Rodney Jane finishes fifth in class on Bob Jane T-Marts return to Le Mans

Rodney Jane has finished fifth in the AM class of Carrera Cup during a frantic, historic Porsche race at Le Mans, France.

In what was a return for the Bob Jane T-Marts brand to the Le Mans circuit, 39 years after Bob Jane supported an all Australian attack of Peter Brock and Larry Perkins on the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1984, Rod Jane ventured to France to sample the circuit for himself.

Competing in the AM class, Jane steadily built up confidence around the 13km circuit, gaining time in every session before Saturday’s 50 minute race.

In what was a race of attrition and carnage, Jane kept his nose clean, held off some fast rivals to ultimately bring his Bob Jane T-Marts and Monster Wheels Porsche home in fifth place in class.

Half a world away from the Carrera Cup racing that he is used to in Australia, Jane said that it was an experience that he will never forget.

“I think the simplest way to put it is you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into before you get here,” said Jane of the Le Mans circuit.

“I walked the track on Tuesday and it was nothing like actually driving on the track.

“Long straights, blind corners, risk at every turn, but very rewarding when you get it right.

“We built up to get better and better with each session as there was a lot of traffic. I was shaving off five seconds from session to session, so that really shows you how big this track is and how much experience plays its part.

“The car was amazing and the guys set it up really well. It was just up to me to push myself, even though there isn’t a lot of run off. If you make a mistake you’re stuffed.

“Overall it was an amazing experience. The car was great to drive, the track spectacular and the team was fantastic to work with.”

Jane returns to Australia this week and will jump straight back into his Sonic Motor Racing Services prepared Carrera Cup Porsche at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin.