2014 United Sports Car Championship

[cnd01]

But will it be racing, or just doing a few laps here and there before reprogramming the entire engine/putting out the fire

I'm guessing the intentions are for testing, but I see it going up in flames literally.

 

[hawkeye122]

I'm guessing the intentions are for testing, but I see it going up in flames literally.

I was actually AT Laguna Seca when the Delta Wing robbed everyone of a great P1 finish..

 

[cnd01]

I was actually AT Laguna Seca when the Delta Wing robbed everyone of a great P1 finish..

It running gt times in qualifying probably wasn't ideal either.

 

[RACECAR]

The fact that the car has none of the same partners when it was first made is silly. It was so reliable at Petit Le Mans last year, this year it hardly finishes a race without something going wrong.

 

[Mac K]

The other thread is Porsche, so.

Delta Wing to be at Lime Rock.

http://www.limerock.com/index.php?o...wing-is-coming&catid=25:latest-news&Itemid=55

I'll finally see it in person then!

 

[freshseth83]

I've stayed away from the overly biased bigots on there. I've dubbed those guys "The Super 15" because no matter what is said they always whine and complain, but none of them have any solutions. I must say that there are some grand am fans that are 10 times worse than me.

Btw: the USCR facebook fan group is just as bad. People are joining a fan group then trashing the series. That's kinda counter productive imo especially when so little info is available.

You don't seem unbiased in your opinions. People don't find GA an attractive alternative to what ALMS was. Then the 'merger' isnt quite a merger. If people want GA thats cool, but to say the series are merged is kinda stretching it when they alter the classes. That would be fine also save for the fact they say they want to keep the link to the ACO/LeMans. How do you keep that link by handicapping teams who run in the same classes that the ACO does? Its goofy decisions like this that have people questioning "the future".

 

[gogatrs]

Combine Grand Am's money, cost effectiveness, and participation with the ALMS' ACO connection, commitment to technology, support from factory teams, and all around professionalism and you'll create the greatest racing series to ever come to America.

Combine the politics of Grand Am and the politics of the ALMS, and you'll create something that's good for nobody except the moneymakers.

 

[cnd01]

You don't seem unbiased in your opinions. People don't find GA an attractive alternative to what ALMS was. Then the 'merger' isnt quite a merger. If people want GA thats cool, but to say the series are merged is kinda stretching it when they alter the classes. That would be fine also save for the fact they say they want to keep the link to the ACO/LeMans. How do you keep that link by handicapping teams who run in the same classes that the ACO does? Its goofy decisions like this that have people questioning "the future".

Hint: it's not a merger. It's a buyout.

The alms model isn't exactly "attractive" either especially in prototype. P1 is a wash because rebellion left. Dyson poses no threat to mmpr. Dyson is moving to p2 anyway. That leaves mmpr and the delta wing in p1. You can see how interesting that race will be. Gotta slash p1 as grand am isn't going to buy out the alms and then not make the DP the top class. P2 is a L5 parade. Esm can't get their act together, so Scott Tucker gets to drive both cars and finish 1st and 2nd. I bet your bottom dollar Dyson will be about as successful in p2 as they are in p1. While I have concerns about the process of balancing p2 and DP, it can and should be done. PC is a decent race, but it gets next to nothing in tv time. I'm ok with keeping pc.

Now Gt is very respectable and great racing. Rising costs are going to hinder the class down the road, but I'm all for keeping alms gt. Gtc is a great race as well, but it doesn't get enough coverage. I want alms gtc as well. Balance gagt with alms gt and we have a really neat class.

In the end, the wec is to blame for the crappy numbers in all the regional le mans series.

 

[hawkeye122]

Esm can't get their act together.

Thats because ESM are new to the class. Aren't Sahlens running the same car as Ganassi? Another example of teams making the step up and being behind the eight ball. Give them this year, and ESM will have all the kinks worked out.

And in the past, Dyson have been very successful, when they aren't running amuck doing their own thing. While the P1 car seems hard, they arent stupid. I'm sure they can run a basic P2 car with ease.

P1 WAS on it's way out, I agree. I do think that class has very little relevance outside the WEC, especially when the regional series are running PC and P2.

The merger has good potential, but if they hold off any longer, the field won't be as big as we expect. Guys with smaller budgets need something soon...

Truthfully, I think P2 cars should be sped up in general. They're allegedly a bit slower than they were about 5 years ago, lets go back to that performance level?

With all the new Manufacturer support coming to P2 (Caterham, Lotus, Zytec, Oreca, Oak/Morgan, Honda, Alpine) It's hard to make an argument against embracing a class which should see a pretty good ramp-up in the next year or so. Whether that comes to America or not will have to do with the way IMSA writes the rules for 2016, however.

 

[freshseth83]

Hint: it's not a merger. It's a buyout.

The alms model isn't exactly "attractive" either especially in prototype. P1 is a wash because rebellion left. Dyson poses no threat to mmpr. Dyson is moving to p2 anyway. That leaves mmpr and the delta wing in p1. You can see how interesting that race will be. Gotta slash p1 as grand am isn't going to buy out the alms and then not make the DP the top class. P2 is a L5 parade. Esm can't get their act together, so Scott Tucker gets to drive both cars and finish 1st and 2nd. I bet your bottom dollar Dyson will be about as successful in p2 as they are in p1. While I have concerns about the process of balancing p2 and DP, it can and should be done. PC is a decent race, but it gets next to nothing in tv time. I'm ok with keeping pc.

Now Gt is very respectable and great racing. Rising costs are going to hinder the class down the road, but I'm all for keeping alms gt. Gtc is a great race as well, but it doesn't get enough coverage. I want alms gtc as well. Balance gagt with alms gt and we have a really neat class.

In the end, the wec is to blame for the crappy numbers in all the regional le mans series.

More nonsense. GT aren't complaining one bit about prices. You just make things up to justify your biased take on the situation. GA was kept alive by NASCAR, NOT merit (fan base, ticket sales). ALMS chased the factories off and THEN the P1 class fell off. Not to mention the recession. Get the facts straight. GAGT is a mess. No relation to any class but the GTC Porsches and even they need to be 'redone' to even be allowed to compete. Just like the neutered GT3's. The WEC was not to blame. They didn't even start until 2012 P1 dropped ranks in 2010. America doesn't have a strong (any) presense in lmp. So what do you expect? And even still it was more popular than DP. The silly part is, GA fans like yourself call it a buyout, but when someone who likes alms says that they get defensive. It wasn't a 'buyout' according to everyone involved, but now it is?

 

[cnd01]

More nonsense. GT aren't complaining one bit about prices. You just make things up to justify your biased take on the situation. GA was kept alive by NASCAR, NOT merit (fan base, ticket sales). ALMS chased the factories off and THEN the P1 class fell off. Not to mention the recession. Get the facts straight. GAGT is a mess. No relation to any class but the GTC Porsches and even they need to be 'redone' to even be allowed to compete. Just like the neutered GT3's. The WEC was not to blame. They didn't even start until 2012 P1 dropped ranks in 2010. America doesn't have a strong (any) presense in lmp. So what do you expect? And even still it was more popular than DP. The silly part is, GA fans like yourself call it a buyout, but when someone who likes alms says that they get defensive. It wasn't a 'buyout' according to everyone involved, but now it is?

How condescending are you? Where's the huge alms fan base ticket sale numbers? Multiple people have put numbers on the Rolex 24 and Sebring 12. They are even, and who cares who has the biggest fanbase. That doesn't change my opinion on anything. Where are the articles saying nascar funds teams? All my beef on the alms is purely about the product (or lack thereof) on the track.

Oh btw: the wec ruined the p1 class in the alms this year. Rebellion pulled out to focus on a p1 chassis development for the wec.

 

[Furinkazen]

How condescending are you? Where's the huge alms fan base ticket sale numbers? Multiple people have put numbers on the Rolex 24 and Sebring 12. They are even, and who cares who has the biggest fanbase. That doesn't change my opinion on anything. Where are the articles saying nascar funds teams? All my beef on the alms is purely about the product (or lack thereof) on the track.

Oh btw: the wec ruined the p1 class in the alms this year. Rebellion pulled out to focus on a p1 chassis development for the wec.

^Actually that development is for the 2014 new LMP1 regs, so technically you could blame the ACO...

 

[Mac K]

A return to something similar to the IMSA GTP/GT era would be awesome, the top class consisted of some of Europe and Asia's finest prototype machines of the time all running under "Americanized" regulations such as the Porsche 962, Jaguar XJR, and Nissan NPT and also consisting of various American prototypes such as the Intrepid RM-1 and Spice GTP. If we can return to something similar like that, I think a lot more people would be happy. Leave GTLM, PC, and GTD the way they are currently planned to be and kill off GX.

 

[hawkeye122]

Lime Rock Park REALLY want to continue hosting races, it seems...

Good good. Still think the track may be a bit small to run all the classes at once, but still.

 

[Mac K]

Darn, beat me to it.. Go Limerock!

 

[01GTP]

Great news!
With the merger I thought LRP would be out the 2 races.
Maybe these plans and the heritage LRP has will keep it on the schedule .
I hope there are plans for a new winner's area as well, where the car can be shown with the drivers.

Event list for July 4th weekend.
Lamborghini Super Trofeo added as well as WC, super weekend.
http://www.limerock.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=95&Itemid=116

Hey Mac, come see us at RV area 14 if you need anything, be it shelter from the elements, food, ice, track info, area info, whatever.
I will be going back home each night (late) and return in the morning with needed supplies.
Mostly water,ice and alcohol, maybe food too. haha

 

[cnd01]

Lime Rock Park REALLY want to continue hosting races, it seems...

Good good. Still think the track may be a bit small to run all the classes at once, but still.

Depending on car counts, split races are probably in order if lime rock is on the schedule.

 

[Jav]

Good to see Limerock stepping up their game, certainly a track needed on the schedule!

 

[jjaisli]

Great news!


Hey Mac, come see us at RV area 14 if you need anything, be it shelter from the elements, food, ice, track info, area info, whatever.
I will be going back home each night (late) and return in the morning with needed supplies.
Mostly water,ice and alcohol, maybe food too. haha

Perhaps in general, we should plan a little meet and greet for GTP members. I plan to be up as well (race day only). I'll be by the Mohegan Sun hospitality tent.

 

[polarbear345]

Not sure if this is the right thread but...


I'm at Mid Ohio this weekend for Rolex, and I'm having a blast!

If you've never been, there's hill you can sit on and see at least 4-5 turns. The elevation change is wild too!

I can't wait until there are 4 or so classes racing at once!

 

[cnd01]

Not sure if this is the right thread but...

I'm at Mid Ohio this weekend for Rolex, and I'm having a blast!

If you've never been, there's hill you can sit on and see at least 4-5 turns. The elevation change is wild too!

I can't wait until there are 4 or so classes racing at once!

All that rain in Ohio means some heavier rvs might get stuck in the mud

 

[polarbear345]

All that rain in Ohio means some heavier rvs might get stuck in the mud

Yea...

We got stuck. Our buddy we met Thursday night tried to pull us out with his massive truck- didn't work.

Mid Ohio brought a tractor- didn't work.

Mid Ohio brought a bigger tractor- didn't work.

(It's now like 2:30 in the after noon and everyone in sight is watching)

They got wood and gravel and we got up on jacks and they filled the tire holes in with gravel and we left.

For anyone who's there, we're now on the straight after turn one directly infront of the 3 cones.

 

[cnd01]

Not too bad of a replacement spot tbh. It sounded like you had a great spot beforehand.

 

[polarbear345]

Not too bad of a replacement spot tbh. It sounded like you had a great spot beforehand.

It's better now! We're right where the cars start braking

 

[01GTP]

Perhaps in general, we should plan a little meet and greet for GTP members. I plan to be up as well (race day only). I'll be by the Mohegan Sun hospitality tent.

Sounds good.
Contact you later.

I'm at Mid Ohio this weekend for Rolex, and I'm having a blast!

Enjoy the Conti race, they're great.

 

[01GTP]

Perhaps in general, we should plan a little meet and greet for GTP members. I plan to be up as well (race day only). I'll be by the Mohegan Sun hospitality tent.

Sounds good.
Contact you later.

I'm at Mid Ohio this weekend for Rolex, and I'm having a blast!

Enjoy the Conti race, they're great.

Taylor front row should be great to see this afternoon.

 

[freshseth83]

How condescending are you? Where's the huge alms fan base ticket sale numbers? Multiple people have put numbers on the Rolex 24 and Sebring 12. They are even, and who cares who has the biggest fanbase. That doesn't change my opinion on anything. Where are the articles saying nascar funds teams? All my beef on the alms is purely about the product (or lack thereof) on the track.

Oh btw: the wec ruined the p1 class in the alms this year. Rebellion pulled out to focus on a p1 chassis development for the wec.

Rebellion didn't pull out. They scalled back their program. 👎 GA doesn't release attendance figures, no one brought up that number but you. Obviously GA care who has the bigger fanbase. Thats why they bought it 💡 The things you say just don't make sense. Before Rebellion confirmed their decision to run it was dismal in alms p1. They blessed it with their car, now they're cutting back on the races they run. How does the WEC lay in fault? The 2014 regs were already in discussion since 2011. Theyre not even finalised yet. Instead of using money to run in a defunct class, theyll better use it developing next years car. I can guess the GA fans don't understand that because their prototypes are spec and don't get any development work. Look back a few pages, that nice interview will confirm the support of the teams through subsidies. If youre into that, great. But don't think these guys are fooling alms followers by calling it a merger. Even you pointed this out. As for me, Im no fan of either series. I only like the GTE class. P2 doesn't excite me. Neither do MuscleMilk and Dyson. Same for all of GA. Just seems mediocre and slow. No one gets anywhere because its 'frozen' in place with no technical innovation nor freedom. That to me is bland.

 

[cnd01]

you call grand am bland and you haven't even been to a race. Whatever lifts your luggage bud.

 

[Mr.Skyline09]

This thread never dissapoints

 

[freshseth83]

you call grand am bland and you haven't even been to a race. Whatever lifts your luggage bud.

Were not "buds", I only drink them. You're interests don't interest me. I have a g.f to 'lift my luggage' . I don't need to tune into GA or any race for that. They're races are about one step away from demolition derby's. I don't need to explain that, you were witness to it just this past race. It is bland. Its a spec series with low tech 'prototypes' that're slower than GT cars from a decade ago. Sorry if I don't find sluggish DP's and watered down GT wannabe cars attractive. Just not interesting from a technology pov.