2014 United Sports Car Championship

[freshseth83]

What if the intentions of the buyout aren't entirely revolving around being taken seriously by the ACO and Le Mans style racing? If that was the sole focus, LMP1 would be carried over. After all, LMP1 class is the most technologically advanced sports cars in the world. With the buyout series, we have a semi-spec prototype, a spec prototype, a gte like class, a gt class that's going to be about like pirelli wc gts class (speculation), and gx(Mazda's class). What's there to be taken seriously besides the gte class and a few grandfathered in LMP2 cars? I would venture to say that if corvette racing and srt motorsports didn't exist, the buyout wouldn't keep them.

LMP1 isn't being kept for two reasons;
1. They claim it's too fast for safety reasons at daytona
2. They want DP to be the top class
I don't get your point really. GTE is the top draw in ALMS, they'd be foolish to lose them. Corvette and Viper have a great history of LeMans, so again, the ACO connections they want would be lost if those teams left. Why buy the ALMS in the first place if the ACO connection wasn't a big deal?

My theory is that Jim France sees profit from this series. He knows that NASCAR isn't quite the monster it once was, and he wants the fans that have left NASCAR to go to something he can still get a good return of investment in rather than going to IndyCar (which might not be there for much longer), aussie v8s, or even f1. That means that the USCR needs to appeal to more of a simple, casual fan simply because there are tons more of those in America than the "cars are the stars" fans. These casual fans are used to watching close competition with a fair amount of argy bargy. As you have shown, the grand am model shows a fair amount of argy bargy. Plus, the grand am model can field more DP full season because they're cost effective not to mention Jim isn't going to buyout a series and put a class above the DP in grand am.

You said they didn'thave much fanbase before. Now ALMS fans are what he's after? I thought ALMS was dying? DP isn't more cost effective than an lmp2 car. The teams are complaining about spending money for upgrading their cars but yet they repair their cars 'every other weekend' from the stupid avoidable contact the series seems to condone. They're subsidised from GA anyway. Now that doesn't mean they're all taken care of, but they do get help to field their cars.

All in all, the primary goal of the buyout is to rally the sports car base in America which hopefully will bring more exposure to American sports car racing which leads to more sponsors interested in marketing their product by supporting race teams. I'll take that anyday even if the ACO doesn't take them seriously. There seems to be much more of a casual race fan market in America, so Imsa is smart enough to market the series towards the larger group of fans.

You still don't get the point. They're trying to field their cars in LeMans! There's a tradeoff for that. You don't get accepted to LeMans driving like a fool. Don't bother with the ALMS does the same thing argument, because there are certain teams who go to LeMans, and their standards are definitely stricter on the driving etiquette! So what you get away with over here might get you tossed out the 24 over there.

 

[Furinkazen]

LMP1 isn't being kept for two reasons;
1. They claim it's too fast for safety reasons at daytona

2. They want DP to be the top class [/QUOTE]

You missed how LMP1 has little to no interest and entries, and new regs arrive next year. Biggest reasons of all.

 

[freshseth83]

2. They want DP to be the top class

You missed how LMP1 has little to no interest and entries, and new regs arrive next year. Biggest reasons of all.[/QUOTE]

Porsche, Audi, Rebellion, Muscle Milk, Dyson is no interest? Porsche was looking forward to 2014s regs to make a new car and possibly run it in the ALMS. Audi would follow them more than likely, they have plenty of cars as evidenced at the LM test day. MMilk wants to keep running P1, Dyson does as well, and Rebellion would if they could. You forgot to mention the even more dire situation lmp2 in the ALMS is. Before ESM decided to drop GTE because they couldn't compete and wouldn't get their team specific bop, there was no lmp2 cars. Level 5 wasn't going to run with no competition. So in reality GA chose to stick with the weaker slower class they could nueter to DP pace. Genius, huh? 💡

 

[cnd01]

I'm saying they're trying to attract non-sports car fans. That's the casual fan I'm referring to. They're buying the ALMS for the Gt class and on a bigger scale, eliminate all competition. They're not trying to send cars to Le mans, that's corporate jargon for "we welcome teams from overseas and we will encourage our teams to go overseas as well"

Btw: Seth, since you're so quick to tell the gtplanet community how wrong we are, I would like to know what you would do if you called all the shots for the USCR.

 

[freshseth83]

"Wrong you are" when you make false claims or change your tune. I don't care for the direction USCR is headed so I don't care to hypothesise on things like what I'd do. You didn't read the story about GA wanting their DP at LeMans? That is trying to send cars to LeMans.

 

[cnd01]

"Wrong you are" when you make false claims or change your tune. I don't care for the direction USCR is headed so I don't care to hypothesise on things like what I'd do. You didn't read the story about GA wanting their DP at LeMans? That is trying to send cars to LeMans.

If you don't care then why are you even posting on this thread? Go troll somewhere else

 

[freshseth83]

If you don't care then why are you even posting on this thread? Go troll somewhere else

Your feelings hurt? Grow up a little. I don't have to like what you like. The good news in all of this is GTE will (hopefully) remain as is and get to run at all types of tracks instead of just GA.

 

[cnd01]

Your feelings hurt? Grow up a little. I don't have to like what you like. The good news in all of this is GTE will (hopefully) remain as is and get to run at all types of tracks instead of just GA.

I thought you didnt care...

 

[freshseth83]

"I don't care for the direction they're headed" was what I said, actually. That means slowing down the P class, getting rid of the top P class, not changing much on the DP. I look forward to DTM and possible SuperGT in America though. But thats not USCR.

 

[cnd01]

I look forward to DTM and possible SuperGT in America though. But thats not USCR.

If that happens, I'll definitely look forward to it too.

On the gte subject, I'm certainly looking forward to sitting in the stands next January at the Rolex 24 and seeing corvette racing and srt motorsports screaming around the high banks.

 

[RACECAR]

I'm just gonna say this: I'm look forward to seeing Corvettes vs Vipers at Daytona as well as finally a series where ALL the classic American Enduros are featured. How about that for a headline, first race kicks off the racing season and the second one on Spring break.

 

[cnd01]

I'm just gonna say this: I'm look forward to seeing Corvettes vs Vipers and it happening at Daytona.

Both have won overall in the past if I'm not mistaken. Oreca in the viper in 1999, and I think corvette won in 2000. It could have been 2001 though.

 

[RACECAR]

Both have won overall in the past if I'm not mistaken. Oreca in the viper in 1999, and I think corvette won in 2000. It could have been 2001 though.

I think it was 2000 the Vipers won, then 2001 for the Corvettes (remember the Earnhardt Dream team in one of the cars with Earnhardt Sr in the wet).

 

[cnd01]

I think it was 2000 the Vipers won, then 2001 for the Corvettes (remember the Eanrhardt Dream team in one of the cars with Earnhardt Sr in the wet).

That's probably right. I think that was Dale Sr.'s last motorsports win.

 

[Tornado]

The Earnhardt team got either third or fourth place in 2001. They weren't the one that won.

 

[cnd01]

The Earnhardt team got either third or fourth place in 2001. They weren't the one that won.

As per wikipedia: viper won in 2000, corvette in 2001, but Dale sr. wasn't driving the winning car

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Moving someone out your way to get past is frowned upon in most motorsport series.

I didn't even get a rolled black flag for this...


Now... About your arguments... Stop changing them. You must have an opinion. Notice, that's a singular object. You can't go around "Well, Grand Am's drivers aren't as good as ALMS drivers, but I don't watch ALMS or Grand Am, and I'm not saying that ALMS drivers aren't bad drivers because the bad drivers are named Seth." I mean, come on, you only need a mirror to find the best Yacaman replacement...

 

[01GTP]

Seth, to each his own.

As all the 2014 regulations are published we all know what will happen.
Oh yeah, no 2014 regulations yet, just some class structure.

My only problem with the merger is that I (Lime Rock) will lose at least one race and probably will only have 10 - 12 races to watch.

And if Grand-Am condoned contact why would they have such stiff penalties? Seth?
Be penalties what they will, I think they're (Grand-Am officials) handing out too many as it is.
The problem there is that they are taking out the grey area of the decision that should be made by someone who can take the heat.
The look on Mike Johnson's reaction to the Belle Isle penalty, not priceless.
Unfortunate pit accident, no penalty needed.

This is bull, park Yacaman. http://www.grand-am.com/News/GA_New...xt-two-rolex-series-races.aspx?cid=6383&sid=1

Somewhat related story.
Potolicchio to run USCR decals at 24 Hours of Le Mans on the Ferrari.
After last years Indy race I find that quite funny.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Actually... Yacaman has fewer dive-bombing opportunities at Watkins Glen; my money's on Turn 1 or Turn 5.


Yes, that's right, I think it actually is that predictable.

 

[01GTP]

1st lap probably.

At least complete a lap this race. 💡

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

1st lap probably.

At least complete a lap this race. 💡

That's my goal- wait, are we talking about Yacaman?


I've been having reliability issues. Yacaman... Has been having idiot issues. Sorry to be blatant, and rude, but... Is he serious?!

 

[cnd01]

Seth, to each his own.

As all the 2014 regulations are published we all know what will happen.
Oh yeah, no 2014 regulations yet, just some class structure.

My only problem with the merger is that I (Lime Rock) will lose at least one race and probably will only have 10 - 12 races to watch.

And if Grand-Am condoned contact why would they have such stiff penalties? Seth?
Be penalties what they will, I think they're (Grand-Am officials) handing out too many as it is.
The problem there is that they are taking out the grey area of the decision that should be made by someone who can take the heat.
The look on Mike Johnson's reaction to the Belle Isle penalty, not priceless.
Unfortunate pit accident, no penalty needed.

This is bull, park Yacaman. http://www.grand-am.com/News/GA_News/tabid/141/Article/53818/yacaman-probation-extended-for-next-two-rolex-series-races.aspx?cid=6383&sid=1

Somewhat related story.
Potolicchio to run USCR decals at 24 Hours of Le Mans on the Ferrari.
After last years Indy race I find that quite funny.

On the yacaman subject: Rojas blocked Gus into the grass twice before his move, so I don't think he is quite as much at fault as he was in Detroit. Plus, Rojas left Gus the curb when he made his move. Rojas left Michael Valiante a whole groove when he did the same thing. That's probably why Gus hasn't been parked yet.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

On the yacaman subject: Rojas blocked Gus into the grass twice before his move, so I don't think he is quite as much at fault as he was in Detroit. Plus, Rojas left Gus the curb when he made his move. Rojas left Michael Valiante a whole groove when he did the same thing. That's probably why Gus hasn't been parked yet.

Either give us an on-board to prove this, or... You know, deal with me on Facebook.

 

[freshseth83]

I didn't even get a rolled black flag for this...


Now... About your arguments... Stop changing them. You must have an opinion. Notice, that's a singular object. You can't go around "Well, Grand Am's drivers aren't as good as ALMS drivers, but I don't watch ALMS or Grand Am, and I'm not saying that ALMS drivers aren't bad drivers because the bad drivers are named Seth." I mean, come on, you only need a mirror to find the best Yacaman replacement...

You have a reading comprehension issue? I didnt say anything about the drivers being bad in general. I said the bad driving standards that are seemingly ok wont fly in the ACO's eyes. Stop pretending you know what you're talking about and go back to wherever you were hiding before you decided to jump on my crack again, yeah?

 

[01GTP]

2005 LRP race.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6MESVMECME&feature=youtu.be

I also saw mention of the 2014 schedule of events.

ALMS Racing ‏@almsnotes 17h
@dysonfan We have a great lineup of events planned for next season. Stay tuned for more details. #TheFuture

And for anyone attending the July 4th weekend, sorry to mention the (actual) fireworks are planned for the following weekend.
It would br great to have some for the race weekend but the Delta Wing will have to do.

 

[Falcon787B]

Really haven't been keeping up with current events here about the USCR.

What little I've heard so far sounds great, then I come on here and I see doom and gloom, people already proclaiming it as a failure, people arguing. What gives? What have I missed?

 

[MustangManiac]

Really haven't been keeping up with current events here about the USCR.

What little I've heard so far sounds great, then I come on here and I see doom and gloom, people already proclaiming it as a failure, people arguing. What gives? What have I missed?

People love to piss & moan. Will it be everything I want? I doubt it, but I don't expect everything and everyone to cater to my wants and needs alone. Will it suffer teething problems? More than likely, which I would expect of any endeavor of this size. Personally, I love sports car racing and will continue to support it.

 

[Falcon787B]

People love to piss & moan. Will it be everything I want? I doubt it, but I don't expect everything and everyone to cater to my wants and needs alone. Will it suffer teething problems? More than likely, which I would expect of any endeavor of this size. Personally, I love sports car racing and will continue to support it.

Good on you bro I mean I can get really cynical and grumpy (I spent most of the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours moaning about the stupid balance of performance and other stupid rules) but I'm positive USCR will be a success. And I actually think it'll be better off for not being involved with the FIA/ACO, which so far have given American sportscar racing a fairly raw deal.

 

[cnd01]

i actually think it'll be better off for not being involved with the fia/aco, which so far have given american sportscar racing a fairly raw deal.

+1

 

[MustangManiac]

Good on you bro I mean I can get really cynical and grumpy (I spent most of the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours moaning about the stupid balance of performance and other stupid rules) but I'm positive USCR will be a success. And I actually think it'll be better off for not being involved with the FIA/ACO, which so far have given American sportscar racing a fairly raw deal.

Ideally, I would have liked to see a strong link with the ACO and some WEC events here in the states and USCR events across the pond eventually, but it doesn't look like that will happen anytime soon. Yes, the Vettes and Vipers sure got screwed this year, as did the Ferraris! There was plenty to moan about with the bop at the 24 this year. I still loved the race, when we got to see some racing instead of the safety car