The Le Mans General Discussion Thread

[Sam48]

ALMS: Rebellion Planning Expanded Program For 2013

Look like we'll probably see Rebellion at Sebring (Among other stops on the ALMS calendar)

 

[Jav]

That's awesome news Sam!! Finally real competition for Muscle Milk!!

 

[gogatrs]

That's awesome news Sam!! Finally real competition for Muscle Milk!!

+1
Maybe I will go to Lime Rock next year!

 

[Tower Turn 13]

I bet Muscle Milk wants to iron out their reliability issues, and fast...

 

[Jav]

I bet Muscle Milk wants to iron out their reliability issues, and fast...

They actually did pretty well at Pettit after their incident with Green Hornet, granted they weren't pushing as hard but once they sorted out the alignment issues after the repair all stops where scheduled ones.

 

[RACECAR]

They actually did pretty well at Pettit after their incident with Green Hornet, granted they weren't pushing as hard but once they sorted out the alignment issues after the repair all stops where scheduled ones.

I think he's reffering to the odd electronics issues they kept having over the season.

 

[Sam48]

ALMS/Grand Am Class Structure Being Finalized

Looks like we'll know the class structure before the end of 2012. Another key thing to note is that "Speed.com" believes there should be no more than four classes.

 

[LancerEvo7]

Hopefully it'll be LMP, DP, GT, and GX then.

 

[Sam48]

That's what I assume. And to be honest, that wouldn't be to bad of a layout.

 

[TheBook]

What would they use as an LMP spec though? I'm guessing P2, considering P1 doesn't have enough participation and PC is a spec series (and isn't that what DP is for?).

 

[Jav]

I really hope DP and LMP2 become a single class with the DPs retaining their identity and having LMP2 performance!

 

[Sam48]

I really hope DP and LMP2 become a single class with the DPs retaining their identity and having LMP2 performance!

I don't see that happening, at least not in the first year or two. DP and LMP2 are vastly different cars. Combining them into one recognizable car type would be quite difficult.

 

[gogatrs]

What about DP and PC? Is that feasible?

 

[RACECAR]

What about DP and PC? Is that feasible?

I think PC is better off on its own and out the series, perhaps as its own series.

 

[gogatrs]

I think PC is better off on its own and out the series, perhaps as its own series.

That's what the IMSA Lites are/were for...

 

[RACECAR]

That's what the IMSA Lites are/were for...

Maybe it can sort of be what the Patron GT3 series is and even share the same schedule. Gold class/platinum class structure not so sure about as I haven't really watched it enough to understand it all, but thats the best way I can think of it. Or, maybe the ACO can just organize one Global Formula Le Mans Series with some american rounds.

 

[Jav]

I don't see that happening, at least not in the first year or two. DP and LMP2 are vastly different cars. Combining them into one recognizable car type would be quite difficult.

i didn't say combine them, but the opposite. Keep LMP2 as it is and build the next generation of DPs to perform at LMP2 level, it can certainly be done.

 

[gorsad]

I'd prefer it if the PC class were replaced with the DP and the LMP1 class was taken out in favor of LMP2. Though I'm sure they'll come up with a better idea than that. Not too sure what they'll do with the GT classes though.

 

[RACECAR]

I'd prefer it if the PC class were replaced with the DP and the LMP1 class was taken out in favor of LMP2. Though I'm sure they'll come up with a better idea than that. Not too sure what they'll do with the GT classes though.

They've made it clear since the initial announcement that the current GTE class will remain as is so thats one class not to worry about.

 

[gogatrs]

I really hope they keep P1. As unlikely as it is.


If they keep it, you can guarantee a Porsche entry or two from the start.

 

[freshseth83]

DP's could be sped up quite a bit given some better tires and more wing. The tires they run on now are said to be 'extremely hard'. Look at the tires the LMP's run on and you can see they're relatively long life with a lot more grip. GTE cars are about 1-3 seconds off pace from DP. Tires are a big reason why.

 

[Shoe67]

So no confirmed classes yet? How about just LMP, DP, then the 2 GT classes. Opinions?

 

[Jav]

I just don't se the GA camp relegating their Prototurtles to an inferior class, it just won't happen. Just like Seth said, better tires and improved aero will make a lot of difference. Those 2 factors paired to better lighter materials will put those cars right on pace with LMP2 without sacrificing the asthetics that make them unique, LMP2 is already a lower cost formula with all the "exotic materials" so the DPs can do it too, specially if they buy into the DTM/SuperGT chassis deal.

 

[Mac K]

Is it fair to say a DP is close as far as lap times go to an old GT1 car? Namely the C6-R, DBR9, etc. Or is that an unfair comparison?

 

[Shoe67]

Is it fair to say a DP is close as far as lap times go to an old GT1 car? Namely the C6-R, DBR9, etc. Or is that an unfair comparison?

Depends on the track...but I'm sure that it isn't far off

 

[LancerEvo7]

These were found off a quick Google search, they're from '08, at Mid-Ohio.

650hp IndyCar Dallara-Honda - 1:07.248
550hp ALMS P2 Acura ARX-01B - 1:07.969
700hp ALMS P1 Audi R10 TDI - 1:08.357
450hp IndyLights Dallara-Infiniti - 1:13.143
600hp ALMS GT1 Corvette C6-R - 1:17.101
500hp Grand-Am DP Riley-Ford - 1:17.555
480hp ALMS GT2 Ferrari 430GT - 1:20.025

 

[Jav]

One thing to keep in mind is that DPs were quite faster back then, today's DPs are a bit slower than GT-E cars arround Mid Ohio.

 

[gogatrs]

Mid Ohio isn't the most balanced of tracks though, is it?

Pretty tight and twisty.

 

[Mac K]

DP's have a weight and aero advantage though.

 

[gogatrs]

DP's have a weight and aero advantage though.

And they're still slower...