[VIDEO] Corvette C8.R Crashes into Tire Barrier During Practice Session at Le Mans

Today began the first official practice sessions at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and already there’s a bit of drama with Corvette Racing after the car lost control and crashed into a tire barrier. But this is Corvette Racing at Le Mans, and as they have done many times before, they rise to the occasion!

Nico Varrone was driving the No.33 Corvette C8.R when he lost control of the car at Tertre Rouge Corner with just minutes left in the first practice session. The car spun around and actually it’s the passenger side of the car that strikes the tire barrier. It was a pretty decent hit, and we were a bit nervous thinking the car had gone rear-first into the barrier based on its position afterwards.

Following the incident, we see that Nico is able to drive off the tire barrier under his own power:

Corvette Racing shared an update saying that Nico has been evaluated and released from the medical center and was back in the garage. In their tweet, they said they were hoping the car would be repaired in time for the start of tonight’s qualifying.

Based on the time stamps of the next tweet from Corvette Racing, repairs to the No.33 Corvette C8.R were made and two hours later the car was back out on the track for qualifying. Watch this whole video as at the Nico hugs and thanks every member of the team for their work on the car. That’s some respect right there from the young driver to the guys!

With Nicky Catsburg behind the wheel again, the Corvette C8.R was P1 at one point and then ended the session at P3 and they will be in the Hyperpole on Thursday evening racing for Pole Position at Le Mans. Only the top eight cars in GTE-AM will advance to Hyperpole and the outcome determines the starting grid for Saturday’s Green Flag. With 14 cars running in GTE-AM, any chance to stay near the front of the class is welcomed!

Update
This soundtrack playing as the Corvette C8.R is moved into position on the track earlier this week for the official photo reminds me of the early days of Corvette Racing when they were just a bunch of pirates taking on the world’s best. You can bet that entrance song wasn’t approved by the suits (or dresses) at GM Racing. Take No Prisoners! (NSFW!)

Source:
Corvette Racing / Twitter

Related:
Corvette Racing Is Really Wanting to Win This Year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans
Pratt Miller Motorsports Will Host a Corvette Racing Stream with Data and Live Guests for the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Corvette Racing at Le Mans: Setting the Stage