Sportscar/GT (and Le Mans) Rumours and Repetition

[Deleted]

Originally Posted by JAG

I also think it's essential to have GTE-AM, otherwise factories would drive all but a handful of privateers away.

Oh just like in old GT2?

Also, ALMS proves that you don't have to split the class into two separate divisions, it works fine as it is - and if you can't compete with the big boys then fine, head to P2 or Challenge classes (all intended for amateurs and lower costs). There are enough trophies for gentlemans already, and more classes equals more confusion for Average Joes.

-edit-

[AGD]

Originally Posted by Chiana

Also, ALMS proves that you don't have to split the class into two separate divisions, it works fine as it is - and if you can't compete with the big boys then fine, head to P2 or Challenge classes (al intended for amateurs and lower costs). More classes equals more confusion with Average Joes.

Or LMP1!

But anyway, I guess GTE-Am does open up a market for older cars. Teams with older, less competitive cars can either run them (perhaps with funded drivers) with the chance of winning or they can be sold at a decent rate to someone else. I don't think the class is necessary, but it may not be totally useless either.

[NightStalk3r]

Originally Posted by Audi Racer

Well technically......the GTC class just uses GT3 porsches.......If you expand that to all GT3 cars it becomes a GT3 class...

No, GTC uses Porsche 911 Cup, Porsche's GT3 Car is the 911 GT3 R.

IMO there is no room in current ACO rules racing for GT3, the cars are not much cheaper to buy and run, and they are just as quick if not quicker than current GTE cars.

[JAG]

Originally Posted by Chiana

Oh just like in old GT2?

Also, ALMS proves that you don't have to split the class into two separate divisions, it works fine as it is - and if you can't compete with the big boys then fine, head to P2 or Challenge classes (all intended for amateurs and lower costs). There are enough trophies for gentlemans already, and more classes equals more confusion for Average Joes.

-edit-

No, just like GT1 and Corvette's dominance.

For a period, there were a number of good customer options, but taking on P&M was too large a task. GT2 became home to such teams, and GT1 ended.

Today's GTE is the best of both worlds, factories and top privateers. However, with the greater resources of factories a dominance is emerging, GTE-AM is an option for privateers without the latest equipment.

Confussion arrises when you have spec classes, with similar looks and performance, to core classes.

[J.C.]

Originally Posted by FordCosworthPanoz

Penske has often had one sponsor involved in multiple programs. There was talk that if Penske had won the Audi deal for the ALMS 2011 program, Verizon would have sponsored the cars. Lets just take a look at the some of the current Penske Racing Sponsor Line Up:

AAA
Alliance
AVIS
BOSCH
CINTAS
Discount Tire
Freightliner
IZOD
Kimberly Clark
Lennox
Lincoln Welders
Mazak
Meijer
Miller Lite
PPG
PTC
Ruby Tuesday
Shell/Pennzoil
Snap On
Verizon

Add to partners with Porsche such as Mobil 1, Michelin, Addidas and Hyatt and I have a feeling they wont worry too much about DHL. Plus, according to Robin Miller the DHL deal isnt really worth that much in sponsorship terms.

I cant see Shell/Pennzoil sponsoring a Porsche. Yes back in the day. But now, Mobil 1 is the offical sponsor of Porsche Motorsports. And Penske had Mobil 1, but I guess after the Fiat and Chrysler deal. I believe that's how Shell/Pennzoil moved over to Penske's Nascar program.

But I can see him holding down both sponsors if the LMP1 Porsche program came true...

[Mal]

Drayson racing and Lola to form partnership to build an all electric prototype:

Quote from Press Release

"Lola and Drayson Racing announce electric race car collaboration
Lola Cars International Ltd and Drayson Racing Technologies LLP today announce the formation of an official partnership that will initially deliver an all-electric prototype race car, the Lola-Drayson B12/69EV. Lola Cars will have responsibility for developing the racing car chassis and Drayson Racing will have responsibility for developing the electric drivetrain.
The new project aims to fast-track the development of a range of new and next generation technologies including an all-electric drivetrain and sustainably sourced composite parts for the B12/69EV. These technologies will present a number of key opportunities to drive commercially viable innovation into many industries looking to improve energy efficiency and performance, such as aerospace, automotive, defence, renewables and of course motorsport.

The Lola-Drayson will be showcased during the last quarter of this year at a public test session where the aim will be to evidence the high performance of the electric powered race car on-track and to make public the innovative technologies being developed on the car. The ultimate goal of the Lola-Drayson partnership is to deliver an all-electric race car for the planned 2013 FIA electric car championship.
Additional information will be unveiled to the media at the Lola Technology Showcase Day at Lola on Wednesday 7th September 2011.
Martin Birrane, Executive Chairman, Lola Group "This is a very exciting and challenging project and Lola are pleased to welcome Drayson Racing to this unique partnership. I have known Lord Paul Drayson for some time now and I am aware of his many successes as a science entrepreneur in the UK. The team at Lola are looking forward to delivering this and many other innovative programmes."
Robin Brundle, Managing Director of Lola Cars International Ltd "This joint technology showcase programme will truly evidence the technical excellence that exists within Lola. We are delighted to work with Drayson Racing and on this very exciting and multi-industry led programme. You cannot fail to be impressed with the full range of new technology that will be used in this first project which will demonstrate performance in a different class."

Lord Paul Drayson, Managing Partner of Drayson Racing Technologies "This project aims to tap into the huge demand from high tech industry for innovative new technologies that improve vehicle performance and sustainability. The Lola-Drayson B12/69EV will act as a racing laboratory, catalysing technology innovation and driving commercial application in the automotive and related industries.”'

[Ferrari333SP]

Have anybody seen/heard of this yet? I just saw it posted on Endurance-Info's FB profile:

[rich07]

Any info to go with the pic?

[MitchZ06]

Looks like the Wirth coupe in a way....

[dank]

Picture was nabbed from this week's Autosport.

I'd expect a write up to appear on their website in the not too distant future...

[Mal]

I would love it to be true

[The Real DMN]

Looks very similar to the Acura....

[Victor_RO]

Seems to be an Audi R18-ish canopy, fin and intake photoshopped onto the side photo of the ARX-01e.

[gwyllion]

Originally Posted by dank

Picture was nabbed from this week's Autosport.

I'd expect a write up to appear on their website in the not too distant future...

So Autosport magazine is reporting that Wirth and Jaguar are negotiating about a LMP1 coupe?

[Gingers4Justice]

Originally Posted by Mal

Drayson racing and Lola to form partnership to build an all electric prototype:

Quote from Press Release

"Lola and Drayson Racing announce electric race car collaboration
Lola Cars International Ltd and Drayson Racing Technologies LLP today announce the formation of an official partnership that will initially deliver an all-electric prototype race car, the Lola-Drayson B12/69EV. Lola Cars will have responsibility for developing the racing car chassis and Drayson Racing will have responsibility for developing the electric drivetrain.
The new project aims to fast-track the development of a range of new and next generation technologies including an all-electric drivetrain and sustainably sourced composite parts for the B12/69EV. These technologies will present a number of key opportunities to drive commercially viable innovation into many industries looking to improve energy efficiency and performance, such as aerospace, automotive, defence, renewables and of course motorsport.

The Lola-Drayson will be showcased during the last quarter of this year at a public test session where the aim will be to evidence the high performance of the electric powered race car on-track and to make public the innovative technologies being developed on the car. The ultimate goal of the Lola-Drayson partnership is to deliver an all-electric race car for the planned 2013 FIA electric car championship.
Additional information will be unveiled to the media at the Lola Technology Showcase Day at Lola on Wednesday 7th September 2011.
Martin Birrane, Executive Chairman, Lola Group "This is a very exciting and challenging project and Lola are pleased to welcome Drayson Racing to this unique partnership. I have known Lord Paul Drayson for some time now and I am aware of his many successes as a science entrepreneur in the UK. The team at Lola are looking forward to delivering this and many other innovative programmes."
Robin Brundle, Managing Director of Lola Cars International Ltd "This joint technology showcase programme will truly evidence the technical excellence that exists within Lola. We are delighted to work with Drayson Racing and on this very exciting and multi-industry led programme. You cannot fail to be impressed with the full range of new technology that will be used in this first project which will demonstrate performance in a different class."

Lord Paul Drayson, Managing Partner of Drayson Racing Technologies "This project aims to tap into the huge demand from high tech industry for innovative new technologies that improve vehicle performance and sustainability. The Lola-Drayson B12/69EV will act as a racing laboratory, catalysing technology innovation and driving commercial application in the automotive and related industries.”'

Great. Another dead silent prototype in sportscar racing. What could be better?

Oooh, I know. Having your eyes gorged out with a rusty spoon.

[MitchZ06]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

Great. Another dead silent prototype in sportscar racing. What could be better?

Oooh, I know. Having your eyes gorged out with a rusty spoon.

Question, whats the other dead silent prototype?

[Bentley03]

Originally Posted by dank

Picture was nabbed from this week's Autosport.

I'd expect a write up to appear on their website in the not too distant future...

Your crystal ball was correct.......



Dedicated thread here.

[Gingers4Justice]

Originally Posted by MitchZ06

Question, whats the other dead silent prototype?

The Audi R18, the previous Pug was too, as was the R15 and R10.

[MitchZ06]

As far as many normal non gingers (:P) are concerned they actually make a sound but are just quiet, not dead silent....

[Gingers4Justice]

Originally Posted by MitchZ06

As far as many normal non gingers (:P) are concerned they actually make a sound but are just quiet, not dead silent....

That's a low blow!

Ok, I over did it a bit, but I want cars that burst my eardrums, not cars that make my mum feel relaxed.

And I would argue that an R18 is dead silent when overtaking a Corvette

[MitchZ06]

Well played sir, anything is dead silent when a Corvette is hammering past!

I don't think we'll see it become an all electric series in the future, it will just be a series with various powertrains being used.

[dsegs]

According to John Dagys on Twitter Dodge are looking at going to Le Mans...

[NightStalk3r]

Originally Posted by dsegs

According to John Dagys on Twitter Dodge are looking at going to Le Mans...

That was announced a few weeks ago that Chrysler were evaluating a return with the Viper, with the help of Riley.

[Mal]

Tweet from John Dagys

"Believe me, there's A LOT of manufacturers looking at entering WEC/Le Mans right now... Jag, Dodge, Toyota are just three"

[Mal]

I remember Audi saying at the pit visit that the FIA World status was a 'massive' step in bringing in new manufacturers and we would not believe how much effect it would have.