2014 United Sports Car Championship

[cnd01]

Yea I see your point. I think both need to co-exist with each other as that makes great competition between the two. Porsche, Audi, Ferrari, and others are challenged to build a car not only better than each other but also against the likes of Riley, Coyote, and others while the prep 2 cars have a chip on their shoulders because all the prep 2 haters out there. It adds another reason to cheer for/against cars for the die-hards while it puts more cars and a wider variety of cars for the casual fan. Win-win if I say so myself

 

[Sam48]

I understand where you're coming from, but I guess I'm just to much of a purist to ever find tube frames acceptable.

 

[cnd01]

I understand where you're coming from, but I guess I'm just to much of a purist to ever find tube frames acceptable.

I presume you're talking about Gt cars only because up until the 21st century pretty much all prototypes were tube frame prep 2, and DP are still prep 2.

Each to his own. You can be a die-hard against prep 2 in the new series

 

[Sam48]

I presume you're talking about Gt cars only because up until the 21st century pretty much all prototypes were tube frame prep 2, and DP are still prep 2.

Yes, I'm only referring to GT. LMP and DP are supposed to be tube frame (Or in some cases carbon tub frame style) as the modern purpose of LMP and DP is to test the latest and greatest technologies (Something DPs are a couple decades behind on ).

Each to his own. You can be a die-hard against prep 2 in the new series

You can be sure of that

 

[cnd01]

Yea the DP was purposely put in the 1990s era of technology to keep cost down and make the cars slower for Daytona safety reasons.

As for prep 2, I'm racist meaning I'm pro-racing. If the prep 2 cars make a better race, then I'm just fine with them.

Hopefully, the people in charge will find the balance.

 

[Wilbur]

I can honestly careless which method they use to build a car as long as they fit in a decent spec and run similar overall.

 

[cnd01]

I can honestly careless which method they use to build a car as long as they fit in a decent spec and run similar overall.

That's what the majority of casual fans want that I've talked to. They could care less what's racing as long as the race isn't over after the first corner.

 

[RACECAR]

For me, its not the fact that they were Tube-frame (hell, Super GT cars are Tube Frame and I love those damn cars), I just never found Grand Am GT cars (other then the Mazda RX-8 and Pontiac GXP.R) to be quite racy looking in comparison to the GT/GT2/GTE cars. The addition of the Ferrari 458 and the Audi R8 however has added some interest for me (along with the Aston now coming as well). Its why wanted the GTD class to go GT3, so the class could have far racier looking cars (regardless of Tube Frame or Production based origin).

Yea the DP was purposely put in the 1990s era of technology to keep cost down and make the cars slower for Daytona safety reasons.

As for prep 2, I'm racist meaning I'm pro-racing. If the prep 2 cars make a better race, then I'm just fine with them.

Hopefully, the people in charge will find the balance.

Couldn't resist

 

[cnd01]

I really liked the rotary scream of the Mazda rx8 when I would stand at the catchfence at the flag stand. Those were some awesome sounds.

 

[Tower Turn 13]

Not sure if this has been posted, but here's an article about class specs.

 

[cnd01]

http://www.grand-am.com/News/GA_New...racing-debut-taking-shape.aspx?cid=6383&sid=1

Good: Every car but PC has a data logger mandated by the series. That's a great way to keep cheating out.

Bad: DP is going to have to go up to P2 rather than meeting in the middle. I mean make 13-18 cars change for 4 or 5...?

 

[Snaeper]

Not sure if this has been posted, but here's an article about class specs.

To help delineate the classes, each car will use standardized number panels with colored backgrounds identifying each class, similar to what is being used currently in the ALMS. The panels will be backlit for night races.

Another feature sure to be popular with fans is the return of a new and improved Leader Lights system, which will be required on all cars. The colored lights, which will be similar in color to the number panels, will enable fans to determine each car’s running position within its class at all times during United SportsCar Racing events.

And that answers that.

 

[Mac K]

Fantastic news! Good on them 👍

 

[LancerEvo7]

My hopes for this series just shot through the roof.

 

[hawkeye122]

The Z4 isn't a tube frame car. In fairness, it's about as similar to the stock Z4 as the Stevenson car is to the Camaro. At least the Camaro has the real engine.

 

[Northstar]

Bad: DP is going to have to go up to P2 rather than meeting in the middle. I mean make 13-18 cars change for 4 or 5...?

I'd imagine it has something to do with the race in France. I personally like that it's going that was as it's always been one of the things I didn't like about the DP's.

 

[Earth]

Bad: DP is going to have to go up to P2 rather than meeting in the middle. I mean make 13-18 cars change for 4 or 5...?

At least nobody can call them prototurtles anymore

They're going to need big modifications to be 5-6 seconds a lap faster. Better tires or bringing P2 down to Continental tires will close the gap about 2 seconds. 50 more horsepower another 2 seconds. So theres about 2 seconds they will have to find through improving the aero.

Daytona is going to be crazy fast. I can see 205 mph top end speeds there

 

[Snaeper]

Canadian Tire Motorsports Park is at a "50-50" chance of being in on the new USCR calendar.

Seems that Fellows is really wanting the track to be the Canadian crown jewel of racing and wants more NASCAR events as well to bring the track to a new level.

I think we'll see it as both series have history of traveling across the border to our friendly northern neighbors.

 

[Tower Turn 13]

Honestly, DP could use some upgrades and innovation IMO. Making those cars better will bring the whole series up.

 

[RACECAR]

Canadian Tire Motorsports Park is at a "50-50" chance of being in on the new USCR calendar.

Seems that Fellows is really wanting the track to be the Canadian crown jewel of racing and wants more NASCAR events as well to bring the track to a new level.

I think we'll see it as both series have history of traveling across the border to our friendly northern neighbors.

With no proof whatsoever, I think it'll happen. Why? Because Ron Fellows, dammit.

 

[cnd01]

I'd imagine it has something to do with the race in France. I personally like that it's going that was as it's always been one of the things I didn't like about the DP's.

Actually, that's what I liked about DP is that it wasn't controlled by the fia/aco

At least nobody can call them prototurtles anymore

They're going to need big modifications to be 5-6 seconds a lap faster. Better tires or bringing P2 down to Continental tires will close the gap about 2 seconds. 50 more horsepower another 2 seconds. So theres about 2 seconds they will have to find through improving the aero.

Daytona is going to be crazy fast. I can see 205 mph top end speeds there

They will get a 6 speed next year which will help more than people think. It said nothing about traction control and a series mandated ecu. That means either both will have tc or both won't which will definitely equalize the lap times a lot more. I would make P2 cars run the Le Mans downforce kit at every track also which after all they run it a Le Mans, so there you go haha. They won't be too to far away as is.

Canadian Tire Motorsports Park is at a "50-50" chance of being in on the new USCR calendar.

Seems that Fellows is really wanting the track to be the Canadian crown jewel of racing and wants more NASCAR events as well to bring the track to a new level.

I think we'll see it as both series have history of traveling across the border to our friendly northern neighbors.

First of all, it's not Canadian Tire Motorsport Park it's Mosport you 🤬 's

I'd like to see it on the schedule. It's a good market to tap into plus the track is cool.

Honestly, DP could use some upgrades and innovation IMO. Making those cars better will bring the whole series up.

DP can be upgraded, but innovation would compromise the DP formula that's had great on track product for 10 years now. Theyre getting paddle shifters (which pro-am DP already had) and now 6 speed transmissions at least.

 

[hawkeye122]

cnd, I dont think he's saying they need to drop a ton of money in to a tech competition... I think he means they need an update in the same way that NASCAR did when they switched to fuel injection. Has the racing changed? Not really. After the initial investment, is it any more expensive? No. Does it make the cars more modern, and more consumer relevant? Slightly so, yes. Allowing the cars to use some more modern options will only make the series better. They cant stick to the same stuff forever. Look at bicycle racing- Every year someone has a new, fancier bike, but does that change the spectacle of the sport? No. Why? Because everyone has a new bike.

Hating an entire class just because it is controlled by the ACO is xenophobic. There's an entire planet out there, open your eyes.

 

[cnd01]

cnd, I dont think he's saying they need to drop a ton of money in to a tech competition... I think he means they need an update in the same way that NASCAR did when they switched to fuel injection. Has the racing changed? Not really. After the initial investment, is it any more expensive? No. Does it make the cars more modern, and more consumer relevant? Slightly so, yes. Allowing the cars to use some more modern options will only make the series better. They cant stick to the same stuff forever. Look at bicycle racing- Every year someone has a new, fancier bike, but does that change the spectacle of the sport? No. Why? Because everyone has a new bike.

Hating an entire class just because it is controlled by the ACO is xenophobic. There's an entire planet out there, open your eyes.

Nothing aco prototype works outside of Le Mans. Asian Le Mans never panned out. ELMS has been cancelling races because of low car counts. Like I said on this thread earlier I'm a racist meaning I'm pro-racing. Here in America, the aco prototype "races" are atrocious. A whopping 2 LMP1 assisted by the world's largest adult toy which is basically daddy Don panoz's team isn't exactly an ideal race especially when 2 of the 3 cars cant make it to the finish. Audi shows up at Sebring to talk about how much data they got for Le Mans after peeing on the competition as they go by. For an ACO prototype series to work outside of Le Mans, it would take more than 1 manufacturer based in that country to field full season factory LMP teams. Not to mention the ACO changes the rules so often that teams have to buy or develop new cars in order to be competitive.

My eyes are open to see all this. As much as I hate to say it, nascar has actually come up with a prototype formula that works in sports car racing for an extended period of time while keeping grid counts up. Race is good, so I want to watch.

That's just what I see.

 

[Northstar]

Actually, that's what I liked about DP is that it wasn't controlled by the fia/aco

I liked that part as well, but if that's what it takes to speed them up I can live with their involvement.

Nothing aco prototype works outside of Le Mans. Asian Le Mans never panned out. ELMS has been cancelling races because of low car counts.

The ELMS has been revived enough with fields in the high 20's. They are also reviving the Asian series next month, only time will tell how that will work.

 

[hawkeye122]

The ELMS has been revived enough with fields in the high 20's. They are also reviving the Asian series next month, only time will tell how that will work.

This. The ELMS race today was pretty good. Truthfully, the ELMS is pretty close to what the USCR is going to be. Solid field of P2(Ours will have DP, but still) a GTE field, and a Challenge/GT3 class. This year the ELMS has done pretty well.

 

[cnd01]

The ELMS has been revived enough with fields in the high 20's. They are also reviving the Asian series next month, only time will tell how that will work.

Notice they've been revived without changing anything. History repeats itself...

I don't think any regional Le Mans series will work as long as the wec is around. The teams with the budget will choose the wec first before the regional series imo. I know I would.

 

[Northstar]

Notice they've been revived without changing anything. History repeats itself...

Actually they've changed quite a bit, ACO has taken over control of the series from Peter Auto, they've also shortened the race weekends and the races themselves. They are also doing more rounds with other series' so it should bring some more fans to the races.

Only time will tell if it will work or not, but the dramatic increase in cars sure isn't a bad sign.

 

[Snaeper]

First of all, it's not Canadian Tire Motorsport Park it's Mosport you 🤬 's

I'd like to see it on the schedule. It's a good market to tap into plus the track is cool.

Don't be so melodramatic. I happen to have some close involvement with the development of two local racetracks in my area and I know and respect when a company is willing to put forth the money to buy the naming rights. Money is important in this little world of ours after all.

I like Mosport as a name, but if the difference means staying open and closing, I'd rather have CTMP.

 

[Tower Turn 13]

Besides I doubt most people will stop calling it mosport

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

I like Mosport as a name, but if the difference means staying open and closing, I'd rather have CTMP.

Yes, Canadian Tire brings a huge sponsorship deal. They're making their presence known at CTMP. Every time I go there, I feel like I'm being bombarded with their overplayed television commercials... Because I am. Canadian Tire, though I quite like the company, bombards people with advertising. It's like McDonald's, Volkswagen, and Mazda, for the repetition of their commercials.

But, at least their commercials are interesting. I'm getting tired of seeing Mazdas sliding around in commercials that say nothing about the cars...

Canadian Tire Motorsports Park is at a "50-50" chance of being in on the new USCR calendar.

Seems that Fellows is really wanting the track to be the Canadian crown jewel of racing and wants more NASCAR events as well to bring the track to a new level.

I think we'll see it as both series have history of traveling across the border to our friendly northern neighbors.

Why can't everyone be this nice to us? 👍 Thanks for the kind words.

First of all, it's not Canadian Tire Motorsport Park it's Mosport you 🤬 's

I'd like to see it on the schedule. It's a good market to tap into plus the track is cool.

👍 But, you're wrong! It's Canadian Mosport Park! And you're very right, it's an epic track!

I don't think any regional Le Mans series will work as long as the wec is around. The teams with the budget will choose the wec first before the regional series imo. I know I would.

What if Grand-Am & ALMS merger makes USCR more popular than the WEC? What will the FIA do? Die out? I hope so...

Besides I doubt most people will stop calling it mosport

I might mash the two together, though, for the sake of Canadian pride; can we call it "Canadian Mosport Park?" I'm going to do that, regardless of how goofy I think it sounds.


The only part that I don't like, about the new name, is that I feel like I've lost the connection with Moss Corner. Having attempted-and barely succeeded-to walk up the hill at Moss Corner, I can attest to the psychotic fun it is.