ALMS: 2007 Preview

Sadly we don't get the ALMS series here but i'll try to follow the 2007 season hopefully it wont be an audi walkover like past years
 
I made some much needed changes to the lists in order to have a better idea of who we'll see next season. Much of the list is still pure speculation, but the most recent changes were:

* Dyson RS Spyders
* No LMP1 Courages
 
I guess it will be a two class championship next year. LM P1 and LM GT1 look pretty pathetic right now. Do we not know if the 'Vettes will be back in '07? I hope for our sake that the LM P2's are competitive with the Audi's - make the overall race a little interesting. With all the good news we've got all year comes a little bad, or a lot of bad as it looks. LM P1 doesn't have much of a '07 or '08 with '09 in the air. GT1, well I hope someone buys the Acemco Saleens, American Racing Vipers, Krohn-Barbour Lambourghinis so we can have cars in GT1 at least.

[SARCASM] GT Planet members. If we all donate a buck or two here and there, we can share the driving duties over the year in our brand new er, "lightly used" Saleen S7Rs, Dodge Viper GTS-Rs, and Lambourghini Murcielago R-GT's. Also, as noted in Grand-Am and ALMS news, the #505 Audi R8 is for sale, I wonder if we can get the GT1 cars and still have enough to campaign an LM P1 entry, and maybe its sister car :sly: #606...[/SARCASM]

m.piedgros
 
m.piedgros
I guess it will be a two class championship next year. LM P1 and LM GT1 look pretty pathetic right now. Do we not know if the 'Vettes will be back in '07? I hope for our sake that the LM P2's are competitive with the Audi's - make the overall race a little interesting. With all the good news we've got all year comes a little bad, or a lot of bad as it looks. LM P1 doesn't have much of a '07 or '08 with '09 in the air. GT1, well I hope someone buys the Acemco Saleens, American Racing Vipers, Krohn-Barbour Lambourghinis so we can have cars in GT1 at least.
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Is there a deadline for entries? It's just that sometimes I feel like we don't know who is in until the official entry list for Sebring comes out, and then we still don't get everyone.

[SARCASM] GT Planet members. If we all donate a buck or two here and there, we can share the driving duties over the year in our brand new er, "lightly used" Saleen S7Rs, Dodge Viper GTS-Rs, and Lambourghini Murcielago R-GT's. Also, as noted in Grand-Am and ALMS news, the #505 Audi R8 is for sale, I wonder if we can get the GT1 cars and still have enough to campaign an LM P1 entry, and maybe its sister car :sly: #606...[/SARCASM]
Click to expand...
If this were possible to pull off I wonder how we would do. How many people don't get a chance to race professionally that would be good and have the desire to do it?
 
I haven't been keeping up with ALMS news, but I know Corvette is planning to run in Sebring. I have also heard that a European campaign was a possibility, but I hope they stay in the ALMS.

But can we really blame them? If there are no other entries in the GT1 class, the Corvettes have very little motivation to participate.

Again, I haven't been keeping up with the latest from the ALMS, so they might have already made an announcement about their plans. I really hope we see a decent GT1 grid next year.
 
Another change to the list: Petersen/White Lightning Ferrari!

petersenpaint500tl9.jpg


Click here for the article.

Also, will we see more "Mazdas?" More on this later...
 
Some random bits of news:

* Flying Lizard just took delivery of their new 997 chassis.

porschetest500bu0.jpg


* There are also rumors of a Dome entering the series, as well as a few more RS Spyders.

* Mazda will be making an announcement regarding the ALMS sometime after January 1st.

* I'm still waiting on news for the GT1 class...
 
some more news from the series:
Road Atlanta is currently under-going repaving on the entire track. most of the work is taking place on the lower esses and the "Spectator Hill".
 
The impression I've got from CorvetteRacing.com, expect to see Corvette in the ALMS next year, again with the 3 & 4 cars (most likely with the exact same drivers line-up).

Cheers,
 
Robertson Racing appear to be confirmed for a select schedule. Apparently Dick Barbour Racing will be lending a helping hand. Yeah, that was my reaction too...

m.piedgros
 
Sad to see no Alex Job.

Glad Mazda are stepping it up.

Great to see varying race lengths throughout the season.

Disappointed in P1 and GT1, as I suppose we all are, however you gotta role with the punches.

Cheers,
 
dougiemeats
B-K Motorsports and MAZDASPEED will partner with AER and Lola. Link to the article
Click to expand...
Did I read that right? They aren't going to use the rotary in the new car? Does that mean I will have hearing left next time I get to a race?
m.piedgros
Sebring Winter Tests Entrants (very preliminary)

Here is the entry list thus far for the Sebring Winter Tests. [SARCASM] You'll notice the daunting field sizes in P1 and GT1! [/SARCASM]
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You would think that sponsors would push the teams to show up for more of these things. I guess with so little media coverage it doesn't matter much.
 
Jonerz
Corvette Racing could go LMES.

I think if this happens ACO and IMSA should seriously consider uniting the series.

I would say "Cheers," but... this isn't very "Cheers," worthy...
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I would love to see one series. However, if the ALMS, LMS, and the JLMC were united, it would leave many teams behind. There are already a number of teams that struggle financially; a worldwide series would be even harder for them. Also, it would be difficult to agree upon one set of rules to govern the series. The LMS strictly follows the Le Mans regulations, while the ALMS - and even more so, the JLMC - are much more lenient with their regulations (especially with car eligibility). Their styles are also different, as the LMS is a true endurance series with 1000km races, while the ALMS has twice as many rounds but prefer shorter races.

That's not to say that it's an entirely bad idea (it would be interesting to see an LMS-type grid of 45+ cars at Lime Rock Park :P), but it's probably one of those ideas that sound good in theory, but will not work out in practice. I'm sure the governing situation could be resolved, but what I would want in a worldwide series is consistency (i.e. every team present at every race). I don't think that could be achieved with one worldwide series.
 
dougiemeats
I would love to see one series. However, if the ALMS, LMS, and the JLMC were united, it would leave many teams behind. There are already a number of teams that struggle financially; a worldwide series would be even harder for them. Also, it would be difficult to agree upon one set of rules to govern the series. The LMS strictly follows the Le Mans regulations, while the ALMS - and even more so, the JLMC - are much more lenient with their regulations (especially with car eligibility). The styles are also, different, as the LMS has less races but they are of a greater distance, while the ALMS has twice as many races but prefer the sprint-type races.

That's not to say that it's an entirely bad idea (it would be interesting to see an LMS-type grid of 45+ cars at Lime Rock Park :P), but it's probably one of those that sounds good in theory, but will not work out in practice. I'm sure the governing situation could be resolved, but what I would want in a worldwide series is consistency (i.e. every team present at every race). I don't think that could be achieved with one worldwide series.
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I think it could, if the manufacturers were allowed back inte sports car racing. IMSA and the WSCC (was it called that? Can´t remember) had it´s hayday during the 80´s and early 90´s, with group C and the lot. F1 despot Bernie Ecclestone somehow had a say-so on these series, and suddenly only private teams were allowed, and Group C was desroyed completely, in the favor of F1.
Bernie had the notion that F1 was supposed to be the pinnacle of motorsport, and Group C were on the verge of taking over that spot.

Personally, I would like to see a return of manufacturer run teams, instead of just backed priveteers. Of course private teams should still be able to participate. Thing is, the biggest teams (Champion, Penske, Corvette racing) are heavily backed by the manufacturers, so the difference would not be huge, but more manufacturers would probably try their skills on the track in such a series. Many of the carmakers either don´t want to financially commit to F1, or simply never get a chance there, so I think they would spend a lot of money for a more "true car" oriented series.
 
At points like this where I am getting down on the limited numbers in P1 and GT1 (classes I think manufacturers would fit well in) [UTTER BS] I just want to tell the privateers to go sit in the corner, run a limited schedule, or hit the track in Grand-Am or FIA GT3. If the little guys die out, it is just more sponsorship money to go to fuel a big manufacturer rivalry in another class. [/UTTER BS] Of course, this may be a little over zealous on my part as I am sick of these car count problems. Problems for the little guy aside (and I do support them, the above is purely out of anger over the tiny fields in GT1 and P1, the two expensive classes of the prototype and GT brothers) I think global series is within reach if ACO take a chill pill and the schedule was more like the LMS's. The only problem I foresee with that is the possibility that exposure, or the lack thereof would hurt Yank interest. Or essentially anyone outside Europe. Racing can be a heck of a mistress and at times she can drive you nuts.

At this point we can pretty much count Aston out. First, with Lamy and Sarrazin in the Peugeot and Enge's impending move to the PWL Ferrari, Aston only have one car's worth of drivers. Secondly, AMR/ProDrive were already in the politics game saying unless there were rule changes to essentially win them every event they don't want back, and Ford's attempts to sell the luxury/sporting brand makes the prospect of a race team even dimmer. Oh well, I'm psyched for the Doran Ford GT. Hopefully it does a full season.

Also, what have we all heard on Lou Gigliotti and LG Motorsports building two GT2 Corvettes, one for a customer and possibly one for himself?

I'll leave you to it.

Regards,
 
The thing is, clearly LMP2 and GT2 are GROWTH sectors in sports car racing.

Porsche has proven the exact same theory that sold a bunch of 956/962's in the 80's and a bunch of 935's in the 70's - a competitive, mass-produced sportsracer will always buoy a class.

The reason Porsche, Acura, and Radical are all building LMP2's like mad has nothing to do with "expanding road technology" or any of the rest of Atherton's pure crock of BS. Porsche, Acura, and Radical have all seen an oppurtunity to sell prototypes to privateers. LMP2's to this point have been woefully unreliable (Kudzu, WR, Lucchini) and have offered no real performance bargain. This new generation of LMP2's has changed that and in doing so, privateers are willing to buy these cars.

In GT2, the manufacturers are simply racing product. Cars like the Aston Martin DB9 and Ferrari 550 Maranello sell themselves. They're the rarified upper echleon of refined sporting driving. The nitty-gritty of the sports car world are the mass produced cars like the Esperante, 911, M3, F430, basically anything under 200k and 500hp.

The intense competition for sales in this sector has led to increased participation, and selling cars to race drivers is equally acceptable as selling to daily drivers. True "factory" efforts in GT2 are almost zero, but manufacturers support the whole of their cars in the class through factory technical and parts supply support.

LMP1 and GT1 have become superfluous because of their expense and poor return-on-investment. The formula of prototype racing has all but eliminated "development" from the equation, leaving only marketability and saleability. In LMP2 and GT2, the manufacturers can gain the same marketing value from simply selling cars (or in Acura's case, engine development packages) without the cost of operating their own teams.
 
Layla's Keeper
The thing is, clearly LMP2 and GT2 are GROWTH sectors in sports car racing.

Porsche has proven the exact same theory that sold a bunch of 956/962's in the 80's and a bunch of 935's in the 70's - a competitive, mass-produced sportsracer will always buoy a class.

The reason Porsche, Acura, and Radical are all building LMP2's like mad has nothing to do with "expanding road technology" or any of the rest of Atherton's pure crock of BS. Porsche, Acura, and Radical have all seen an oppurtunity to sell prototypes to privateers. LMP2's to this point have been woefully unreliable (Kudzu, WR, Lucchini) and have offered no real performance bargain. This new generation of LMP2's has changed that and in doing so, privateers are willing to buy these cars.

In GT2, the manufacturers are simply racing product. Cars like the Aston Martin DB9 and Ferrari 550 Maranello sell themselves. They're the rarified upper echleon of refined sporting driving. The nitty-gritty of the sports car world are the mass produced cars like the Esperante, 911, M3, F430, basically anything under 200k and 500hp.

The intense competition for sales in this sector has led to increased participation, and selling cars to race drivers is equally acceptable as selling to daily drivers. True "factory" efforts in GT2 are almost zero, but manufacturers support the whole of their cars in the class through factory technical and parts supply support.

LMP1 and GT1 have become superfluous because of their expense and poor return-on-investment. The formula of prototype racing has all but eliminated "development" from the equation, leaving only marketability and saleability. In LMP2 and GT2, the manufacturers can gain the same marketing value from simply selling cars (or in Acura's case, engine development packages) without the cost of operating their own teams.
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Spot on.

m.piedgros
 
I don't disagree, however, why are LM P1 and LM GT1 so much more successful in Europe? Just more money to go into this form of racing or is there a secret to their success?

Also, the top two teams from GT1 and GT2 (in points) of the FIA GT Championship have been invited to the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year.

Cheers,
 
Jonerz
I don't disagree, however, why are LM P1 and LM GT1 so much more successful in Europe? Just more money to go into this form of racing or is there a secret to their success?

Also, the top two teams from GT1 and GT2 (in points) of the FIA GT Championship have been invited to the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year.

Cheers,
Click to expand...

Actually, the starting fields are simply larger. GT2 and P2 are en masse over here too. If there are 8 GT1 cars in FIA GT, there is more than twice as many GT2 cars. Same in LMS; if 6 LMP1 cars show up, at least twice as many LMP2 cars show up.

That is somehow left to be seen, as one of the two GT1 teams actually race a Maserati MC12, wich is outlawed by ACO. However, it´s the team that is invited, not the car, so they may just run another car. Would be cool if they showed up with the car they ran in ´05 (or was it ´04?), wich was a Saleen!

Edit: I´ve read on Vitaphones homepage, that they actually hope that they can enter the Maserati. It seems the usual way of inviting teams to Le Mans is team and car, not just team.

Just for info: Seems Alfa Romeo is going to race Le Mans in 2008, with a GT2 classed 8C!
 
It is inconsequential in my opinion that the LM P2 and LM GT2 classes are larger than North America as well. I am just wondering why we can't get even six competitive cars in P1 and GT1 on a consistent basis here. And it is official; the ACO have invited the top two teams from FIA GT (GT1 and GT2) to Le Mans. That means that the Vitaphone team (Maserati MC12, points champion in GT1) are invited to Le Mans. They will have to adhere to ACO regulations, what that means remains to be seen.

Cheers,
 
As for GT1 in LMS, the grid is larger mainly because many teams from FIA GT also races in LMS. I don´t know how many regular GT1 entrants they have in LMS though.
As for the LMP1 class, I think the answer is logistic/economic. The cars are hugely expensive, and their main events take place here in Europe. Just to buy an LMP and then freight it overseas, would take a fortune. And then comes spare parts and so on.
It´s truly a shame that Cadillac pulled the plug on their LMP1. That would´ve been cheaper for ALMS entrants to buy, than just about any European LMP1.
Of course there is the matter of being competitive, too. I sure hope that Peugeot beats the Audis at Le Mans this year, since that may encourage other manufacturers to construct new LMP1´s.

As for GT1, being one of my favorite types of racecars, it´s really a shame to see what it has become in ALMS. Why can´t Saleen compete in the US? (yeah, I know they´re up for sales, but can´t someone buy them, for christs sake??)

By the way, does anyone have any pictures of the Ford GT-R?
Or, wow look what I found! This is cool! http://www.fordgttv.com/
 
To understand why the LMS can draw as many LMP1's as it does, you need to first understand what cars are competing.

Looking at the season-long competitors in LMP1 in the LMS, we see a trend of early and hybrid LMP1's such as the Creation (which is in fact based on the LMP675 Reynard chassis) and the Lister Storm. These are cars that are, in the grossest sense of the word, obsolete as competitive race cars when compared to the Audi R10 or even the Lola B06/10.

In essence, because teams like Zytek, Dome, Creation, Courage, Lister, and Pescarolo aren't faced with the Audi Panzer in every event, they can get away with running much older equipment on a much smaller budget and still achieve the desired result: A 24 Hours of Le Mans invitation.

GT1 is much the same. Older equipment (just look at how many Ferrari 575GTC's are in competition) that would otherwise be 100% out-classed by the factory Corvettes and Prodrive Aston Martins is able to carry-on in competition because those cars (the Vettes and DBR9's) are involved in the ALMS.

Nobody wants to spend the fortune to race and develop an LMP1 or GT1 car if the chances of victory are hopelessly small. In the ALMS, the last moneyed holdout (Rob Dyson) has come to this conclusion and dropped his Lola program in favor of an LMP2 Porsche program that undoubtedly WILL produce wins.

If Audi and Corvette go over to the LMS as a result of having no competition in the ALMS, then you'll see the EXACT same result in that series. The further the gap in performance between the cars, the sooner the uncompetitive cars start going home.
 
^^ I agree for the most part, however I think the LMS is better off finacially than ALMS, and the gap from Audi/Corvette wouldn´t be as huge as it is in ALMS.

Besides, there are C6R´s and Aston DBR9´s racing in LMS and FIA GT too, and they are not in particular faster than the lot. Of course they don´t have as big teams behind them, so the Corvetteracing and Prodrive would probably have a higher development rate.

Some news about LMS, that concerns ALMS aswell: the 908 will race the full series in LMS, so don´t count on it to come overseas until November, when LMS hits Interlagos(!). Wrong continent, but overseas from here anyway...
 

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