Anybody out there following the Grand Am?

[RACECAR]

As long as they keep the best races from each series, I think this is actually a brilliant idea; better to have a mammoth sports car series than two small ones competing against one another. Interested to see what they'll do with the classes though, I hope they don't just can the DP's completely.

Interesting thing is 2014 is when the LMP rules will supposedly be similar to DPs so maybe they'll be adoptable, Though I think the flat bottoms will have to go.

 

[Wilbur]

As long as they keep the best races from each series, I think this is actually a brilliant idea; better to have a mammoth sports car series than two small ones competing against one another. Interested to see what they'll do with the classes though, I hope they don't just can the DP's completely.

I hope they don't either and honestly I am curious to see how they handle the merger because honestly I like DP's over most of the ALMS top classes. Hopefully this doesn't turn bad thought and end up basically killing off that class.

 

[cgr-10]

Interesting thing is 2014 is when the LMP rules will supposedly be similar to DPs so maybe they'll be adoptable, Though I think the flat bottems will have to go.

I heard something similar, I think the new regs were supposed to cut costs as well IIRC which aligns with one of the selling points of the DP class in Grand Am.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

I want to see Grand-Am at Sebring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mac K]

I hope they don't just can the DP's completely.

I can't see Grand-Am letting them do that.

 

[01GTP]

If/when this happens, I hope for more than 10 races a season.
15 - 20 would suffice.
And better TV coverage than an edited/shortened ALMS race.
ALMS has less coverage than the Continental TSSC or the Pirelli World Challenge.
The Continental GS and ST races are great, I hope that does not change.
WC has a lot of marquises and a lot of good drivers as well.

As the ALMS has international ties I hope for an LeMans type series with the WEC adding more USA dates.

With NASCAR owning the Rolex Grand-Am series I don't see them letting go.


Whatever happens just make it better for the fans and keep these teams employed.

 

[nitrorocks]

I know this is a bit off topic..but the state of LMP1 right now has seen better days. I just wanted to know. Do you think the ACO can or will go back to how Group C was?

 

[LancerEvo7]

I know this is a bit off topic..but the state of LMP1 right now has seen better days. I just wanted to know. Do you think the ACO can or will go back to how Group C was?

That's hopefully what the 2014 regulations will do.

 

[RACECAR]

With NASCAR owning the Rolex Grand-Am series I don't see them letting go.

Don't see NASCAR being too involved, Its pretty much gonna be Grand-Am's decision.

Whatever happens just make it better for the fans and keep these teams employed.

Thats the happy ending I think all us Sportscar fans want 👍

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Don't see NASCAR being too involved, Its pretty much gonna be Grand-Am's decision.



Thats the happy ending I think all us Sportscar fans want 👍

Some countries have family orders... If the France family has a controlling percentage in Grand-Am, I don't think they'll be too far AWAY from the details of the merger, either.

However, that happy ending, where all of the teams keep themselves employed is more realistically acheivable, if the France family DOES get involved... NASCAR Technical Institute, anyone? Yeah, because the France family's saving grace IS the amount of people they employ-directly or indirectly.

 

[Jav]

I can't see Grand-Am letting them do that.

They actually were willing to do it not long ago to buy into the proposed DTM/Super GT deal, so nothing is out of the picture at this stage.

 

[nitrorocks]

That's hopefully what the 2014 regulations will do.

Like more Manufacturer involvement? I'm confused by the regs.

 

[RACECAR]

Some countries have family orders... If the France family has a controlling percentage in Grand-Am, I don't think they'll be too far AWAY from the details of the merger, either.

At the same time though, look at how they treat Grand-Am in comparison to their main three series. They supposedly promised some better things back in 2008 and how did that work out? It still gets nowhere near the exposure the Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Even Truck Series gets. The only reason they even included Grand-Am in the Indy Triple header was to boost THEIR ticket sales for Nationwide and Cup (and we all know how that went). Honestly, I'm under the impression that while they may have controlling stake in it, they have little to no interest in actually overseeing what happens.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

At the same time though, look at how they treat Grand-Am in comparison to their main three series. They supposedly promised some better things back in 2008 and how did that work out? It still gets nowhere near the exposure the Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Even Truck Series gets. The only reason they even included Grand-Am in the Indy Triple header was to boost THEIR ticket sales for Nationwide and Cup (and we all know how that went). Honestly, I'm under the impression that while they may have controlling stake in it, they have little to no interest in actually overseeing what happens.

But... Rolex @ Indy is epic enough anyways.

 

[nitrorocks]

But... Rolex @ Indy is epic enough anyways.

Yes to us. But the Frances don't care.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Yes to us. But the Frances don't care.

...Because they don't make as much money... You need marketing to make money. Here, with NASCAR commercials every five minutes, I would've thought that the France would've known that.

 

[Mac K]

But... Rolex @ Indy is epic enough anyways.

Sorry, going to have to disagree, next to Miami the racing was the most boring of this season (How often do you have a boring Grand Am race?) and it was honestly a complete mess..

 

[polarbear345]

But... Rolex @ Indy is epic enough anyways.

Rolex at Indy WAS epic! I was at the end of the back straight when it was pouring rain and everyone went into the barrier RIGHT infront of me!

 

[01GTP]

Rolex at Indy WAS epic!

Yeah, I have to agree, it was a great race. (Epic, too strong a word for me)
2 names, Montoya and Potoliccio.

Unfortunately, as we know Potoliccio has left as a driver, fortunately he kept the #8 in the points battle and the #8 team won the next race.
Exciting couple of weeks.
I hope the championship is played out at Lime Rock, my home town track!!

The only reason they even included Grand-Am in the Indy Triple header was to boost THEIR ticket sales for Nationwide and Cup (and we all know how that went).

And I thought it was for more Grand-Am exposure.

Honestly, I'm under the impression that while they may have controlling stake in it, they have little to no interest in actually overseeing what happens.

It may sound as a conspiracy theory but I believe that being under NASCAR's umbrella, Grand-Am's TV coverage has surpassed the ALMS TV coverage.
I understand ESPN3's deal with Connecticut to create such an entity for tax purposes but we fans (especially the PS3 owner) got screwed.
I mean, watching a race on a computer, c'mon, I did not buy an 52" TV to watch a 15" computer screen.

As a controlling entity I don't see NASCAR stepping in but as logistics go, they seem to have an upper hand........and money.
With both series sharing the track on a few weekends already, NASCAR seems to have some control and I would like to see it continue.

 

[Mac K]

Was I watching the same race? Daytona, Barber, New Jersey, Mid-Ohio, both Watkins Glen races, now those were great races.

 

[Falcon787B]

Little bit behind the times, I apologise...I was literally thinking something very similar to the whole merger deal the other day. I figured it MUST make sense to have two sportscar series merge together rather than compete against each other - it's a bit like the Indycar vs Champ Cars battle all over again. I think it could be brilliant if handled well

 

[RACECAR]

And I thought it was for more Grand-Am exposure.

If they really cared, it would be getting almost as much Sponsor activation (Like Nationwide with the Nationwide series or Sprint with the Cup Series). Instead, the most it gets is two commercials that ONLY come on during Grand-Am races and not on regular television like alot of NASCAR commercials do. So again, its basically the red-headed step child of NASCAR.

It may sound as a conspiracy theory but I believe that being under NASCAR's umbrella, Grand-Am's TV coverage has surpassed the ALMS TV coverage.
I understand ESPN3's deal with Connecticut to create such an entity for tax purposes but we fans (especially the PS3 owner) got screwed.
I mean, watching a race on a computer, c'mon, I did not buy an 52" TV to watch a 15" computer screen.

IF anything, that has given Grand-Am quite an advantage. Not everyone is as ready to justify watching a live event on laptop or desktop so it was a big mistake for this TV package and to make things worse, they do it with a network that has painfully obvious Stick & Ball Sports bias (Notice all their multiple Football experts, Basketball Experts, Baseball experts and then there's Ricky Craven). If they would have stuck with the programming deal they had, they could have had some good ratings and hell, they could have even utilised the new NBC Sports Network for Practice and qualifying, then broadcast the live race on the local NBC channel. Missed potential there.

 

[01GTP]

IF anything, that has given Grand-Am quite an advantage. Missed potential there.

Totally agree on the missed potential.

As for commentators, I usually watch the TV coverage and turn down the volume for most races, especially Cup races.
As for Craven, I don't watch programs about racing, I watch the races and even get to attend the Lime Rock races.
Also, Ricky Craven use to be my favorite driver until he dropped out for medical reasons.
And Wally D before him.
Remember the 25 Bud car?

Anywho, we all hope for the same (better) outcome, a great experience for us, the fans.

 

[nitrorocks]

Yeah, I have to agree, it was a great race. (Epic, too strong a word for me)
2 names, Montoya and Potoliccio.

Unfortunately, as we know Potoliccio has left as a driver.
.

Where did he go? That must be bad for star works...he brought some good sponsorship with him.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Where did he go? That must be bad for star works...he brought some good sponsorship with him.

He still supports the team. He's decided to focus full-time on the ALMS. 💡 That went well.

 

[01GTP]

Where did he go? That must be bad for star works...he brought some good sponsorship with him.

He still supports the team. He's decided to focus full-time on the ALMS. 💡 That went well.

That would be the FIA World Endurance Championship, and that idea looks like it's going well.
Here's a couple of articles.
http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/grand-am-potolicchio-pulls-plug-on-dp-program/P2/
No number 7 car, they are using the number 8 car,
http://www.motorsport.com/grandam/n...-while-starworks-stays-in-for-rest-of-season/

 

[SuperShouden]

So...it sounds like ALMS and Grand-Am are going to be merging...perhaps it'd be a good idea to merge the ALMS and Grand-Am threads eventually, as well.

 

[Snaeper]

So...it sounds like ALMS and Grand-Am are going to be merging...perhaps it'd be a good idea to merge the ALMS and Grand-Am threads eventually, as well.

If by eventually you mean 2014, then yes.

 

[Infinital-NG]

From Grand-am.com

GRAND-AM Road Racing, American Le Mans Series Announce Historic Merger
Combined Sports Car Organization Will Debut With 2014 Rolex 24 At Daytona; New Board To Feature GRAND-AM, ALMS, NASCAR Executives
by
9/5/2012
410 53


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 5, 2012) – The most significant development in the history of sports car racing in North America was announced today, with plans for a landmark merger of GRAND-AM Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) unveiled at Daytona International Speedway.

Under terms of the merger, the following entities will combine with GRAND-AM: the American Le Mans Series; the International Motor Sports Association, which sanctions ALMS events; the Road Atlanta race track facility in Braselton, Ga.; the Chateau Elan Hotel and Conference Center in Sebring, Fla.; and Sebring International Raceway, via a reassignment of the lease agreement with the Sebring Airport Authority to operate the raceway.

Both sanctioning bodies will continue to operate separate schedules in 2013 before racing under one banner in 2014 beginning with North America’s premier sports car race, the 52nd annual Rolex 24 At Daytona. A board of directors has been formed to operate the new combined organization with GRAND-AM founder Jim France as chairman and ALMS founder Don Panoz as vice chairman. Other members: NASCAR Vice Chair/Executive Vice President Lesa France Kennedy, GRAND-AM President/CEO Ed Bennett, ALMS President/CEO Scott Atherton and NASCAR Vice President/Deputy General Counsel Karen Leetzow.

“Today’s announcement will transform sports car racing on this continent, along with having world-wide industry implications,” said Bennett. “Aside from the organizations involved, everybody wins: drivers, teams, manufacturers, sponsors, tracks – and most all, the fans.

“This new approach is going to be revolutionary, as we take the best components from two premium brands, combine them and then benefit mutually from the considerable resources both sides will bring to our efforts. This is a bold move – and the right one – for the long-term, optimum growth of sports car racing.”

Added Atherton: “This merger will blend the best assets and attributes of each organization in terms of technical rules, officiating, marketing, communications, personnel, scheduling and broadcasting. The result will be one of the strongest, most competitive and powerful motorsports marketing platforms in the world.”

Post-merger branding still is being determined for the new organization and its principal series, as are specifics regarding the 2014 schedule. Also, the competitive class structure and technical rules beginning in 2014 have yet to be finalized.

The ALMS began operations in 1999, with GRAND-AM debuting in 2000. Both organizations were created in the aftermath of the late-’90s departure of the highly popular IMSA Camel GT circuit in North America. IMSA was founded in 1969 by John Bishop and then-NASCAR President Bill France Sr.

“This merger will strengthen professional sports car racing beyond what either of our organizations could have achieved separately,” said Panoz. “The American Le Mans Series was founded for the fans and I’m personally gratified that they will benefit greatly as we now work together with GRAND-AM to take this sport to the level at which it belongs in the North American and international motorsports landscapes.”

France said the merger was exciting both “on a professional and a personal level, with me being a long-time sports car fan. This merger was achieved through a true spirit of cooperation. Moving forward, that same spirit will drive our day-to-day efforts.”Collectively, this merger involves a total of eight sports car series racing throughout North America. GRAND-AM sanctions and operates the Rolex Sports Car Series, the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge and the TOTAL Performance Showcase. GRAND-AM also sanctions the Ferrari Challenge that is operated by Ferrari North America. IMSA is the sanctioning body for the ALMS, the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama Series, the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda Series and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin.

“This looks good from a business standpoint but it also ‘feels good’ from a historical standpoint,” Bennett said. “Both GRAND-AM and the ALMS have lineages tied to Daytona Beach, Daytona International Speedway and the France Family. This announcement is a proud moment for all involved, as we now look forward to a bright future for sports car racing.”

 

[SuperShouden]

Hey, did the B-spec races ever happen? I wish they would televise those. That sounds like a fun race to watch.