Having enjoyed a rivalry in the IndyCar Series, Adrian Fernandez and Tony Kanaan resumed their fight during the final round of the American Le Mans Series at Laguna Seca, the two eventually finishing fifth and sixth overall.
While the machines are bigger – and a bit slower – the fight between the two was no less intense, with the Acura pair swapping positions in the latter stages of the race before the Mexican driver got the better of the Brazilian at the chequered flag.
Scoring third and fourth in the LMP2 class at the same time, fifth overall signals the end of a strong season for the Lowe's Fernandez Racing team, who have persevered with the Lola chassis this year while their Acura counterparts have had in-house chassis' at their disposal.
“It was a fantastic race for the Lowe's Acura team. It felt great to have a great performance in front of our Lowe's executives and also the [Acura] NSX Car Club who were cheering for us. I had a very good car today but it was a bit frustrating with the GT cars. I just didn't get much luck with them today.
“Every time I moved to pass, they went the same way. I made a move on [Ryan] Briscoe to get in [LMP2] second place but a GT car slid right in front of me. Overall, it was a great way to finish the season and go into 2008.”
Kanaan, who was fighting back in the AGR Acura when co-driver Bryan Herta spun on the first lap, was also pleased with the result, revealing that the cars are plenty of fun to drive.
“That was a tough battle for our team today. We had to fight back from two laps down. But the AGR XM team never panicked and they helped me get back on the lead lap. I was driving very hard with the Audi, Penske Porsche and Adrian [Fernandez] at the end.
“That was exciting. It is so much fun driving this Acura car. Plus, racing at one of my favorite tracks is always great for me. I think the Acura program will continue to get stronger and get ready for the 2008 season. I believe the AGR Acura will be in contention to win Sebring again when the ALMS season begins.”
![Dario Franchitti - Andretti Green Racing Courage-Acura [pic credit: ALMS]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/309932.jpg)
