2014 United Sports Car Championship

[cnd01]

For sure. Glad to see they've gotten rid of the old fashioned 5 lug-nut wheels, and I'm also glad they went ALMS's direction with suspended air and fuel hoses as well.

The only problem I had with the grand am pit stops was that it didnt matter how fast the tire changers are. On a regular pit stop, the tire changers were done with their work as well as a driver change before the fuel was done. I would like to see the fuel done before the tire changers, but I still want both being done simultaneously.

 

[Earth]

The only problem I had with the grand am pit stops was that it didnt matter how fast the tire changers are. On a regular pit stop, the tire changers were done with their work as well as a driver change before the fuel was done. I would like to see the fuel done before the tire changers, but I still want both being done simultaneously.

They could speed up the fuel flow just enough to keep the tire changers on their toes or make them really important

 

[cnd01]

They could speed up the fuel flow just enough to keep the tire changers on their toes or make them really important

That would be preferred for me.

 

[hawkeye122]

I think you can only speed up the fuel flow so far until it becomes a safety hazard. When the coupling breaks, i'd rather the least amount of fuel spillage possible. More fuel=Possibly more fire.

 

[Earth]

Well then they'd just have to adopt ALMS rules and ban tire changes until the refuel is complete

 

[cnd01]

I think you can only speed up the fuel flow so far until it becomes a safety hazard. When the coupling breaks, i'd rather the least amount of fuel spillage possible. More fuel=Possibly more fire.

Well then they'd just have to adopt ALMS rules and ban tire changes until the refuel is complete

The only thing I don't like about the Le Mans style pit stops is that they take too damn long and they're very monotonous. I prefer seeing those cars on track rather than sitting on the air jacks and turned off, and a fast paced stop. The Level 5 fires at Le Mans would've been avoided had the pit rules not been like they were.

Both styles have pros and cons. I prefer the grand am style.

 

[01GTP]

No Am requirement for P2 pretty much deals their fate. Unless you find a top-flight pay driver, I reckon P2 will fall by the wayside.

Teams competing in the Prototype (P) and GT Le Mans (GTLM) classes will not be restricted in terms of driver rating.

I am missing something here.

Doesn't the above state that prototype team drivers have no restrictions, so any driver can drive, pro or currently ranked amateur?

So new prototype teams can abound, whether DP or P2? Yes?

 

[cnd01]

I am missing something here.

Doesn't the above state that prototype team drivers have no restrictions, so any driver can drive, pro or currently ranked amateur?

So new prototype teams can abound, whether DP or P2? Yes?

From what I understood, he was saying that because basically all p2 teams are funded by the am driver, so the am drivers don't want to race against the pro pro lineups in grand am.

Of course, drivers classified as am won both the Rolex 24 (John Pew) and the overall north American endurace championship (Alex Popow) in last year's Rolex series.

 

[01GTP]

From what I understood, he was saying that because basically all p2 teams are funded by the am driver, so the am drivers don't want to race against the pro pro lineups in grand am.

Now I understand the reasoning, thanks.

 

[Tower Turn 13]

From what I understood, he was saying that because basically all p2 teams are funded by the am driver, so the am drivers don't want to race against the pro pro lineups in grand am.

Of course, drivers classified as am won both the Rolex 24 (John Pew) and the overall north American endurace championship (Alex Popow) in last year's Rolex series.

If AM drivers ever want to become PROs, don't they have to race with pros? And like you say, skill level varies among AM drivers.

And why can't rich dudes just OWN/MANAGE a team, rather than having to drive on it? If you aren't good enough to compete for P1 or develop your car/self to be a P1 package in a few years, why even bother?

Maybe I'm missing something?

The way I would approach owning a team would be to win at all costs. If that means I don't drive in the series, fine by me.

 

[freshseth83]

The rumor has been around since Sebring...

I think he does have something to gain. It's kinda his job to write articles that create a response...

He reports on sportscar racing. Speedtv does the same. To say he is pushing a rumor, when he explains that their site doesn't much dwell on rumors, is preposterous.

Guys, can we stick to facts on the ground, and polite speculation, rather than what i perceive as two grown people arguing about something which doesnt yet exist...

When people make things up... about people making things up, thats the very definition of the idiom "the pot calling the kettle black".

Aside from that, the only thing in this rules outline that I find appealing is the refueling while changing tires.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

And why can't rich dudes just OWN/MANAGE a team, rather than having to drive on it? If you aren't good enough to compete for P1 or develop your car/self to be a P1 package in a few years, why even bother?

"I'm not ever going to ride a bike, because I won't be Lance Armstrong."


"I'm not ever going to jump a skiprope for physical fitness, I'll never be Mike Tyson." (Slightly off-topic, I went to the same school he did)


"I'll never go snowboarding, I'll never be Shaun White."


"I'll never sing, I'll never be Tim McIlrath."


Seriously, not everyone even wants to race P1. You couldn't pay me to drive P1. It doesn't seem safe, seems too fast, and the competition... Well, you know, I don't get a rush out of racing, unless I feel like I'm in true competition. Running laps without any competition seems like a chore.


But, if you asked me to run Grand-AM GX class, I'd be happy. Mazda... I'd be very happy.


Why does everyone have to be in LMP1? Where's the logic in it?

 

[freshseth83]

Whos "everyone"? Why is it unsafe or too fast? Theyre safer than any race car they run with, if not safer than any race car period. F1 must be too fast, they run 10 seconds per lap faster and have no canopy so they're unsafe too? I dont get that argument. P1 is a technology showcase, some people like that instead of production based engines with limited development like P2 or standardized types like DP.

 

[RACECAR]

"I'm not ever going to ride a bike, because I won't be Lance Armstrong."


"I'm not ever going to jump a skiprope for physical fitness, I'll never be Mike Tyson." (Slightly off-topic, I went to the same school he did)


"I'll never go snowboarding, I'll never be Shaun White."


"I'll never sing, I'll never be Tim McIlrath."


Seriously, not everyone even wants to race P1. You couldn't pay me to drive P1. It doesn't seem safe, seems too fast, and the competition... Well, you know, I don't get a rush out of racing, unless I feel like I'm in true competition. Running laps without any competition seems like a chore.

Please tell me you are joking.

Auto racing in General is Dangerous. Don't for one minute think one discipline is the one that will kill you and not anything else.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Whos "everyone"? Why is it unsafe or too fast? Theyre safer than any race car they run with, if not safer than any race car period. F1 must be too fast, they run 10 seconds per lap faster and have no canopy so they're unsafe too? I dont get that argument. P1 is a technology showcase, some people like that instead of production based engines with limited development like P2 or standarized types like DP.

Seth... You're not a spokesperson (because spokesmen are men) for ALMS. Stop spewing their crap.


You don't have to argue with my opinion. However, since I will perpetually hate you, I'm glad that you seem to be willing to defend LMP1 as if it's your legitimate child... You know, not like the one you ignore while you play video games, envisioning how you could be the next LMP1 race driver star?


But, unless you have some idea of the visceral experience of driving a car that's not a 2002 Grand-Am, on a track, I recommend you "experience" this before you jump to conclusions that LMP1 would be "safe." No.


Besides, I mean the feeling of speed will always make you feel unsafe. That's my meaning of "unsafe," in the context I used it in. I'm basically saying, I don't have the will to drive it, because it's too fast. Same goes for F1.


Again, that's why I mentioned GX class. It's slow. I like racing somewhat reasonably slow things, it takes just as much talent, but without the perception of risk; more endorphines, less adrenaline. Is there a problem with that?

Please tell me you are joking.

I'm not joking. Read above.

 

[polarbear345]

*grabs popcorn*


(I have some to share too)

 

[RACECAR]

Again, that's why I mentioned GX class. It's slow. I like racing somewhat reasonably slow things, it takes just as much talent, but without the perception of risk; more endorphines, less adrenaline. Is there a problem with that?

I'm not joking. Read above.

Here's the problem with your theory: Speed isn't always what kills, carelessness is just as likely to do you in.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Here's the problem with your theory: Speed isn't always what kills, carelessness is just as likely to do you in.

Quoting Jeremy Clarkson: "Speed doesn't kill. Suddenly becoming stationary does."

Yes, I understand that. Again, I'm talking about the perception of fear, the perception of danger. Even though racing at my kart track is probably more dangerous than LMP1 racing, it doesn't seem as dangerous, because we're going slower. Granted, we're much closer to crashing violently, almost perpetually, but it doesn't seem dangerous. LMP1 cars are built for endurance racing. Most endurance drivers drive at 9/10ths. That's what I mean.

 

[Mac K]

GX? Really? I mean racings racing but of all the classes to pick..

 

[polarbear345]

GX? Really? I mean racings racing but of all the classes to pick..

Guaranteed podium, best chance to win...

 

[RACECAR]

Guaranteed podium, best chance to win...

So basically, its like the old P675 class then.

 

[hawkeye122]

Quoting Jeremy Clarkson: "Speed doesn't kill. Suddenly becoming stationary does."

All of your points are now less likely to be taken seriously

 

[Tower Turn 13]

"I'm not ever going to ride a bike, because I won't be Lance Armstrong."


"I'm not ever going to jump a skiprope for physical fitness, I'll never be Mike Tyson." (Slightly off-topic, I went to the same school he did)


"I'll never go snowboarding, I'll never be Shaun White."


"I'll never sing, I'll never be Tim McIlrath."


Seriously, not everyone even wants to race P1. You couldn't pay me to drive P1. It doesn't seem safe, seems too fast, and the competition... Well, you know, I don't get a rush out of racing, unless I feel like I'm in true competition. Running laps without any competition seems like a chore.


But, if you asked me to run Grand-AM GX class, I'd be happy. Mazda... I'd be very happy.


Why does everyone have to be in LMP1? Where's the logic in it?

You misunderstand. I mean P1 as in position 1. Whatever the class.

I don't think only the stars should race, but if you aren't fast enough (or on your way there) to compete fairly in your class against the podium guys, why are you in sports car racing to begin with?

In other words I think it's incredibly infantile for a team owner to abandon a team because he can't compete with pro drivers. Wah wah. Grab yourself by the balls and get better or get out. Or just, I don't know, hire pro drivers with your incredible wealth.

 

[cnd01]

Guaranteed podium, best chance to win...

Same as LMP1 in the alms. I mean the world's largest adult toy even gets a podium....

 

[Sam48]

hmmm, what do we have here? The image in question was published by Aim Autosport. A GT-LM entry for 2014???

 

[cnd01]

hmmm, what do we have here? The image in question was published by Aim Autosport. A GT-LM entry for 2014???

Excellent news. I'm pretty sure it will be the 61 entry of papis and segal.

 

[Northstar]

Has there been any word on what number template they will use? I really hope they go with the traditional Le Mans style template as the current GA one(no set size, color, location or style) is rather annoying, especially at Daytona during the night.

 

[cnd01]

Has there been any word on what number template they will use? I really hope they go with the traditional Le Mans style template as the current GA one(no set size, color, location or style) is rather annoying, especially at Daytona during the night.

I like the personalization of the grand am non template, but I know all the liveries which makes it easy to tell for me. For someone who doesn't know the teams, the Le mans style could benefit them more. I never really liked that stock design. It's certainly functional though.

 

[hawkeye122]

I hope they reincorporate the 3 lights on the side of the cars to tell position in class...

 

[Northstar]

I like the personalization of the grand am non template, but I know all the liveries which makes it easy to tell for me. For someone who doesn't know the teams, the Le mans style could benefit them more. I never really liked that stock design. It's certainly functional though.

I would like a combo personally, basically the number plate and location used in ALMS but allow teams to use whatever style/color they want so long as it fits inside the number plate.

Also, make them use numbers that look like numbers as this...

...Can be rather confusing for someone having no clue what team is what number. Hell, I thought it was a sponsor logo the first time I saw it.