1-2, AGAIN; Nothing could stop Audi at Road America.

Byline: GARY WATKINS

Road America is Audi territory, and drivers of the R10 turbodiesel prototypes were able to exploit their power advantage down three long straights during the American Le Mans Series Generac 500 at Road America. Even a series of pace-car periods seemed unlikely to prevent Lucas Luhr and Marco Werner from leading a second consecutive Audi 1-2 finish that is, until a fifth caution period commenced soon after the four-hour race reached three-quarter distance.

Werner and Audi's newest driver, Marcel Fassler, who joined Emanuele Pirro in the second car, were first and third when the yellow came out, yet they emerged from the pits in sixth and seventh. The powerful R10s took on new Michelins; all but one of their lightweight LMP2 rivals neglected to change tires for the run to the checkered flag.

The next caution was crucial. With the Audis lined up behind their LMP2 rivals, the two R10s vaulted to third and fourth at the restart. That put Werner and Fassler on the tail of the lead battle between David Brabham and Franck Montagny in their Highcroft and Andre-tti Green Racing Acuras, respectively.

Werner took his chance on lap 97 when a slow GT car balked the two lead cars momentarily on the exit of the final corner. The former ALMS champion used his power advantage to sweep ...