[ALMS] ALMS 2012 Discussion

[Chiana]

There could be something positive about the Pug withdrawal. Now that Audi has already secured the WEC title for this year, I wonder if they'll do PLM - I mean why not? The weekend is free for them, it's a good market place and more importantly a very prestigious event, and they don't have to worry abut championships.

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by Chiana

There could be something positive about the Pug withdrawal. Now that Audi has already secured the WEC title for this year, I wonder if they'll do PLM - I mean why not? The weekend is free for them, it's a good market place and more importantly a very prestigious event, and they don't have to worry abut championships.

Logistically next to impossible. Testing for PLM starts while Japan is happening.

[Chiana]

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

Logistically next to impossible. Testing for PLM starts while Japan is happening.

Who cares about testing?

Last year Aston Martin went from Silverstone to Laguna Seca in just one week.

[Fogelhund]

Also, Peugeot dropping out doesn't change anything for Audi... they could have chosen to run PLM anyway. The question is though, would the addition of Audi alone make for a better event? IMO, it would make it worse.

Who cares about testing? hmmmm... I seem to recall Audi and Peugeot being there from something like Thursday or Friday the week before the race testing... it would seem as though they cared.

[Chiana]

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

Also, Peugeot dropping out doesn't change anything for Audi... they could have chosen to run PLM anyway. The question is though, would the addition of Audi alone make for a better event? IMO, it would make it worse.

I'm not saying it would make it any better racing wise as it would kill any chance of the privateer petrols, but certainly it would create bigger attention.

Some of you are just so hard to please it's beyond ridiculous.

[Chiana]

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

Who cares about testing? hmmmm... I seem to recall Audi and Peugeot being there from something like Thursday or Friday the week before the race testing... it would seem as though they cared.

Audi doesn't need to care about their pace because Peugeot won't be there. They could just show up before qualifying and still be on pole

[Chiana]

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

Also, Peugeot dropping out doesn't change anything for Audi... they could have chosen to run PLM anyway.

Yes but there was a slim chance that they could still be in hunt for the WEC champ (as there is still Zhuhai after Petit), but now that their main rival is axed they can do whatever they wish.

[Acid09]

Yep, I think a lot of testing & development plans have changed at Audi this afternoon.... the pressure definitely is off, unlike Toytoa makes a debut with guns blazing... but that's unlikely.

[Mal]

I have felt for a long time that the HPD P1 could be a dark horse this year and may be more competitive than people think - Lets hope i am right.

Also I wouldn't under estimate Toyota I would not be surprised if the car is both competitive and reliable from the off. They appear to have learned their lessons of the past and are following a more sensible path - such as employing an established expert like Oreca to operate the cars at the race track.

It is a shame for Pug though because they built a fantastic car - one which Audi have struggled to match for pace since it first hit the racetracks. Lets hope there is a privateer programme about to be announced.

[Simmi]

I wonder if the Peugeot news could convince Muscle Milk to throw in a last-minute Le Mans entry if they haven't done so already.

[Dyson Mazda]

doesn't Muscle Milk have an auto bid already?

[Victor_RO]

Originally Posted by Dyson Mazda

doesn't Muscle Milk have an auto bid already?

Yes they do, but they weren't determined as to whether they would take it up or not. I suspect with today's news they quickly reconsidered it and took it up... but we'll see in 2 weeks' time.

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by Chiana

Some of you are just so hard to please it's beyond ridiculous.

If by that, you mean that I don't look at a turd, and find a way to mentally polish it and call it gold, thank you.

I'm sorry, I don't find the prospects that there is an infinitely small probability that Audi might choose to run PLM, and make it a demonstration parade all that exciting. I can admit, that having Audi there, might garner the race a few more mentions on page 17 of the sports section of a few newspapers.

Should Audi and Toyota come... great. Should all the petrol, non-Hybrid cars instead, great too... even without Audi and Toyota.

Toyota have managed to make a mockery of their last two big programs I've followed. F1 and the GT ONE both had gobs of money thrown at them with no success. I like Oreca, and respect the success they had with the Vipers. Having said that, they didn't do much with Chrysler LMP program, and only lucked into a win with Mazda. Otherwise, there isn't much distinguishable there. Hopefully it is different this time.

I don't see much hope for the HPD either. Petrol, non-hybrid, privateer run teams... It will take a miracle...

[AGD]

Originally Posted by R4z3rw33n

That's a great idea in theory. It just relies on an ideal set of circumstances:
- You subscribe to an ESPN-affiliate ISP.
- The ALMS retains its broadcasting deal with ESPN.
- The above aren't altered.

If (coincidentally) you're already in the above circumstances, no problemo.
If not, it's easily perceived as somewhat of an inconvenience.

Well, that's the problem for me. My ISP does not subscribe to ESPN3 so watching the ALMS' stream is impossible without a proxy. Oh well. I rather enjoyed watching the highlights last year instead of the full races. Call me an amateur for saying that if you wish, but who wants to sit around watching 2 hours of safety car? That's not my idea of entertainment. At least ESPN3/ALMS archives their streams so I can go back and watch the full thing if I want to. I usually do go back and watch parts that the highlights miss (like the pace car breaking down at Mid-Ohio last year, what a hoot!).

[seanyb505]

Going back to Audi at PLM: I know that A.) they would have to skip a race in a championship they are a part of and that B.) they will likely be leading said championship. In theory, would Audi want the PLM crown back after 3 losses? Or would not having Peugeot there to compete against devalue PLM as a whole?

Grabbing at straws here, but not able to attend Sebring so I'm thinking outside the box here.