful Performance

An 8-speed automatic transmission optimizes the gear, fuel efficiency and acceleration while one is behind the wheel. Three engines are available beginning with a 2.0L 4 cylinder that outputs 247HP and 269 lb-ft of torque. The two V6 supercharged engines both provide 332 lb-ft of torque and over 340 HP.

If you are in the market for a new SUV, the Velar is a versatile model that is available in multiple variations. To find which model fits your needs, visit the Range Rover Velar inventory available on parkplace.com or contact the Land Rover DFW dealership for more info at (844) 362-1094.

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Volvo Introduces New Digital Library Focused on Safety

By saving over one million lives, Volvo has made a name for itself in the world of automotive safety. While that statistic is not exclusive to Volvo Cars alone, over the past 60 years, the auto manufacturer has shared its knowledge contributing to the overall increased safety in the automotive industry and to the one million lives saved.

To celebrate 60 years of sharing knowledge within the automotive world, Volvo has introduced a central digital library for the greater automotive community called E.V.A.

Introducing E.V.A

The three-pointed seat belt was introduced by Volvo in 1959 and was an early car safety development across the auto landscape. 60 years later, Volvo Cars continues to share knowledge within the E.V.A. Initiative. E.VA. celebrates car safety research and showcases a fundamental issue of inequalities in car safety development.

“We have data on tens of thousands of real-life accidents, to help ensure our cars are as safe as they can be for what happens in real traffic,” says Lotta Jakobsson, professor and senior technical specialist at Volvo Cars Safety Centre. “This means our cars are developed with the aim to protect all people, regardless of gender, height, shape or weight, beyond the ‘average person’ represented by crash test dummies.”

Volvo’s E.V.A. initiative highlights that women are more at risk for some injuries in a car crash. Due to differences in anatomy between the average man and woman, women are more likely to suffer whiplash injuries.

Volvo’s data, in addition to other studies, supported the brand’s efforts to create virtual crash test dummies in order to better understand accidents. These tests helped develop technologies to better protect both men and women equally.

Safety Technology Responses

The first technology that was found following digital testing was WHIPS whiplash protection introduced in 1998. This technology has led to the exclusive Volvo seat and head restraint design.

New technology is developed to not only meet safety standards or pass regulatory tests, but also to show where safety can be improved based on Volvo’s research data and analysis.

Side impact accidents were the main focus during the 1980s. At the time, data showed that too many people were injured in side-impact collisions due to the distance between impact and occupant. Several Volvo innovations followed such as the side impact protection system (SIPS), side airbags, and inflatable curtains.

Recent data from Volvo Cars has shown an issue with the lumbar spine, or lower back, injuries across all people, regardless of gender and size. Further analysis drove Volvo’s focus on the dangers of run-off-road injuries. The resulting technology is an energy absorber in the seats, first introduced on the XC90 and now on all SPA-based cars.

Next Level Safety

You too can enjoy the next-level safety advancements today by visiting Park Place Volvo or search for your next Volvo. To ensure that your current Volvo is maintained to the best standards, you can also schedule your next Volvo service appointment.

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Volvo Care Keys and New Top Speeds Make For Safer Car Sharing

In an effort to realize their Vision 2020, Volvo Cars introduced speed restrictions and a new product concept called “Care Key” that is standard on all cars for safe car sharing, to help address and highlight the dangers of speeding. 

TOP SPEEDS: 112 MPH

World leader in vehicle safety, Volvo Cars, is sending a strong and very loud message about the dangers of speeding.  Early March 2019, Volvo Cars announced its commitment to address the growing dangers of speeding by reducing the top speeds on all of their cars to 112 mph.  This new speed restriction will first appear in 2020 with Model Year 2021 vehicles, and aligns with the company’s commitment to protect their drivers. 

“Volvo is a leader in safety: we always have been and we always will be,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive, Volvo Car Group. “Because of our research we know where the problem areas are when it comes to ending serious injuries and fatalities in our cars. And while a speed limitation is not a cure-all, it’s worth doing if we can even save one life.”

This update is in line with their ‘Vision 2020’ which is easily one of the most, if not the most, ambitious safety promise in the Automotive Industry.  Vision 2020 aims to reduce and eliminate any fatalities or major injuries in a Volvo vehicle by 2020.  

VOLVO CARE KEY

Volvo Cars introduces Care Key as standard on all cars for safe car sharing

Care Key is similar in that it allows you set top speeds with the key, ensuring any drivers sharing a vehicle (like a newly licensed teenager) cannot go above the speed limit. Not only is this supposed to protect your investment in a Volvo, but also the passengers turned drivers you care for most. 

The benefits of these two safety updates could surpass just safety, but also offer financial benefits to Volvo Cars Drivers. The luxury manufacturer is inviting insurance companies to the table to discuss special offers and incentives for those that are benefiting by investing in Volvo in the next few years as these safety measures are implemented.  Mr. Samuelsson pointed out that safer technology being included in their future models should have only a positive impact on insurance premiums. 

Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo Cars President & Chief Executive

“We believe that a car maker has a responsibility to help improve traffic safety,” said Mr. Samuelsson. “Our recently announced speed limit fits that thinking and the Care Key is another example. Many want to be able to share their car with friends and family, but are unsure about how to make sure they are safe on the road. The Care Key provides one good solution and extra peace of mind.”

 

Now will these initiatives change consumer behaviors for safer roads? While that’s the hope, it’s clear that Volvo Cars is serious about starting the conversion about a possible manufacturer obligation to their customers and making the roads safer for their drivers, co-drivers, and passengers alike.

Stay tuned to Volvo Cars and to our blog for continued coverage of Volvo’s commitment to vehicle safety as more technology and measures are introduced to help Vision 2020 come to fruition. 

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The Fine Art of Custom Configuration with Video Game Technology

Bespoke. Custom. Options. Specifications. Configurations. Whatever you want to call it, personalizing one’s auto during the vehicle purchase is the name of the modern ultra-luxury purchase experience.  Now enhanced with video game technology, McLaren Supercar Configurators put the power in the hands of the consumer, taking their model and making YOUR ideal supercar. 

McLaren has transformed what has previously been viewed as a “standard process” into an art form enhanced to be even more realistic for the singular production super cars.  From Speedtail Exclusivity and MARC Configuration, to the array of in-dealer options to experience, your McLaren could potentially be made up of everything you like. No Compromises. 

The McLaren 600LT Marc Configuration 

This real-time configurator takes video game technology to create “unprecedented levels of realism,” according to McLaren Automotive.  Like most ordered goods, sometimes visualizing what the end product will really look like is difficult. That’s, in part, why the in-dealership/in-person experience is still very much relevant to auto contenders. You have experts guiding you and top-technology showing you.

MARC stands for the McLaren Automotive Real-Time Configurator.  It helps customers for some of their most recent releases including the Senna and 600LT, visualize their vehicle in an almost-realistic way before delivery, ensuring they are 100% happy with their choices prior to ownership. MARC uses ultra photo-realistic detail and its a mark of McLaren’s digital pioneering spirit.

Though a measure of the clear technological success of the brand, MARC brought a couple of challenges with it. 

‘Usually in a computer game when you represent a surface you represent a reflection on that surface in one way, but with clear coated carbon fibre the light reflects off the carbon fibre layer differently to the clear coat layer, almost like two reflections,’  says Doug Wolff, Partner Technology Manager at Unreal Engine Enterprise.

A bespoke client can still begin the process online choosing from different specifications on any of the McLaren Line Up.  MARC then extends that level of detail from just paint color, wheel design, and trim to customizing your brake calipers, seatbelts, or a variation of a carbon fiber upgrade. Clients can see how they work together in amazing detail to ensure that their 1/1000 permutation is exactly what they envisioned for their supercar moment.

Speedtail Car Configurator

Road and Track recently were invited to take this specific configurator, only available to the 100 or so people who have purchased the new speedtail, for a spin.  We’ve linked their full review here, but in short, the experience is “what dreams are made of.”

So are you ready to configure your supercar? Contact McLaren Dallas to learn more about our current in-dealership configuration experiences.  

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4 Reasons Why the New 2020 GLE is an SUV ‘Game Changer’

This year Mercedes-Benz has taken on a new level of luxury with game changing technology at class breaking price points. It began with release of the new A-Class with base models coming in around $32,500, and now it’s time to take that new innovative vigor to the world of SUVs. 

Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, states they are “committed to shaping a new era of mobility in which the focus is on the customer.” Introducing the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, equipped with  MBUX Infotainment, elevated interior comfort, efficient performance, and an attractive exterior design. 

So here’s a short walk through, from our own Park Place Mercedes-Benz experts of 4 reasons why this SUV is worth a test drive.

1. GLE Exterior Re-Design

The GLE showcases its attractive new front fascia with striking front headlights with its ultra wide beam of the LED Intelligent Light System projecting the maximum light intensity. A terrific sight at night when leaving the office or dinner party.

As you walkaround the GLE, you will appreciate the dominant presence the mid-size SUV has from the side profile. Illuminated running boards and enhanced wheel options add fresh flavor to the GLE’s character. The rear LED taillights also had additional flare and supportive awareness for drivers.

2. MBUX Infotainment

As soon as one opens the door to a 2020 GLE, you’ll see the dramatic dashboard developments. Two 12.3 inch digital screens dominate the dashboard and invite users to engage with the widescreen technology. The instrumental cluster features two dials with informative Mercedes vehicle alerts and notifications.

The COMAND multimedia screen has now morphed into the MBUX infotainment screen that allows users to engage with a touchscreen monitor. Previous generation GLEs only allowed use of a COMAND controller or touchpad near the center console. Artificial intelligence also crafts the user experience as you can activated the voice recognition by saying, “Hey, Mercedes.”

3. Interior Comfort

A significant development for all occupants is the increase in the GLE’s wheelbase. An additional 3.1 inches have been added to the SUV as rear passengers earn significantly more legroom.

The front passengers are not ignored in the comfort arena thanks to an optional ENERGIZING Comfort system. With amazing blends of lighting, massages, and music available to passengers, one can set the mood on the drive to the gym by yourself or the drive to brunch with your date.

4. Efficient Performance

The 2020 GLE350 sports a new 2.0L Inline-4 cylinder turbo engine improving fuel efficiency and maintaining 255 HP in addition to the 273 lb-ft torque from the previous generation SUV line. Drivers will also enjoy a fluid 9-speed transmission that allows for quicker response times during a daily commute. To enjoy a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine, one would have to purchase a GLE450 that upgrades performance to 367 HP and 369 lb – ft torque.

If you have interest in upgrading from your current SUV model to a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, visit Park Place to view our current demos and stay tuned for more inventory.

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CARROLL EDUCATION FOUNDATION GALA TO BE HELD MAY 18 IN KELLER

Carroll Education Foundation (CEF) has been integral in supplementing funds for teachers and educators to bridge the gap between state funding and the needs of the teachers to provide a quality education to Dragon students. For the past 11 years, Park Place Dealerships has supported CEF and will be the presenting sponsor of the Carroll Education Foundation Gala next month.

With a theme of “A Night with Carroll Superstars,” the CEF Gala will be held Saturday, May 18 at The Bowden in Keller. The CISD Superstar Teachers will be revealed. The event is already 85% sold. More information is available at carrolleducationfoundation.org/annual-gala/

Gary Venner, Robert Hinkle, Kathy Talley, Leighanne Christon and Matt Woolsey at the Carroll Education Foundation reception at Park Place Motorcars in Grapevine, Texas on April 4 2019. (Michael Ainsworth)

A kick-off reception was recently held at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine in conjunction with the launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan and the new GLE SUV.

Starting at a base price of $33,000, the sporty new A-Class is the entry-level luxury compact for today’s tech-savvy driver. With advanced voice recognition software, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the car responds to commands and requests much like the smart phones. Powered by a turbocharged inline 4-cyclinder engine that pumps out 188 horsepower, and driven by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with manual shifting, this peppy sedan can go from 0-to-60 mph in about six seconds.

The fourth-generation GLE, priced at $58,000, is king of the mid-sized SUVs. Standing tall on the new “Modular High Architecture” platform, the GLE looks great and performs even better. Both come with Mercedes’ nine-speed automatic transmission.

Both models also feature dual 12.3-inch screens mounted side by side on the dash, one for virtual gauges and the other for the infotainment touchscreen. Simply say, “Hey, Mercedes,” and the new MBUX system’s voice-command feature will respond to commands such as “Find the nearest restaurant,” and it will set the destination in the navigation system. Say, “I’m cold,” and it’ll raise the interior temperature. Like your smart phone, the more you use it the more it gets to know your preferences.

ABOUT CARROLL EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Carroll Education Foundation’s mission is to build financial support from the community and corporate partners to ensure excellence in education for all students in CISD.

ABOUT PARK PLACE DEALERSHIPS

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships in Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

 

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The All-Electric I-PACE, the Newest Triple Threat in Jaguar’s Line-Up

Coming off the heels of a big win for the “European Car of the Year,” the Jaguar I-Pace secured another trio of top awards including the 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year, and World Green Car. 

Schedule a Test Drive with the Award Winning I-PACE

“It is an honour that the Jaguar I-PACE has received these three accolades from the prestigious World Car jurors. We started with an ideal, to move towards our Destination Zero vision; zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion. I-PACE is our first step to achieving this, and it was conceived when EVs were little more than a niche choice. “

Even though it’s 100 percent Electric, Jaguar made zero sacrifices and adhered to their brand narrative and aesthetic when entering the EV market.  Prof. DR. Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, shares the enthusiasm as the winners were announced:

“So we started from a clean sheet of paper to create a new benchmark – the world’s best premium electric vehicle, and a true Jaguar driver’s car. For I-PACE to be awarded 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car gives our first all-electric vehicle the ultimate recognition it deserves. I would like to thank the team who have created I-PACE for their passion in making it so outstanding. “

Since its formal introduction, over 11,000 thousand clients across the globe have taken delivery of luxury’s first 100 percent electric machine.  The I-PACE is not just any electric vehicle, but rather a complete standout option in its segment.

Details In Design

Some of the small details that led to the success of the Jaguar I-PACE include:

  • spacious interior
  • 90kWh lithium-ion battery
  • up to a 292 mile range
  • fast charging for 0-80% in just 40 minutes (100kW DC)
  • 10 hours to full charge on a domestic wallbox (7Kw AC) – ideal for overnight charging aficionados. 
  • a smart pre-conditioning system to raise or lower the battery’s temperature to maximize total range.

These details have led to a total of 62 awards in just over 12 months. And the best part? There are 100% electric options at Park Place Jaguar Land Rover so you can experience the World Car of the Year first-hand.

Schedule a Visit and Test Drive
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Skyline High School Visits Park Place for Automotive Career Preview

Students from Skyline High School in Dallas ISD got a unique look into working at a luxury dealership upon graduation. Park Place Dealerships hosted more than 40 students from Skyline this morning for a tour of the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche dealerships on Lemmon Avenue.

The students were able to explore the service areas, showrooms, training rooms, and parts departments of both dealerships and learn about jobs within the company, including access to unique technician opportunities. Park Place regularly provides students with access to master technicians, general managers, human resources, service managers, and leadership from the company so students can personally see the opportunities that are available to them.

One of the most popular questions asked today was, “how much money can I make by working at Park Place?” Cam Mayfield, service director at Park Place, responded with an overview of pay for different jobs. The student’s eyes lit up when they heard a master certified technician has the potential to be paid upwards of six figures at Park Place.

Because of the company’s growth, Park Place is continually looking to develop the highest quality technicians for its 16 full-service dealerships located across Dallas-Fort Worth.  Park Place hired numerous high school graduates as technicians in 2018. 

To learn more on how to apply or refer a future technician to our DFW programs visit Park Place Careers.

 

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and represents luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

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Park Place on Podium at California 8 Hours Debut

Porsche Continues It’s Podium Successes in Monterey

Park Place Motorsports finished third overall in the California 8 Hours of SRO Intercontinental Blancpain GT Challenge powered by Pirelli at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. 
 
Park Place Motorsports debut appearance in the Intercontinental Blancpain GT Challenge series ended with earning Porsche Motorsport a third-place finish after eight hours of green racing. Works Drivers Romain Dumas (France), Sven Müller (Germany) and Mathieu Jaminet (France) collected the podium finish after overcoming braking complications which slowed the No. 911 before it was cleared to continue regular use. The No. 911 challenged to regain the lead back, but lap traffic impeded on Park Place Motorsports progress; ultimately settling the team with third place. 
 
Today’s finish gives the Dallas-based team its sixth podium at Laguna Seca; the statistic includes five GT Daytona podium finishes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Park Place Motorsports has been a customer team of Porsche since 2012; this was its first appearance with factory support. Porsche Motorsport’s second podium in Intercontinental Blancpain GT Challenge competition comes after the manufacturer won the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour in the opening round. 
 
Park Place Motorsports celebrated completing its third endurance battle with Wright Motorsports, entrant of the No. 912 Porsche. The No. 912 led the race when a technical issue forced the team to retire early. The Wright crew joined Park Place to celebrate as Müller took the checkered flag furthering the point that Porsche Motorsport had come to the Wright Place with its factory support. Park Place Motorsports sincerely thanks Wright Motorsports for sharing its years of expertise and making the California 8 Hours a success.
 
Post-Race Comments: 
Patrick Lindsey (Park Place Motorsports Team Principal):“I couldn’t be prouder of our team’s debut in the [series] as they executed a perfect race, showing a new group of viewers the amazing talent, we have working under our tent.  There were challenges we had to overcome before and even during the race weekend. 
 
“We count ourselves lucky that our Porsche family was there in the form of Porsche Motorsport, PMNA and fellow Porsche team Wright Motorsports to help aid in our learning curve. The level of intensity was high from the moment we first learned about the effort to put a car on the track at the 8 Hour to the very last lap. This is a big momentum builder for our team members and of course a spectacular outcome for Porsche and our partners at Park Place Porsche.”  
 
Romain Dumas (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911):“A podium position is very good, but it would have been possible a bit more. It was a tough competition over the whole distance. In the end, we didn’t miss much to win. For the new Porsche 911 GT3 R it was the first podium place in this enormously competitive series. Now we’re going to analyze this race in detail and show off even better at Spa”.
 
Sven Müller (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911):“We are satisfied because a podium position is always a nice reward. We gave it our all, were flawless on the way. We were in the race for the first time with Team Park Place Motorsports in the USA. Considering that, it was a strong all-around performance.”
 
Mathieu Jaminet (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911):“It’s a good result. Nevertheless, after the many leading laps, we had calculated more in the meantime. We had a little bad luck in traffic. Two competitors were able to make a profit out of it. You can’t do anything about that. After eight hours of races under green flags, we were only 20 seconds behind the winners. Everyone in the team can be very proud of that.”