While many of our questions about the direction of the series were asked to be held for a future Q&A session, GRAND-AM Vice President of Competition Dave Spitzer focused on the potential changes to the Daytona Prototype class over the next two years and beyond in an exclusive interview for SPEED.com.
“There are two categories of change that we are contemplating right now,” said Spitzer. “One category is small things that would increase the attractiveness for the current teams or for a Pro-Am driver who might like to come to GRAND-AM in 2011.
“The other category is a more comprehensive revamp of the Daytona Prototype concept that is being communicated to constructors and OEMs and would attract investment that I believe will really grow the series more comprehensively from 2012 onwards.”
Daytona Prototype constructors met with GRAND-AM in early July to discuss alterations and updates to the class, with a number of meaningful changes being highlighted as priority items to introduce over the next two years.
Alterations to the dimensions of the greenhouse – the enclosed cockpit area – to achieve more balanced proportions to the rest of the car was listed as an area for development, along with making it easier for auto manufacturers to create bodywork that bears some form of corporate or road car identity.
GRAND-AM made the provision for auto manufacturers to introduce their styling cues in DP back in 2007, but to date, no one has stepped up to transform the appearance of a Riley, Dallara, Lola or Coyote chassis. Spitzer is optimistic this will change for 2012.
“We certainly think so. It was my perception while still working for GM Racing that the approach was to float the idea of an OEM-branded DP car, but not to pursue it with vigor. It’s natural that with something as comprehensive as a body redesign, it will take a lot of work. It takes a lot of questions, a lot of negotiating, a lot of balancing and finding middle ground and working through problems. At that time, there were problems that surfaced, and I don’t believe there was a concerted effort by GRAND-AM to push through those problems.
“For 2012, it is the focus and highest priority for me and my team to work through those problems. There are a number of problems that have still surfaced, and a number of solutions that are being negotiated with OEM representatives and with the help of NASCAR and GRAND-AM leadership. That’s the big difference, the degree of commitment and energy level to try to generate that change.”
