Sportscar/GT (and Le Mans) Rumours and Repetition

[MitchZ06]

A number of GT3s from the first lot went directly to collectors before the car had even raced, think the badge makes a bit of difference....

[Koenigsegg]

The new Tiga LM214:
http://www.endurance-info.com/fr/tig...pecifications/

Looks like LMP1 style rearwings are allowed for LMP2 in 2014. First Pilbeam and now Tiga. Maybe this is what the SMP boss was referring to when he said they stopped working on their own LMP2 because of different regulations.

[The Badger]

Flatbox Ikea shelf unit , billy series ..... Its hangin !!!

[TF110]

Originally Posted by Koenigsegg

The new Tiga LM214:
http://www.endurance-info.com/fr/tig...pecifications/

Looks like LMP1 style rearwings are allowed for LMP2 in 2014. First Pilbeam and now Tiga. Maybe this is what the SMP boss was referring to when he said they stopped working on their own LMP2 because of different regulations.

Maybe they know something we don't. I didn't think there was any aerodynamic rule changes for next year in lmp2.

[Rodger Davies]

If I recall correctly, it was never an 'allowed' thing, just a loophole in the rules that Toyota found. Its not full width as the extra bits are mounted to the body and not officially part of the wing, no?

So not surprising to see new cars adopting this workaround the rule.

[TF110]

Originally Posted by Rodger Davies

If I recall correctly, it was never an 'allowed' thing, just a loophole in the rules that Toyota found. Its not full width as the extra bits are mounted to the body and not officially part of the wing, no?

So not surprising to see new cars adopting this workaround the rule.

You're right. Then the rules were rewritten in 2013 to allow 'fender extensions' on lmp1 cars. But in the same rulebook the lmp2 cars were explicitly written to not allow for bodywork to extend above a certain point (so no raised rear fenders). I don't have the pdf on hand so I can't point you to the text.

[Rodger Davies]

No worries, I'm happy to accept being wrong! Thanks for clarifying.

[TF110]

No, you were right! I edited my post. It just allowed for it this season.

[pablocomics]

It's exactly like the Embassy just with a bit different rear hood and side covers (new regullations). The Pilbeam looked better IMO.

[MyNameIsNigel]

Originally Posted by Rodger Davies

If I recall correctly, it was never an 'allowed' thing, just a loophole in the rules that Toyota found. Its not full width as the extra bits are mounted to the body and not officially part of the wing, no?

So not surprising to see new cars adopting this workaround the rule.

Originally Posted by TF110

No, you were right! I edited my post. It just allowed for it this season.

Strictly speaking, the relevant article in the 2013 rules (i.e. Article 3.4.5) has merely been clarified in respect of the mandatory wheel arch cut-outs. The "rear wheel arch extensions" are not as such specifically allowed (nor specifically banned), but result from a "clever" interpretation of Article 3.4.5. Now, this "clever" interpretation is only valid for LMP1s, not for LMP2s. There is a subtle difference in Article 3.4.5 between LMP1 and LMP2. In short, the bodywork - seen from the side - cannot exceed a 725 mm limit above the "reference surface". For LMP2s, this limit applies to all bodywork parts around the rear wheel arch cut-out, whereas for LMP1s this limit only applies forward of the rear axle.

[MyNameIsNigel]

Originally Posted by MyNameIsNigel

Strictly speaking, the relevant article in the 2013 rules (i.e. Article 3.4.5) has merely been clarified in respect of the mandatory wheel arch cut-outs. The "rear wheel arch extensions" are not as such specifically allowed (nor specifically banned), but result from a "clever" interpretation of Article 3.4.5. Now, this "clever" interpretation is only valid for LMP1s, not for LMP2s. There is a subtle difference in Article 3.4.5 between LMP1 and LMP2. In short, the bodywork - seen from the side - cannot exceed a 725 mm limit above the "reference surface". For LMP2s, this limit applies to all bodywork parts around the rear wheel arch cut-out, whereas for LMP1s this limit only applies forward of the rear axle.

In other words, both the new Pilbeam and Tiga LMP2 as appearing on the preliminary drawings that have been posted in the media do not appear to be complying with the rules. It remains to be seen however if the LMP2 rules will be amended for next year.

Or maybe I am simply wrong with my interpretation of the current rules...

[Simmi]

Interesting bit here on Level 5 and P1 via Sportscar365

"We’re also still looking at the possibility of LMP1 in the WEC."

Stone said they are currently in discussions with a driver for the proposed LMP1 program, who could potentially help bring some funding to the program, if given the green light.

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/tusc/le...tomer-options/

Surely now is too late to be putting together a P1 programme? But it does make you wonder who the driver is...

[CTD]

Dempsey?

[Maelochs]

Klaus Graf is the European distributor for Muscle Milk, I believe, and might be without a ride depending on what Pickett Racing does.

[Rodger Davies]

good question indeed. I highly doubt Dempsey though, I think he's set with the Porsche deal for the time being. In fact, is he Silver or Bronze? Pretty sure you need to be Silver for P1 anyway.

I'd be inclined to think someone with a good backer, so one of the Russians backed by SMP maybe, or a single-seat drop-out with funding, maybe a van der Garde or Gutierrez (would assume Maldonado and Perez would find a seat), someone that's lost an F1 drive or test drive?

Shooting in the dark, genuinely no idea. Won't hold my breath on this one though!

[Marcel ten Caat]

Originally Posted by Maelochs

Klaus Graf is the European distributor for Muscle Milk, I believe, and might be without a ride depending on what Pickett Racing does.

Tiny problem there is that Muscle Milk is a product of CytoSport, which is the company owned/founded by Greg Pickett ;-)

[Dead-Eye]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Surely now is too late to be putting together a P1 programme? But it does make you wonder who the driver is...

It's 5 months until Silverstone. Plenty of time to get a customer programme together.

[Maelochs]

"Tiny problem there is that Muscle Milk is a product of CytoSport, which is the company owned/founded by Greg Pickett ;-)"

It would pretty weird if I didn't understand there was a link between Muscle Milk and Pickett Racing, but did know Graf was the Euro distributor, wouldn't it? (What you mean there is a connection between Muscle Milk and Muscle Milk Pickett Racing? Who'd ever guess?)

My point here is that Graf has his own business and his own money (and Muscle Milk is expanding in Europe---a while back there were rumors that Pickett would go WEC and it would be good business) and if Graf does not had a Pickett Racing ride, he could do something on his own, possibly with the portion of the business which he controls as a partial sponsor (would make the same sense as ti would have a few months ago.)

The only issue I could see with it is that apparently Muscle Milk is up for sale, but i don;'t know the details because I will not pay a dime for the new, non-factual Wall Street Journal.

I doubt Greg Pickett would tell Graf not to invest the profits of his own portion of the business into racing, unless Pickett also planned to race under the same banner in the same series, but right now Pickett seems ot be leaning towards GTLM or GTD, so there would be no conflict.

Just a guess anyway.

[JLGarcia]

^^^Errrrrm...

[Pickett] did confirm, however, that Klaus Graf and Lucas Luhr have been re-signed for 2014.

[Maelochs]

Well, scratch that as a valid guess, then.

Good news though ... I like Klaus Graf and would prefer he stay with Pickett racing, in whatever class.

Which leaves the mystery of the mysterious potential P1 driver/team.

[NelisB]

RCE Twitter just hinted at another unconfirmed lmp1 project.
'@RacecarEngineer oh yeah did I mention a not previously rumoured LMP1 design being prepped for 2014? https://twitter.com/RacecarEngineer/...67136079478784 '

Wonder what it could be.

[CTD]

Isn't there enough as it is?
I hope this is a project that doesn't depend on a customer to purchase it.

[NelisB]

Originally Posted by CTD

Isn't there enough as it is?
I hope this is a project that doesn't depend on a customer to purchase it.

That would be very nice. A certain entry for next year in lmp1 is always welcome.

[joeb]

There was also a tweet about a Subaru LMP engine.

Originally Posted by NelisB

RCE Twitter just hinted at another unconfirmed lmp1 project.
'@RacecarEngineer oh yeah did I mention a not previously rumoured LMP1 design being prepped for 2014? https://twitter.com/RacecarEngineer/...67136079478784 '

Wonder what it could be.

Is the design bring prepped for 2014 or is the car?

[deggis]

Originally Posted by joeb

There was also a tweet about a Subaru LMP engine.

https://twitter.com/RacecarEngineer/...56364951638016