Lola opened its doors to fans, drivers, teams and media on Wednesday for a special Silverstone 1000kms preview event. Showcasing the Huntingdon constructors expertise in the customer sports car market, it was a chance for the guests to experience all facets of the design, R&D and build of the Lola LMP range.

2009 has been an exceptional season for the Lola LMP1 and LMP2 designs. Even before Silverstone kicks off this weekend for the final round of this years Le Mans Series, Lola have sewn up the LMP1 and LMP2 Constructors titles.

QUESTION TIME COMES TO LOLA

The main feature of yesterday’s event at Lola was a special panel of Lola sports car guests to answer questions from fans and journalists. Over 70 guests were assembled in Lola’s impressive new Assembly shop where Radio Le Mans’ John Hindaugh was the master of ceremonies for the special ‘Question Time-esque' session!

RML’s Tommy Erdos, Speedy Sebah’s Nicolas Prost and newcomer to LMP racing Rob Bell of Drayson Racing joined Lola Cars Managing Director, Robin Brundle and Motor Sport magazine editor, Damien Smith on the special panel.

As well as the informative and insightful discussions on the panel, other interviews were conducted with Dyson Racing engineer, Peter Weston, Speedy Sebah boss, Hugh Hayden and Dale White who has been at Lola all week overseeing the completion of the all-new Lola-Judd B09/60 LMP1 that is bound for the Petit Le Mans 1000 mile race in two weeks time.

Lola Chief Engineer, Julian Sole gave a fascinating insight in to the design of the Lola LMP range, sharing the stage with Tommy Erdos who along with Sole walked around the stunning RML Lola-Mazda LMP2 articulating his enthusiasm for the latest generation of LMP racers.

It wasn’t just famous racing drivers and engineers that shared the stage at Lola on Wednesday. Also appearing was Lola sports car owner and massive racing enthusiast, Neil Primrose who is the drummer for the hugely popular rock band Travis. Proudly displaying his immaculately prepared ex Jo Bonnier Lola T212, Primrose shared his passion for all things Lola, admitting that Lola ‘was a very special marque and the T212 was an immense car that I absolutely love driving.’

All pictures Lola Heritage.