In 2005 Lola introduced their B05/40 chassis aimed at LMP2 competition. It was a necessary addition to the line of Lola chassis, as changes to regulations at the close of the 2005 season made their prototype racers obsolete. The body design of the B05/40 was formed to comply with aerodynamic restrictions created by the governing bodies of the sport. It had a short rear end and a front that featured a rather long overhang, much different than other prior designs. These improvements make the vehicle less like to flip while at speed.

Lola has a long history of racing and creating competitive chassis, that dates back to the late 1950s when it was founded by Eric Broadley. The cars they have created have competed in nearly every form of road racing and have set numerous records and captured countless victories since its inception.

The B05/40 was designed to accept a few different powerplants. After the cars official launch, the company was able to secure six orders. Their customers were rewarded by scoring multiple class victories throughout the season, including an impressive showing at LeMans by a Judd engined car.

Rule changes at the close of the 2005 season meant their LMP1 class car, the Lola B01/6, was soon to become obsolete. Using the design of the B05/40 as their template, they began work on constructing the B06/10 to replace the aging B01/60. The cars were outfitted with large, powerful, and new 3.6-liter V8 engines with fuel injection and twin turbo‘s. To handle the power and weight of the equipment, the car strengthened improved and structural rigidity appropriately reinforced.

The Dyson Racing Team entered two cars in the Sebring 12 Hour Race in the ALMS Championship. Both cars experienced teething problems and, along with the rest of the field, were easily outpaced by the dominant diesel-powered Audi R10's. Of the two B01/60 cars entered, one failed to finish and the other finished second in class. Throughout the season, the potent Audi's and competitive Porsche LMP2's proved to be to fast for the AER powered Lolas. As the season progressed, rule changes were relaxed for the petrol based cars to help give them a slight advantage but were still unable to outpace the Audis.

A third car was used by Chamberlain Synergy in the LeMans Series. It too was outpaced by the Audi, but was a strong runner throughout the season, ending in a very impressive second place.

For the 2007 season, Lola introduced their B07/10. It had slight design and aerodynamic improvements over the prior B01/60. Acura and Mazda placed orders for their LMP1 efforts, as did Team Swiss Spirit and Team Charouz Racing System. The Acura and Mazda cars were outfitted with V8 petrol engines from Audi while the other two teams used Judd's 5.5-liter V10 unit. The Judd GV5.5 powerplant was capable of producing around 640 horsepower with the Audi unit creating about 610 hp. Both versions have proven to be strong competitors.

by Dan Vaughan