Eddy Lai’s incomplete ALMS GLK GT3 project is one of those tantalizing “what could’ve been” stories in Canadian motorsport 🏁. While details are scarce, here’s what we know from Flying Tiger Development’s archives:
🛠️ Project Overview
- The build was centered around a Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK55, intended to be developed into a GT3-spec race car for the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).
- This was an ambitious leap—transforming a luxury coupe into a full-blown endurance racer, likely involving extensive chassis reinforcement, aerodynamics, and drivetrain upgrades.
🚧 Why It Was Incomplete
- The project appears to have stalled before reaching full homologation or race entry.
- Possible reasons include funding limitations, regulatory hurdles, or shifting priorities within Flying Tiger as Eddy approached retirement from full-time racing.
🔍 Legacy & Influence
- Even though the CLK55 GT3 never hit the ALMS grid, its development showcased Eddy’s commitment to pushing Mercedes-Benz platforms into competitive motorsport.
- It also highlighted the technical challenges of adapting street cars to meet GT3 and ALMS standards, which require rigorous safety, performance, and compliance benchmarks.
It’s a fascinating footnote in Eddy Lai’s career—proof that even unfinished projects can reflect bold vision and engineering ambition. Want to explore what a completed CLK GT3 might’ve looked like or how it compares to other GT3 builds?
