It's all but completely confirmed. (I apologize if this has already been posted.)
Apparently the series are supposedly going to combine all of their existing classes... but I suspect the LMPC and GTC classes from ALMS might get the cut to make room. This will be interesting.
This is how I think the fields should be organized and run.
Optional P1: P1 cars from WEC (Audi & Toyota) can partake in crossover races like Sebring. Depending on interest they could partake in more races.
LMP (Le Mans Prototypes): Essentially P2 regulations as is. With P1 teams downgrading. This should not be a big deal for Dyson and MM (they have competed in P2). Regs should mirrow ELMC and WEC P2 specs as close as possible to open the field up for international competition compatibility. But regs would not be overly strict. This would act as the fastest class.
DP (Daytona Prototypes): The Dayotona Prototypes as they are now. Visual and performance wise they are very different from LMP2 and would be easy for fans to distinguish. This would effectively replace ALMS's PC class. The DP's are practically spec and from what I have read their cost is reasonable so this would make a decent replacement for PC.
GT: To me this field is the hardest to resolve. ALMS as it is, is great. Grand-Am is ok... but kinda eh. It would be great if WEC GT specs, ALMS GT specs, GA GT specs, and FIA GT3 specs were all the same... but they are not. I personally find and I think the manufacturers agree, the best spec is FIA GT3. About the only loosers would be the ALMS Corvettes and Vipers, and Grand Am Mazdas. Every other manufacturer in ALMS GT, GA GT and WEC has a car in FIA GT3. The problem is almost everyone needs a new car...
GTC: There is no way the Porsche 911 GT3/Cup car is leaving or changing drastically. That being said, I think other manufacturers can compete in this class. Take some of the slower Grand Am GT cars and spec them to compete with the Porsches. This class needs to focus on the lowest barrier to entry to this new ALMS/GA partnership. Absolutely nothing should get in the way of that.
I'm sure there will be some changes in the long run, but for now, I suspect that we'll see the classes continue on as they are intially, just running along side each other. The Grand-Am GT and Daytona Prototypes can easily replace the LMPC and GTC categories, as they essentially provide similar costs but even more excitement (more manufacturers rather than spec). We need to remember that Grand-Am has been developing a new GX class, too, so that will be interesting to see how it fits in.
This is how I suspect the classes will play out for now.
LMP1: Should be reserved for WEC rounds and the like. Assuming those still happen.
LMP2: Continues on as the fastest and most exotic regularly attending Prototypes. Possibly re-labeled simply as LMP's, dropping the 2 for non-WEC rounds to minimalize confusion.
DP: Continues on as they are. Exciting cost-effective racing machines and extremely diverse when compared to LMP2's. Also much more visually distinct than the LMPC's which looked similar to LMP2's to the untrained eye.
GTE: Becomes the top spec GT class. GT2 Cars continue as they are for now. Possibility of merger with Grand-Am GT class later on, however.
GX: Remains to be seen if this will even come about now. Only the Evora GX and a Mazda Diesel Engine exist, so it's hard to know where this will fit in if it happens.
GT: Becomes a much more exciting alternative to the current Porsche series. Cost effective American and European style GT cars racing. Possible merger with GTE later on.
Support Races:
Challenge Series- LMPC and GTC cars racing together.
American DTM
CTSCC
But what about the track line up now? I'm kind of giddy just thinking about it! Imagine racing at Long Beach, Daytona, Laguna Seca, Indianapolis, Road Atlanta, Sebring and others all in one season in the same class! The schedule should include a whose-who of the greatest American racing tracks still in operation!
