- 24,553
- Frankfort, KY
- GTP_FoolKiller
- FoolKiller1979
ALMS: 2007 Preview
- Thread starter dougiemeats
- 122 comments
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- 1,681
If anyone else was wondering where the ex-Dyson Lolas are going, LMSR.net provides a hint:
I think they meant "very berry happy," but their hint is clear either way.
I think they meant "very berry happy," but their hint is clear either way.
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ALMS now are in partnership with both Ethanol and VP Racing Fuels.
Newest news first: VP Racing Deal
Then the Ethanol News: Ethanol deal information.
m.piedgros
Newest news first: VP Racing Deal
Then the Ethanol News: Ethanol deal information.
m.piedgros
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White Lightning stable has doubled in size. Corsa Motorsports have purchased a Ferrari F430 GT and will run under the banner Corsa Motorsports/White Lightning Racing, more in the article linked below. This GT2 grid sure is looking first class now.
Americen Le Mans article on Corsa-White Lightning deal.
m.piedgros
Americen Le Mans article on Corsa-White Lightning deal.
m.piedgros
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I'm a bit confused.
So the #31 Ferrari F430 GT will run under "Petersen Motorsports" and the #32 Ferrari F430 GT will run under "Corsa Motorsports/White Lightning Racing?"
So the #31 Ferrari F430 GT will run under "Petersen Motorsports" and the #32 Ferrari F430 GT will run under "Corsa Motorsports/White Lightning Racing?"
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As I hit up MulsannesCorner again today, I see that they seem to think the news of the Swiss Spirit switch to Lola chassis and factory backed Audi FSI power has in fact been confirmed, and is in fact official. Interesting move by Audi, as you'd think they'd be comfortable showing off their success with their diesel in North America. Now they risk tarnishing their image by getting beat handily by Peugeot's diesel in Europe. Not sure what the ACO have done about the diesel domination - however I believe changes to Audi's fueling rig have been made and (assuming the ACO aren't playing favorites) Peugeot will get the same type deal there. Of course, they must be making $$ here and have to be thinking about making their presence known more in Europe as last season they didn't have a car in LMS. Of course, if I'm Audi I'm not particularly concerned, DTM seems pretty continental now, and their victory(ies) at Le Mans don't seem to go unnoticed. There are plenty of variables, and you'd think Audi wouldn't budge unless they can see some sort of success. But once again I must digress. They've got the industry brains, I don't. Grr, my brain hurts.
m.piedgros
m.piedgros
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That would appear to be true. Or at least that is the impression yours truely got.
m.piedgros
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Thanks.
By the way, since we're on the subject of Audi; it's worth mentioning that they are still "reconsidering" their participation in the American Le Mans Series. They say they'll do Sebring for sure, but they are unsure of their future in the series. This is all due to IMSA's decision not to follow the exact guidelines the ACO have set for prototypes in 2007. Also worth mentioning is that this isn't their first threat to pull-out of the series.
By the way, since we're on the subject of Audi; it's worth mentioning that they are still "reconsidering" their participation in the American Le Mans Series. They say they'll do Sebring for sure, but they are unsure of their future in the series. This is all due to IMSA's decision not to follow the exact guidelines the ACO have set for prototypes in 2007. Also worth mentioning is that this isn't their first threat to pull-out of the series.
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Oh those crazy Audi guys. They're like that friend you had as a kid who would threaten to never be your friend anymore if you did something but never actually did anything about it.
m.piedgros
m.piedgros
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👍I believe their main complaint is that the LMP2 class will be too fast. I think they're a little nervous about Guy Smith in a Dyson Porsche...
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Guy Smith in anything on four wheels is fast. I'd be scared too!
m.piedgros
m.piedgros
- 535
Well, Audi certainly doesn't have to worry about LMP2's beating them unless the R10 runs into something. The ACO has legislation in place that forbids the top LMP2's from running within 1.5% of the lap time of the top LMP1. There's also an across-the-board 5% reduction in LMP2 air restrictor size.
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=236487&FS=ALMS-LEMANS
In other news, we can scratch Intersport off of the LMP2 competitor list as they've announced a new LMP1 program using the Creation CA-06H with Judd power.
http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/alms/35386/
Honestly, as much as I like Intersport for being a local team (Dublin, Ohio), this is about as DUMB a move as I've ever seen. I don't believe the Creation is Le Mans legal, and the team's LMP2 Lola B05/40 probably has a better shot at beating the Audi's outright than that overhauled Reynard flexi-flyer.
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=236487&FS=ALMS-LEMANS
In other news, we can scratch Intersport off of the LMP2 competitor list as they've announced a new LMP1 program using the Creation CA-06H with Judd power.
http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/alms/35386/
Honestly, as much as I like Intersport for being a local team (Dublin, Ohio), this is about as DUMB a move as I've ever seen. I don't believe the Creation is Le Mans legal, and the team's LMP2 Lola B05/40 probably has a better shot at beating the Audi's outright than that overhauled Reynard flexi-flyer.
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First off, they know something we don't. Second, I could have sworn the Creation was at Le Mans last year, and knowing Intersport, they probably wouldn't buy a car that was unable to get them to Le Mans. The Creation was ultra competitive with the R10's last year at both the Petit and Laguna wasn't it? Audi better step up their game for ALMS. Weather or not their Le Mans title is threatened by LM P2 cars their ALMS status is. I think the concern Audi has is for the fact that IMSA aren't following the ACO guidelines; and from looking at times from Wheels Down Under last month, Audi better bring their game and then some. Those Porsches look incredible and the Acuras aren't far off the German's tails (we're talking Sebring laps in the very fast 1'47's. Considering Audi's very fastest were 1'45's. This will be a heck of a year.)
m.piedgros
m.piedgros
- 535
Well, digging further, this is a new Le Mans legal version of the Creation that uses an all new tub and has been widened from the version that competed at Seca last year, so that it can accomate LMP900 sized tires, instead of the LMP675 tires the car was forced to run on as a result of its Reynard roots.
Officially, it's still a hybrid chassis, and Creation's 100% new LMP1 chassis won't appear until the LMS season kickoff, as a factory car using the new AIM Industries V10.
So, what's this all add up to? A car that could potentially maybe possibly on the right day run with the Audi R10. Certainly, it's better competition than Autocon's obsolete Lola B01/60, but it's still a long shot.
Honestly, I think what Audi's feeling right now is pressure from the guys holding their leash: Porsche.
Porsche's sale of two Spyders to Dyson is monumental as they kick off 962 part 2 in the LMP class. They know this, and know that if privateers can stand a consistent chance of winning in their LMP2 then those privateers will buy their LMP2.
With an Audi R10 in the field, the Porsche Spyder's job is far too difficult. So, Porsche - having 30% ownership of VAG - can lean on Audi to redirect their efforts to the more hotly contested LMP1 war in the LMS (complete with another diesel to trump) while Porsche cleans house on a couple of generation-old rehash LMP1's and the wide selection of new LMP2's.
Net result: The RK Spyder becomes the new 962, Porsche enjoys rapid sales stateside, banks the profits, and drops the blade on the Audi R10 to make way for their own LMP1 coupe in 2010, instead of spending the money to have Dallara retool the R10.
Officially, it's still a hybrid chassis, and Creation's 100% new LMP1 chassis won't appear until the LMS season kickoff, as a factory car using the new AIM Industries V10.
So, what's this all add up to? A car that could potentially maybe possibly on the right day run with the Audi R10. Certainly, it's better competition than Autocon's obsolete Lola B01/60, but it's still a long shot.
Honestly, I think what Audi's feeling right now is pressure from the guys holding their leash: Porsche.
Porsche's sale of two Spyders to Dyson is monumental as they kick off 962 part 2 in the LMP class. They know this, and know that if privateers can stand a consistent chance of winning in their LMP2 then those privateers will buy their LMP2.
With an Audi R10 in the field, the Porsche Spyder's job is far too difficult. So, Porsche - having 30% ownership of VAG - can lean on Audi to redirect their efforts to the more hotly contested LMP1 war in the LMS (complete with another diesel to trump) while Porsche cleans house on a couple of generation-old rehash LMP1's and the wide selection of new LMP2's.
Net result: The RK Spyder becomes the new 962, Porsche enjoys rapid sales stateside, banks the profits, and drops the blade on the Audi R10 to make way for their own LMP1 coupe in 2010, instead of spending the money to have Dallara retool the R10.
- 2,976
- Sweden
Link
Edit: Seems ACEMCO has sold their Saleens to Europe.
Linky
FIA GT looks set to have a very strong GT1 field this season, with two Lambo´s, one Saleen, at least six Maseratis, at least four Astons. What can ALMS learn from FIA GT? Or LMS, whom have 8 GT1 entrants for this season?
I don't think there was much hope of BMS racing in the ALMS, just hope they would do Sebring, since they tested there last month. Shame they crossed the pond just to test. They would have been a great addition to the Sebring field (obviously).
As for Intersport and the Creation, they won't be able to race it at Le Mans, but I think this is some of the best news the ALMS has recieved, second only to the Acura debut. With the Fields behind the wheel and some weight breaks, they will be able to at least challenge the Audis in qualifying and at the beginning of the race. Unfortunately, I don't have much hope they will be able to challenge the panzers over 2h45m. However, this is a much better move for them than staying in P2 and getting killed by the 4-5 Porsches and 3 Acuras. And who knows, maybe one of the new LMP1 cars might come their way in a year or two.
And the AIM engine for Creation is for 2008. For this year, they're still using the Judd 5.5l GV2.
Hopefully, the rumors of one of the ex-Dyson Lola B06/10s ending up on the Sebring grid will come true, but I'm not holding my breath.
As for Intersport and the Creation, they won't be able to race it at Le Mans, but I think this is some of the best news the ALMS has recieved, second only to the Acura debut. With the Fields behind the wheel and some weight breaks, they will be able to at least challenge the Audis in qualifying and at the beginning of the race. Unfortunately, I don't have much hope they will be able to challenge the panzers over 2h45m. However, this is a much better move for them than staying in P2 and getting killed by the 4-5 Porsches and 3 Acuras. And who knows, maybe one of the new LMP1 cars might come their way in a year or two.
And the AIM engine for Creation is for 2008. For this year, they're still using the Judd 5.5l GV2.
Hopefully, the rumors of one of the ex-Dyson Lola B06/10s ending up on the Sebring grid will come true, but I'm not holding my breath.
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Friday at eight eastern on SPEED a program called "Acura: Project Le Mans" debuts. I don't know much about it, but methinks perhaps this is the reason they're was a strictly no media, no photo request for the 12 hours last week.
It looks as if the show will debut Friday and is a one episode deal to be replayed later that night "Fri, Mar 2 12:00AM" according to SPEEDTV.com, though I think that means Saturday morning. The show is set to run a third time March 17 at 8:30 as a part of the pre-race hype run by SPEED.
m.piedgros
SPEEDTV.com
It looks as if the show will debut Friday and is a one episode deal to be replayed later that night "Fri, Mar 2 12:00AM" according to SPEEDTV.com, though I think that means Saturday morning. The show is set to run a third time March 17 at 8:30 as a part of the pre-race hype run by SPEED.
m.piedgros
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Whoa, Mulsanne's back! 
And thanks m.piedgros for the heads up on the SPEED program. But why are they airing it Friday night!? I'll be sure to catch it when they re-air it at a more reasonable time.
And thanks m.piedgros for the heads up on the SPEED program. But why are they airing it Friday night!? I'll be sure to catch it when they re-air it at a more reasonable time.
Thanks for the heads-up about the Acura program. Definitely something to check out.
Have you guys seen the photos of the modifications done to the ARX-01a (Courage LC75)? Both the Highcroft and Andretti-Green cars are looking really good. And the Fernandez car supposedly did really well during that 12 hr. test, so those three against the four Porsches, with the B-K Lola-Mazda and the van der Steur Radical thrown in, means LMP2 is going to be the race to watch this year.
dougie, it's good to be back.
EDIT: Oh yeah, there's this new team called "Conzus Motorsports" that is supposedly going to enter a Porsche RS Spyder later this season. www.conzusmotorsports.com (Sounds too much like "cons us," and since we know the story about the Detroit soup kitchen guy and the P1 Courage-Cosworths that were supposed to show up this year, I'm a little sensitive about that.) There were reports last week that they would get RS Spyders #5 and #6, to debut at Salt Lake City and Petit Le Mans, respectively. However, others are saying that a different team is supposed to get the RS Spyders. Confusing stuff, but fingers crossed for more P cars on this side of the pond.
Have you guys seen the photos of the modifications done to the ARX-01a (Courage LC75)? Both the Highcroft and Andretti-Green cars are looking really good. And the Fernandez car supposedly did really well during that 12 hr. test, so those three against the four Porsches, with the B-K Lola-Mazda and the van der Steur Radical thrown in, means LMP2 is going to be the race to watch this year.
dougie, it's good to be back.
EDIT: Oh yeah, there's this new team called "Conzus Motorsports" that is supposedly going to enter a Porsche RS Spyder later this season. www.conzusmotorsports.com (Sounds too much like "cons us," and since we know the story about the Detroit soup kitchen guy and the P1 Courage-Cosworths that were supposed to show up this year, I'm a little sensitive about that.) There were reports last week that they would get RS Spyders #5 and #6, to debut at Salt Lake City and Petit Le Mans, respectively. However, others are saying that a different team is supposed to get the RS Spyders. Confusing stuff, but fingers crossed for more P cars on this side of the pond.
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- Jonerz99
That Acura show was pretty cool. Did anyone else see "FORSYTHE" on the XM Satellite Radio 26 Car and Bryan Herta's uniform? Gerry Forsyhe's company is INDECK and he isn't even spending money in or on Champ Car so I doubt it is old Gerry's company but, funny none-the-less. ... Herta is a former Forsythe driver... hmm... lol
Cheers,
Cheers,
Very interesting program about the Acuras.
Just to clarify something from my previous post about new Porsche P2 teams, it was revealed today that CET Racing Solaroli Motorsports is the team who have two RS Spyders on order. One is supposed to debut at Lime Rock Park, while the other is to debut at Petit Le Mans or Laguna Seca. The team also has a Porsche 997 GT3-RSR on order, which should also debut at Lime Rock.
Porsche has stated that they would not be building any new RS Spyders this year (I think the reason given was a lack of race engineers to oversee the cars), so it looks like Conzus Motorsports will have to wait until 2008 to debut.
Just to clarify something from my previous post about new Porsche P2 teams, it was revealed today that CET Racing Solaroli Motorsports is the team who have two RS Spyders on order. One is supposed to debut at Lime Rock Park, while the other is to debut at Petit Le Mans or Laguna Seca. The team also has a Porsche 997 GT3-RSR on order, which should also debut at Lime Rock.
Porsche has stated that they would not be building any new RS Spyders this year (I think the reason given was a lack of race engineers to oversee the cars), so it looks like Conzus Motorsports will have to wait until 2008 to debut.
Add another car to the ALMS LMP1 grid 👍 👍 ...one of the ex-Dyson Lola B06/10 - AERs has been purchased by Team Cytosport. Former Trans-Am driver Greg Pickett is the man behind the project, and will partner with Klaus Graf for eight of the 12 ALMS races, starting at Long Beach.
http://www.planetlemans.com/cmsv2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2359&Itemid=2
👍 👍 ...one of the ex-Dyson Lola B06/10 - AERs has been purchased by Team Cytosport. Former Trans-Am driver Greg Pickett is the man behind the project, and will partner with Klaus Graf for eight of the 12 ALMS races, starting at Long Beach.http://www.planetlemans.com/cmsv2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2359&Itemid=2
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I guess that rumor wasn't "Berry Berry" accurate! I know, I know, I just missed the oppotunity to say that on the Creation deal. Good work picking up Klaus Graf, he's quite a hot-shoe, hopefully that car can make some inroads.
m.piedgros
m.piedgros
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- Jonerz99
"New" Audi R10. I'll spare you the disappointment. Minor changes only a few people here at GTP will notice.
B-K Mazda breaks cover prior to Sebring. (One week away!!)
As far as B-K goes, I wish them more luck with the I4 than the rotary. Hopefully that was their biggest problem and we can see another strong addition to P2.
Cheers,
B-K Mazda breaks cover prior to Sebring. (One week away!!)
As far as B-K goes, I wish them more luck with the I4 than the rotary. Hopefully that was their biggest problem and we can see another strong addition to P2.
Cheers,
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Well Jonerz, while the rotary was down on power compared to the turbo-4's, it was BK's outdated Courage C65 chassis that put the car behind Intersport's Lola B05/40 and even further behind the Porsche RK Spyder.
The biggest step with this car is in the new B07/40 Lola chassis, rather than the Mazda turbo-four engine (which is an AER design that incorporates some Mazda production features). Just one look at the B07/40 compared to the C65 reveals just how radical the change is.
The biggest step with this car is in the new B07/40 Lola chassis, rather than the Mazda turbo-four engine (which is an AER design that incorporates some Mazda production features). Just one look at the B07/40 compared to the C65 reveals just how radical the change is.
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- Jonerz99
The Courage looks increasingly less like the current generation Le Mans Prototypes so perhaps Mazda will be stronger straight out of the box and can become a force soon. Hopefully attracting more young-guns to the sport (Star Mazda anyone? They already earn test drives with ALMS and GA teams don't they?), and developing drivers so that we are all reminded open-wheel and NASCAR isn't necessarily where it's at in professional motorsport; that sports car racing is a major player.
Cheers,
Cheers,
"...reveals just how radical the change is." Funny that you would use that word. In the interview dailysportscar did, they mentioned that they looked at using the Radical before deciding on the Lola. I wonder how that would have worked out, a Radical SR9 with their new AER engine. Would have been interesting.
Also, they have purchased two Lolas, so I wonder if they have any plans to race the second chassis, or if it is to be used as a spare car. At least they won't have to worry if they have a repeat of Lime Rock last year.
Unfortunately, I think all these changes, while positive, are about a year too late. Even with a new Lola and AER engine, with the addition of three Acuras and two Dyson Porsches, with possibly two more Porsches by the end of the season, they're going to be mid-pack runners at best. I wish them all the luck, but I just don't see them as contenders. I hope they prove me wrong.
Also, they have purchased two Lolas, so I wonder if they have any plans to race the second chassis, or if it is to be used as a spare car. At least they won't have to worry if they have a repeat of Lime Rock last year.
Unfortunately, I think all these changes, while positive, are about a year too late. Even with a new Lola and AER engine, with the addition of three Acuras and two Dyson Porsches, with possibly two more Porsches by the end of the season, they're going to be mid-pack runners at best. I wish them all the luck, but I just don't see them as contenders. I hope they prove me wrong.
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It's Tuesday and I'm in Sebring Florida! For the seventh straight year my Dad and I have made the journey to the Sunshine State for the greatest of American races. The Audi's have looked hot, the LM P2 class looks and sounds very good, GT1 will most certainly be a battle (that lone Aston is fast!) and LM GT2 is as expected busy with 18 cars entered (not all have completed laps though) with Ferrari looking fastest Porsche in that second tier and Spyker, Panoz the ye olde fashionede Porsche 99 GT3 RS not to far behind. Well, the Spyker and Panoz are close, those RS's are running as field fillers IMO. I've spent most of today sleeping at the hotel trying to catch up on sleep lost on the drive down here. Wednesday through Sunday I will be at the track splitting time between my Dad's SUV and the Chateau Elan acting as my sleeping quarters. I'll keep those of you who want it up to date on happenings going around the track aside from laptimes you can get on any other site!
m.piedgros
m.piedgros
