2014 United Sports Car Championship

[cnd01]

That would be nice, but GT3 will cease to exist as we know it when GT+/GT get's introduced... The current GT-3/GT-LM platforms will carry on into the new GT formula with the pertinent modifications. The whole point of the new GT formula is to merge GT-LM and GT-3 into one common class to keep costs down. GT+ will be a pure Global class for the latest and greatest allowed tech, while GT will be the GT-Am class with basically a frozen spec with none or minimal updates during the season.

That's why I'm saying keep it as the former GT3 spec. All the teams running would more than likely have to buy new cars as part of the spec change. That ain't cheap to buy a new car regardless. That's why IMSA should keep the current GT3 regs as its GT class so that way the teams stateside and overseas alike have a place to race their old car instead of buy another one. This will lower costs of GT/GT+ cars as well as keep more teams in business worldwide. That way, IMSA can milk the GT3 cow for as long as possible as there is a huge pool of GT3 spec cars racing at the present.

 

[Jav]

That's why I'm saying keep it as the former GT3 spec. All the teams running would more than likely have to buy new cars as part of the spec change. That ain't cheap to buy a new car regardless. That's why IMSA should keep the current GT3 regs as its GT class so that way the teams stateside and overseas alike have a place to race their old car instead of buy another one. This will lower costs of GT/GT+ cars as well as keep more teams in business worldwide. That way, IMSA can milk the GT3 cow for as long as possible as there is a huge pool of GT3 spec cars racing at the present.

Not really, GT-3 cars will be obsolete with no factory support which would mean having all the parts custom made by a third party shop at a higher cost, longer wait time and uncertain availability.
Racing isn't cheap and it will never be, not even at a Club Racing level.

 

[cnd01]

Not really, GT-3 cars will be obsolete with no factory support which would mean having all the parts custom made by a third party shop at a higher cost, longer wait time and uncertain availability.
Racing isn't cheap and it will never be, not even at a Club Racing level.

The factories will still support them if that's the top level of GT racing in America. There was a good amount of support from all the manufacturers in grand am when their spec of GT was unlike any other.

I'm not saying it will be dirt cheap, but it will be less expensive than the other options which will put more cars on the grid

 

[Organ-Donor]

So 30min of live coverage on Fox Sports 1 and the rest of the race broadcast on computer stream at Long Beach? (Was a joke.....I hope) Does anyone know if the shorter races (3hrs or less) will be broadcast on TV in full? Or will they cut the broadcast short to show ping pong matches or gymnastics?

 

[Jav]

So 30min of live coverage on Fox Sports 1 and the rest of the race broadcast on computer stream at Long Beach? (Was a joke.....I hope)

I was about to punch the computer!! Lol!! It wouldn't surprise me if they did something that stupid!

 

[Snaeper]

Looks like the HPD ARX-04b P2 Coupe is about to be unveiled... stay tuned!

 

[RACECAR]

The factories will still support them if that's the top level of GT racing in America. There was a good amount of support from all the manufacturers in grand am when their spec of GT was unlike any other.

Abit optimistic there. The only actual Factory support was for the Pontiac Effort with both the GTO.R and GXP.R (Via Pratt & Miller). The Mazdas weren't even close to factory supported, they just had marketing Money put behind them just as BMW did with Turner and Ganassi's DP effort.

 

[aarror]

The factories will still support them if that's the top level of GT racing in America. There was a good amount of support from all the manufacturers in grand am when their spec of GT was unlike any other.

I'm not saying it will be dirt cheap, but it will be less expensive than the other options which will put more cars on the grid

Maybe the American manufacturers, but the international manufacturers will totally ignore it. There are 10+ GT3 series in Europe, most with as least as many cars that would be in the Tudor Championship. They would have their hands full already supporting everyone with the GT+ cars, let alone supporting the old GT3 cars in North America. TUSC could run GT3 cars for 2 years max, before parts started to run out.

 

[cnd01]

Abit optimistic there. The only actual Factory support was for the Pontiac Effort with both the GTO.R and GXP.R (Via Pratt & Miller). The Mazdas weren't even close to factory supported, they just had marketing Money put behind them just as BMW did with Turner and Ganassi's DP effort.

There was plenty of factory money spread behind most of the chassis that were in GAGT. All prep 2 cars were given big support. That being, Pontiac/Chevy, BMW, and Mazda. Riley built the Camaro and Mazda chassis and supported them on top of the Chevy support for the Camaro. That's why Stevenson isn't in GTD anymore. Riley support went to the Viper and Chevy dropped GT support other than the C7.R. Stevenson went GS conti because Chevy would support them running in Conti. That goes without saying that there weren't any factory teams in GAGT. The support was pretty much used to balance the season's budget for the team.

Maybe the American manufacturers, but the international manufacturers will totally ignore it. There are 10+ GT3 series in Europe, most with as least as many cars that would be in the Tudor Championship. They would have their hands full already supporting everyone with the GT+ cars, let alone supporting the old GT3 cars in North America. TUSC could run GT3 cars for 2 years max, before parts started to run out.

If manufacturers can make more money off of selling parts that don't need R&D dollars to make them better, that's very very profitable for the manufacturer. The demand would drop significantly as you're saying, but the profit margin should go up.

 

[aarror]

My point was more that they'll be too busy building up a spares base for the new cars to devote time to the old ones. Each team needs an appreciable amount of spare parts to start the season, and the manufacturers will be hard pressed to be able to supply everyone at the start.

 

[cnd01]

My point was more that they'll be too busy building up a spares base for the new cars to devote time to the old ones. Each team needs an appreciable amount of spare parts to start the season, and the manufacturers will be hard pressed to be able to supply everyone at the start.

At first yea, but there should be a leftover stock of parts for current GT3 cars that will get them through the initial rush put on the manufacturer building up for the new cars. It may not completely cover everything; also, that doesn't mean that someone might have to sit out a round or two the first year because the older spec GT3 car has been destroyed or what have you, but overall, I believe it's cheaper for privateer teams and lucrative for the manufacturer therefore worth doing

 

[RACECAR]

There was plenty of factory money spread behind most of the chassis that were in GAGT. All prep 2 cars were given big support. That being, Pontiac/Chevy, BMW, and Mazda. Riley built the Camaro and Mazda chassis and supported them on top of the Chevy support for the Camaro. That's why Stevenson isn't in GTD anymore. Riley support went to the Viper and Chevy dropped GT support other than the C7.R. Stevenson went GS conti because Chevy would support them running in Conti. That goes without saying that there weren't any factory teams in GAGT. The support was pretty much used to balance the season's budget for the team.

I must have a different interpretation of factory support then you because to me, A manufacturer just paying money to advertise a team (that did all the building of the car) as a Factory team with no involvement in the car itself isn't factory support, its sponsorship(Stevenson Camaro, Speedsource Mazda RX-8, Turner BMW M3) . When a Manufacturer or a company working with and contracted by the Manufacturer builds a car and supplies it and/or parts to the team, that is factory support (Pontiac GTO.R, Leighton GXP.R, Audi R8 Grand Am, Ferrari Grand-Am).

 

[cnd01]

I must have a different interpretation of factory support then you because to me, A manufacturer just paying money to advertise a team (that did all the building of the car) as a Factory team with no involvement in the car itself isn't factory support, its sponsorship(Stevenson Camaro, Speedsource Mazda RX-8, Turner BMW M3) . When a Manufacturer or a company working with and contracted by the Manufacturer builds a car and supplies it and/or parts to the team, that is factory support (Pontiac GTO.R, Leighton GXP.R, Audi R8 Grand Am, Ferrari Grand-Am).

Those GXP.R and GTO.R cars were build by P&M as prep 2 tube frame chassis which I throw in the same boat as the other prep 2 cars being the Camaro (which is the same exact chassis as the GXP.R in the Leighton/Banner racing just different body work) Stevenson I think ended up having to buy another chassis or two from Riley as their P&M chassis which were their original GXP.R/Camaro chassis was totaled at some point. The only reason the Camaro was put into Grand am was Pontiac's demise.

SpeedSource, Dempsey, and Sahlen's Mazda all were supported by Riley with replacements as they were the only company that made them. The support of spares is what balanced the budgets for some of these teams along with the sponsorship like you're saying.

In the Audi and Ferrari case, those are two purpose built cars with purpose built factory support

 

[cnd01]

Oh look, an actual sponsor on a sports car!

 

[Mac K]

So it looks like there won't be a livestream tomorrow on IMSA.com so those of us without Fox Sports 1 won't be watching. At least Canadians get Barrett Jackson... 👎 At least that's how it looks according to IMSAs site..

 

[Sam48]

You'll probably be able to get it on VIPbox or LemonSport. It won't be HD, but it's better than radio.

Plus, the way this race is looking, PWC is looking to be the race to watch. That will be live streamed from PWC.com. But just in case you still want to watch the Tudor race, here's how it's gonna go. A DP will win overall, and a Porsche will win GTLM after a long yellow and some confusion among the officials about whether a Porsche or a Ford DP pulled a pit maneuver on a Ferrari.

 

[RACECAR]

Its sad how a series that's always played Companion event to other big series is the one that's actually getting everything right.

 

[joetruckv8]

Wow The World PirelliChallenge really stepped up this year right along with the old Rolex GT now GTD chassis. America has got the best multi car racing series now!

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

Wow The World PirelliChallenge really stepped up this year right along with the old Rolex GT now GTD chassis. America has got the best multi car racing series now!

I wouldn't go that far. I say Pirelli series is up there but they don't have enough big names or coverage, and I really wish they did

 

[IforceV8]

01 DP on pole,3 Vette on GTLM pole.

WC GT3 cars are 3.4 sec slower than GTLM but should be closer when they qualify tomorrow.

 

[joetruckv8]

Wow The World Pirelli Challengereally stepped up this year right along with the old Rolex GT now GTD chassis. America has got the best multi car racing series now!

I wouldn't go that far. I say Pirelli series is up there but they don't have enough big names or coverage, and I really wish they did

Yea FIA GT1/Blancpain looks very promising this year!

Monza racing sunday, eventho i will have to wait until it airs on YouTube,.

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

Wow The World Pirelli Challengereally stepped up this year right along with the old Rolex GT now GTD chassis. America has got the best multi car racing series now!

Yea FIA GT1/Blancpain looks very promising this year!

Monza racing sunday, eventho i will have to wait until it airs on YouTube,.

The Blancapain Enduro/Blancpain is by far the best. GTD has work and being apart of TUSCC doesn't help.

 

[MustangManiac]

A lot of good racing coming up, too bad I can't lock myself in the man cave with a coffee maker and a stack of pizzas!

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

A lot of good racing coming up, too bad I can't lock myself in the man cave with a coffee maker and a stack of pizzas!

Sadly I wont be watching the race due to the principles I have regarding TUSCC, but I follow the thread in hopes they improve.

 

[MustangManiac]

Sadly I wont be watching the race due to the principles I have regarding TUSCC, but I follow the thread in hopes they improve.

Well, I am willing to give them more than two races to figure it out, we'll see how things go by the next big event when they have to deal with all the classes again. They need to work it out or permanently split the classes or combine them if they can't. Besides, if you want GT racing in the states it TUSCC or nothing...at least for now.

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

Well, I am willing to give them more than two races to figure it out, we'll see how things go by the next big event when they have to deal with all the classes again. They need to work it out or permanently split the classes or combine them if they can't. Besides, if you want GT racing in the states it TUSCC or nothing...at least for now.

Obviously I'm giving them more as well, I just rather watch it when it does finally get sorted out. Not sure where I say "screw them I'm not coming back ever". Also it's not TUSCC or nothing there is Pirelli and Continental and all though not as big they could easily get there seeing how money is getting thrown that way by ml ianufactures. All it would take is coverage and a few big names in the series.

If I need a GT series to follow as I said Blancpain seems to be the best option right now and has been somewhat for the past couple years until Le Mans rolls around.

 

[MustangManiac]

Obviously I'm giving them more as well, I just rather watch it when it does finally get sorted out. Not sure where I say "screw them I'm not coming back ever". Also it's not TUSCC or nothing there is Pirelli and Continental and all though not as big they could easily get there seeing how money is getting thrown that way by ml ianufactures. All it would take is coverage and a few big names in the series.

If I need a GT series to follow as I said Blancpain seems to be the best option right now and has been somewhat for the past couple years until Le Mans rolls around.

I see, and agree, I can't wait for Blancpain this weekend. Continental is one of my favorites, great racing and has been for years, just wish we didn't have to wait a week for tv coverage. I don't suppose they are going to stream it live this year?

 

[01GTP]

I would like to add the fact that today's TUSCC race is on at the same time as the NASCAR Cup race from Darlington.

As a fan of both series I will be watching the Cup race as it is sure to be much better. Last nights was great!
As a sportscar racing fan I find this disappointing that I won't get to really watch the race the way I intended to.

As a promoter to the series (which I am not) that wants more fans (I would think) why have it at the same time as another (much bigger) race?
Indy qualifying is on as well.
Do these people even realize this? I wonder.

World Challenge 👍 👍
TUSCC ???????????????
Continental 👍 👍 probably the same people from IMSA and No TV coverage yet
FIA No SPEED No TV coverage

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

I would like to add the fact that today's TUSCC race is on at the same time as the NASCAR Cup race from Darlington.

As a fan of both series I will be watching the Cup race as it is sure to be much better. Last nights was great!
As a sportscar racing fan I find this disappointing that I won't get to really watch the race the way I intended to.

As a promoter to the series (which I am not) that wants more fans (I would think) why have it at the same time as another (much bigger) race?
Indy qualifying is on as well.
Do these people even realize this? I wonder.

World Challenge 👍 👍
TUSCC ???????????????
Continental 👍 👍 probably the same people from IMSA and No TV coverage yet
FIA No SPEED No TV coverage

You know what makes this even more sad, is NASCAR's having ownership with IMSA could have/should have easily made this avoidable.

 

[cnd01]

Sadly I wont be watching the race due to the principles I have regarding TUSCC, but I follow the thread in hopes they improve.

Everyone really needed to know that. 👎👎