2014 United Sports Car Championship

[Müle]

I don't really mind the spec tire after thinking about it, as it eliminates one variable that can make creating parity between the DP's and P2's more difficult. PC is a spec formula, so a spec tire makes sense, while GTD is the exact same as Grand-Am GT, which was already on a spec tire. And GTLM still has open tires, as it's the exact same as GT2/GTE.

 

[hawkeye122]

Having a soft and hard is a fair plan, as long as there's an actual difference in durability. But limiting how you use them? Eh...

I hope they don't bring different tyres to each track. Obviously I'm ok with softer compounds for smaller tracks, but if they use too many different specs, it'll be harder to get any kind of data.

Apparently they're supposed to make some kind of announcement this week, tons of rumors floating around as to what it might be.

And for the sake of everyone involved, I hope they change the tyres up enough so that the DP teams don't have an advantage in data....

 

[Snaeper]

I also would like to see more than one tire maker in each of the top prototype and GT classes. I have no problem with the spec tire in the PC and GTD classes.

The point I made a few pages ago discussing tires was this: The P2's are currently a single-tire class, even if other brands are allowed. Ultimately, everyone is running Michelin's, so them all switching to Continental's isn't a big deal. Even though Continental said they're not using tires as a method of parity, it still puts everyone in the same realm in terms of degradation and grip.

They also don't run at Le Mans that often, so them switching to Continental's isn't handicapping their international performance at all... since there really isn't much of an international presence for ALMS P2 teams currently.

The only class that had multiple tire manufacturers continues to have multiple manufacturers.

I also agree that the tires should not be performance engineered to create drama, but instead performance engineered to make the best possible racing tire.

 

[01GTP]

Thanks for the replies on the tire compounds.
I'm not sure if the usual race length works in the favor of different compounds or not.
Tires last as long as fuel so if the USCR implements the mandated use of different compounds I could see the use of softerr tires for qualifying and short stints at the end of a race, say after a late race caution.
Of course teams have to start the race on the tires they qualify with.

It appears there is no talk about multiple compounds but I thought I would throw it out there to see what others here think and to somewhat educate myself as to what other series with 1 tire manufacturer are doing.
Doesn't sound promising for F1 and Pirelli.

A new tire for the USCR would be a good idea so the DP's don't have the previous data to use in the future.
A clean slate for tires would be a good idea for competition in the P class.

Another thought I have is about having the 2 series at the same track this weekend.
Anyone think any teams may have cars ready to test for next year after the racing is over on Sunday?
It would be a great opportunity to test during this coming week as all the teams are already here.
It would seem this won't happen as too many obstacles are in the way.
Tires to start, cars made to 2014 specs and the fact that Kansas is next weekend are probably big hurdles at this time of (our) uncertainty.
I say our uncertainty because we don't know what the UCSR has told the teams and not published at this time.

If I were there this weekend I'd look for some trailers with extra (2014) cars and ask the Conti guys if they may have any idea about tire testing that is happening either at this track (next week) or elsewhere.
It's time, that's for sure.

All in all it's a great weekend of sports car racing for us.


It's official, FOX has TV deal thru 2018.
http://www.grand-am.com/News/GA_New...r-multi-media-rights-deal.aspx?cid=6383&sid=1

 

[hawkeye122]

That bums, I much prefer hearing John Hindaugh and Jeremy Shaw to Calvin Fish and Bob Varsha

 

[RACECAR]

That bums, I much prefer hearing John Hindaugh and Jeremy Shaw to Calvin Fish and Bob Varsha

Pretty sure Varsha won't be over there anyhow as 2012 is his final year with the Fox network. Not sure about Calvin Fish or Dorsey Schreider though.

 

[Snaeper]

Porsche says, "And here I bet you thought we were gonna bring over our Porsche GT3R, didn't you? Ha!"

https://twitter.com/Porsche/status/365922884943769600

 

[Hun200kmh]

Wrong tyres though

Meanwhile, the Capulets and the Montagues have met

 

[Sam48]

EDIT: Funny how they put Michelins on that Porsche. Also, FOX sports 1 and 2 will be the official broadcaster of USCR...

 

[RACECAR]

I'm not gonna lie, I actually had said one time I would not mind seeing these two series race together on one weekend. I never thought it would actually happen, even if its only once and I'm glad I will have lived to have seen that.


Of course it now means I get to point and laugh at the people I said that to at the time, calling me a idiot for even thinking about it

 

[Snaeper]

It's a real shame that picture isn't bigger.

 

[BROHAM]

That bums, I much prefer hearing John Hindaugh and Jeremy Shaw to Calvin Fish and Bob Varsha

Has any announcer finalized their contract with FOX yet?

 

[cnd01]

I want Leigh Diffey back. Varsha is too dry for my liking. Plus, he acts like "Why am I here, I should be broadcasting F1" imo

 

[RACECAR]

I want Leigh Diffey back. Varsha is too dry for my liking. Plus, he acts like "Why am I here, I should be broadcasting F1" imo

How exactly?

 

[Jav]

I want Leigh Diffey back. Varsha is too dry for my liking. Plus, he acts like "Why am I here, I should be broadcasting F1" imo

I don't know what is wrong with you but there's definitely some issues with you that you seriously need to adress and it is up to you to find out what they are and grow up.
Of course you may just be a 13 year old in which case you are simply not allowed an opinon.

 

[RACECAR]

Is it necessary to really get personal with someone? Just seems out of line (something that's already happened too much as of late).

 

[Jav]

Is it necessary to really get personal with someone? Just seems out of line (something that's already happened too much as of late).

True, you are completely right. I'm a dummy for letting myself post up caught up in the moment.
This thread has had way to many negatives lately and my appologies to the ones keeping the discussion rational for the negative comment.

 

[01GTP]

It's a real shame that picture isn't bigger.

It would be great if we can find some more photos of that great event.
There has to be others out there from either the same photographer and/or fans.


Here is the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=konr-hM7O3c&feature=youtu.be

 

[hawkeye122]

How exactly?

Any time I hear him he's always saying something along the lines of "Well, in F1 they do it like this"

I didn't like him as an F1 commentator either. I'm not sure why exactly, but yeah.

 

[cnd01]

How exactly?

Diffey was always really into the broadcast. He got really excited. I enjoyed him a lot. Varsha is a great announcer don't get me wrong, but I prefer Diffey.

 

[Müle]

Well, at least I'll be able to watch some races in Canada...

Of course Fuel TV aka Fox Sports 2, where probably a majority of races will be shown was blocked from broadcasting in Canada by the stupid CRTC.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Darn, Muele, I feel your pain.


And, on the topic of discussions about Bob Varsha vs. Leigh Diffey...


I prefer, actually, Timmy Keene (?) Or whatever the pit guy's name is. But... What's his name?! Oh, and the Matt Bell guy... And Leigh Diffey third. Varsha's not funny. Varsha's not even remotely interested. Varsha's just there, sorta like women's facial hair... No one pays attention, but if you notice it, you also quite quickly notice how out of place it is. Bob Varsha seems out of place.

 

[RACECAR]

I know Bob Varsha isn't exactly someone that's jumping with excitement like Leigh Diffey but it doesn't necessarily mean he isn't into it. He doesn't seem as outwardly expressive about it most of the time, which is kinda something I can relate to.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

He doesn't seem as outwardly expressive about it most of the time, which is kinda something I can relate to.

But... If it's in one's job description "makes races interesting to watch," you'd think they'd know how...?


I sound relatively bored sometimes. Therefore, I won't be the next Spanish soccer/football commentator...


"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO*gasp*LLLLLLLLLL" isn't something a bored guy can pull off very well.

 

[RACECAR]

But... If it's in one's job description "makes races interesting to watch," you'd think they'd know how...?

Clearly, that can't be in the job description if he's still there going off solely that criteria.


Also, does anyone remember the Speed F1 Broadcast of the Hungarian Grand Prix when Vettel and Webber crashed and took each other out? You can't tell me he sounded bored during that moment, can you?

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Clearly, that can't be in the job description if he's still there going off solely that criteria.


Also, does anyone remember the Speed F1 Broadcast of the Hungarian Grand Prix when Vettel and Webber crashed and took each other out? You can't tell me he sounded bored during that moment, can you?

That's the point most of us are making; he's interesting in F1. He doesn't know what he's doing with sports car racing. Thus, my reference, implying that he's a fish out-of-water.

 

[hawkeye122]

That's the point most of us are making; he's interesting in F1. He doesn't know what he's doing with sports car racing. Thus, my reference, implying that he's a fish out-of-water.

Or is he a Calvin out of water?

Sorry about the bad pun. It would be better if you guys were Darren(Law) me to keep going...

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Calvin Fish, by the way, is my fourth favourite announcer. He's funny on occasion, but interesting when not funny.

 

[hawkeye122]

On a more serious note...


http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/uscr-ganassi-evaluating-switch-to-p2/

Really wondering why... He's got the DP package figured out, why switch? Just bought the 4.5 liter engines...


Although, with ESM running HPD, Ganassi currently being a Honda team... The whole "Free to any engineering solution" thing for P2 doesn't seem to hold up if it's a field full of HPD's. Maybe Starworks can return with an Oreca Judd, or Dyson with an Oak-Mazda?

 

[Snaeper]

On a more serious note...


http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/uscr-ganassi-evaluating-switch-to-p2/

Really wondering why... He's got the DP package figured out, why switch? Just bought the 4.5 liter engines...


Although, with ESM running HPD, Ganassi currently being a Honda team... The whole "Free to any engineering solution" thing for P2 doesn't seem to hold up if it's a field full of HPD's. Maybe Starworks can return with an Oreca Judd, or Dyson with an Oak-Mazda?

They want to be the fastest. If the P2 cars are the faster of the Prototype cars, then of course they'd consider switching. I'd imagine there are other DP teams that are considering switching (not all of them, mind you) as well.

And depending on how costly it will be to upgrade the DP's, it might end up being cheaper or more cost effective to just buy and run a P2 instead.