New LMP Category...

[Tim Northcutt]

Since 2004 rules will change a lot of things, how about a "new LMP category", with the following:

"LMP 1000 Kg. or 1050kg."

- Open cockpit only prototype with same general LMP rules for bodywork, cockpits, wings, etc....

- Engines
-- 6.5 Litre - 8 Litre normally aspirated V8, V10 or V12

or just for fun, an added engine option (although I don't know if it would be needed):

-- 4 litre to 5 litre V8 or V10 with "Supercharger (no turbo)""
-- 5 litre to 6 litre V-8 only with "Supercharger (no turbo)"

Why???

Shove a Viper V-10 or a Corvette engine in a prototype for some loud, fast, and fun cars to watch that would add a new twist to the mix on the prototype level...

The "Supercharged" rules (if actually adopted -- but I'd lean toward just the big blocks normally aspirated) would let someone put the engine that will go into the Ford GT into a prototype to race it...other makers also build V-8s with superchargers and could get those engines and manufacturers into the endurance racing mix...

These would obviosuly be heavier than the 900s, but bigger engine displacement, and lighter than the GTS cars...an in-between with a lot of displacement for power...


Keep an open mind, imagine the possibilities, and have some fun with it...

What kind of "LMP1000 or "LMP 1050" would you field at Le Mans???