GT3 cars coming to the US...Confirmed

[RACECAR]

So as usual I'm watching one of my favorite shows "Fast Lane Daily" on youtube when this episode came along:



So here's the story from what I understand:


It appears that both the ALMS and Grand-Am are trying to bring the popular GT3 class over to the US. However, they want to this in various ways:

-IMSA (the santioning body behind the ALMS) wants to open up the GTC class to none Porsches, meaning that other makes can compete. However, there's a catch: "Massive changes" have to be made. I'm guessing the GT3 cars easily overpower the GTC cars, hence this.

-Grand-Am on the other hand wants to adapt the GT3 rules to their GT class and the best part: no expensive changes necessary.


So overall, the battle to bring GT3 over here to the US is on (or so it appears). I love the idea and seeing both series trying to do it is great. However, I like that Grand-Am wants to just bring them here just as they are as opposed to ALMS trying to change them (something I already hated that they and the ACO did to the Maserati MC12 a few years back).

Edit: GT3 cars will be coming to the US via a new rule change in GT allowing for GT3 spec cars.



So, whats your take on this developing story?

 

[Tornado]

I currently prefer the way Grand Am is going about it, but I'm going to wait to see what these changes will be before I pass judgement. If it basically ends up being "gimp the Porsches," then I don't see much of a point in even bothering. But if they can get more manufacturers involved without nerfing the Porsches, then I think it could turn out pretty well.

 

[Crashbroke23]

Personally, there really is a missed opportunity in this GT3 fiasco; that being the SCCA World Challenge (formerly the Speed World Challenge). The GT Class in the series (its not multi-class racing instead of separate races for the class after many teams left at the end of last year) is suppose to (from what i read in the state of the series release at the end of last year) have the cars at an equivalent pace to that of Porsche GT3 Cup cars, which the ALMS use. After looking at the pace of the GT class to the GTC classes based on Qualifying times, it wouldn't take much for the SCCA cars to be at pace with the Cup cars, (the gap is usually between 1-2 seconds, blaming Black Swan Racing and the great pros that sadly race in GTC 👎). Although the series doesn't run exact GT3 rules, it wouldn't take that much performance balancing to make all cars (either from GT or GT3) have good pace. And Who doesn't want to see a VOLVO in the ALMS!?! Although it needs to be RWD, not AWD like it is....

While it would be nice for Grand-AM to have GT3 as the GT Class, I really think that DP should be the focus of the series. It really showed the separation that the series has from from most series around the world. Before DP and GT in their current guises, the series ran FIA spec Prototypes (SRP) and what was the equivalent to GT2 at the time. Now, they use a unique Carbon Fiber Monocoque formula (although similar to DTM and Super GT) and GT uses a tube chassis formula similar to Nascar. Currently, Grand-Am should be worrying about DP and trying to get it to the same or very similar rule set to that of DTM and Super GT GT500. GT, IMO, isn't really a problem for Grand-AM outside of the problems with Balance of Performance (but that is always a problem with series that incorporate it).

 

[RACECAR]

I've never really liked Grand-Am's GT class when they changed it after 05. The cars never looked like race cars, they just looked like abunch of road cars with a rear wing thrown on them as a afterthought. The GTO.R was the best looking one as well as the Mazda RX-8. The rest are just meh. The GT3 cars however will change that.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

I don´t know if GT3 will be the best way for either Grand-Am or ALMS. The GT3 cars are perhaps too fast to really fit the purpose wanted. They are up there with the GT2 cars in terms of pace, so they would need a bad slowdown in both series to be what the organizers want.
And about both series; why can´t they both run GT3 cars? From a customer point of view that would be great!

 

[RACECAR]

I don´t know if GT3 will be the best way for either Grand-Am or ALMS. The GT3 cars are perhaps too fast to really fit the purpose wanted. They are up there with the GT2 cars in terms of pace, so they would need a bad slowdown in both series to be what the organizers want.

What do you mean?

And about both series; why can´t they both run GT3 cars? From a customer point of view that would be great!

As in, why aren't they doing it now or why not just run them as they are? if its the latter, then thats actually what Grand-Am wants to do with their GT class by adopting the GT3 rules. You'd have to go ask the ALMS as to why they lazily won't do the same.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

What do you mean?

As in the GT2 cars being about as fast as the DP´s, especially in the wet.

As in, why aren't they doing it now or why not just run them as they are? if its the latter, then thats actually what Grand-Am wants to do with their GT class by adopting the GT3 rules. You'd have to go ask the ALMS as to why they lazily won't do the same.

In Grand-Ams case the participating teams may not be all happy about it, in terms of costs. They´d need to buy new cars, or build new cars in some cases. Minor issues compared to ALMS.
What I meant was, there seems to be a bit of a competition going on as to whom will have the GT3 rights. I want to know why they both can´t run GT3.

For ALMS, the problem is GTC. IMSA wants to expand the GTC fields with other makes, but a GT3 Porsche is way quicker than a GTC Porsche, but at the same time, a GT3 Porsche is about as fast as a GT2 Porsche. See the problem? What IMSA seems to want is a setup much like GT1/GT2 of past years.

 

[RACECAR]

As in the GT2 cars being about as fast as the DP´s, especially in the wet.

Actually, the DPs are much faster then the GT2 cars. They've been developed far enough to where they can actually lap faster. Not sure why people still seem to believe this, seemingly only basing this on the DP's debut race at the Rolex 24 in 2003. The DPs are about on par with LMP 2 in pace.

In Grand-Ams case the participating teams may not be all happy about it, in terms of costs. They´d need to buy new cars, or build new cars in some cases. Minor issues compared to ALMS.
What I meant was, there seems to be a bit of a competition going on as to whom will have the GT3 rights. I want to know why they both can´t run GT3.

For ALMS, the problem is GTC. IMSA wants to expand the GTC fields with other makes, but a GT3 Porsche is way quicker than a GTC Porsche, but at the same time, a GT3 Porsche is about as fast as a GT2 Porsche. See the problem? What IMSA seems to want is a setup much like GT1/GT2 of past years.

So in other words, you want to know why they both simply couldn't just add a GT3 class in their series? Also, ALMS and Grand-Am have been rival series for some time and with both suffering, both are competeting to get the fans. Its a Win for Grand-Am because it gives the Rolex 24 back the International relevence its missed since changing the GT class. For ALMS, it ends giving the fans another exciting class to watch (because I unfortunately doubt anyone is remotely interested in seeing a competitionless LMP class, a none pro LMP-C categoryand a boring, all Porsche GTC class that vaguely resembles the useless GT3 challenge class from last year).

 

[paskowitz]

IMO ALMS would be the best fit for GT3. First I have always been partial to ALMS. I am sorry but I have not seen anything in Grand-Am that even remotely approaches the race at Mid Ohio last weekend or ALMS in general. Sebring, Le Mans, Petite Le Man, Laguna Seca have all been amazing races. SCCA GT deserve an honorable mention and IMO has great competition.

IMO this is what I would do. Open GTC up to EU GT4 car/teams. Mustang, Nissan Z etc with low cost being the goal. Maybe even SCCA.

GT3 cars are already just about as fast as ALMS GT cars so just bring them into GT with little modification. I am sure Audi would love to stick it to the 911s and M3s. Not to mention Aston coming back in to go after the Vettes. MB can come in with the SLS. This would really beef up GT. Maybe some of these cars could enter GTC but IMO thats not what GTC is about, low cost, easy entry, even competition. GT should be like LMP less regulation more open.

Keep LMPC the way it is. After the last couple of races the competition has been great. Again the whole point is easy entry, low cost, and even competition.

LMP, I miss Audi, Porsche, Puegeot, etc from Le Mans. I can wish them to come back its all up to them. Thats all that can be done. The class as it is now is just John Field leading them breaking down and then Acura finishing.

 

[Cale]

Yes please.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

Actually, the DPs are much faster then the GT2 cars. They've been developed far enough to where they can actually lap faster. Not sure why people still seem to believe this, seemingly only basing this on the DP's debut race at the Rolex 24 in 2003. The DPs are about on par with LMP 2 in pace.

Hmmm, I poked around a little on the interweb, and found that GT2 cars are off about 3s/lap around Mid-Ohio compared to DP´s, and that DP´s are off abot 2s/lap against the P´s. Given that the GT2 class will be faster next season, the DP´s should slot in just inbetween GT and Prototype. It should also be mentioned that ALMS is a little scewed in terms of pace, since IMSA has been trying to equalize P1 and P2.

So in other words, you want to know why they both simply couldn't just add a GT3 class in their series? Also, ALMS and Grand-Am have been rival series for some time and with both suffering, both are competeting to get the fans. Its a Win for Grand-Am because it gives the Rolex 24 back the International relevence its missed since changing the GT class. For ALMS, it ends giving the fans another exciting class to watch (because I unfortunately doubt anyone is remotely interested in seeing a competitionless LMP class, a none pro LMP-C categoryand a boring, all Porsche GTC class that vaguely resembles the useless GT3 challenge class from last year).

Exactly, and that is why I wonder why they both can´t run GT3. From the teams perspective that should be great - they can race a whole lot more if they want to, and if they have factory backing, all the better. I know that some would race one or the other, and for sponsors sake, the ALMS has a wider international spread.
Personally, I would like Grand-Am to get GT3. IMSA needs to get their act together, and start acting to what ALMS should be; a feeder series to the 24hrs of Le Mans.

 

[TS]

ALMS should just go to 2 classes, LMP and GT and get rid of the challenge classes, the cars GTC/LMPC cars are moving chicanes for the much faster LMP/GT cars.

 

[RACECAR]

Hmmm, I poked around a little on the interweb, and found that GT2 cars are off about 3s/lap around Mid-Ohio compared to DP´s, and that DP´s are off abot 2s/lap against the P´s. Given that the GT2 class will be faster next season, the DP´s should slot in just inbetween GT and Prototype. It should also be mentioned that ALMS is a little scewed in terms of pace, since IMSA has been trying to equalize P1 and P2.

I think a lap time around Miller Motorsports park would be the real measure of performance. Mid-Ohio is for all intensive purposes a short track, which always brings close times.

Exactly, and that is why I wonder why they both can´t run GT3. From the teams perspective that should be great - they can race a whole lot more if they want to, and if they have factory backing, all the better. I know that some would race one or the other, and for sponsors sake, the ALMS has a wider international spread.

And then you got drivers like Andy Lally and Bill Auberland who clearly have no problem racing in both series.

Personally, I would like Grand-Am to get GT3. IMSA needs to get their act together, and start acting to what ALMS should be; a feeder series to the 24hrs of Le Mans.

Me too. It seems like the ALMS has just gotten away from that and always appears to be closed off. Grand-Am's approach is just so open and welcoming without any sort of compromise and I think Manufacterers will be drawn to that. Sure it may lead to spending money purchasing or developing new cars, but isn't that usually the case when a new class or a new set of rules is added?

ALMS should just go to 2 classes, LMP and GT and get rid of the challenge classes, the cars GTC/LMPC cars are moving chicanes for the much faster LMP/GT cars.

Seeing as the ALMS is an ACO backed series, I doubt they'll allow it. Also, LMPC isn't all that bad to me. Its only problem is other then Gunner Jeanette and the occasional appearance by Ryan Hunter-Rhey, no one knows any of the drivers. Its had more competition then GTC, which is pretty much been a repeat of the GT class years ago: an AJR show. And just like the GT3 Challenge from last year, its essentially a Porsche class.

 

[Danisfast]

Did anyone else click on this thread from the 'Latest News' tab, thinking that by GT3, he meant ol' A-Spec?!

 

[RACECAR]

Did anyone else click on this thread from the 'Latest News' tab, thinking that by GT3, he meant ol' A-Spec?!

I assume your not familiar with FIA GT3 then?

 

[lpb-nissan-gt-r]

Fld ftw!!

 

[adam46]

Did anyone else click on this thread from the 'Latest News' tab, thinking that by GT3, he meant ol' A-Spec?!

I did actually, don't know why but it sounded that way.

 

[JohnBM01]

I once blogged about this. If we ever get FIA GT3 in the United States, it will more than likely be either an East Coast event or even a Midwest venue. My primary candidate for a great venue would be a Southern track- Barber Motorsports Park. Either Barber or maybe Sebring.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

^? If GT3 comes to the states, it will be in an existing series - Grand-Am or ALMS at this point - and not just as a single venue.
GT1 WC is however looking for a north American venue, US or Canada.

 

[RACECAR]

I once blogged about this. If we ever get FIA GT3 in the United States, it will more than likely be either an East Coast event or even a Midwest venue. My primary candidate for a great venue would be a Southern track- Barber Motorsports Park. Either Barber or maybe Sebring.

Why only as a venue? We're talking about the class itself in a series, not just one race.

 

[Northstar]

I would guess the whole battle is more who gets the FIA support as I don't see why both couldn't add it.

Saying that, I hope the Rolex series gets it as I find it to be overall more interesting.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

Does anyone know if FIA actually will "bless" any of these two series to include GT3? This is unique as far as I know - GT3 is raced all over the world as national GT´s, plus the European championship - but nowhere else is raced as a "filler" in another championship. Methinks that FIA and organizer SRO will want GT3 to stand on its own inside whatever series they end up in; IE a championship within the championship.

 

[RACECAR]

Seeing as the ALMS is pretty an ACO backed series, I think that automatically gives Grand-Am the favor of the FIA. And even better is they are openly welcoming it with no restrictions or changes necessary, unlike the ALMS.

Does anyone know if FIA actually will "bless" any of these two series to include GT3? This is unique as far as I know - GT3 is raced all over the world as national GT´s, plus the European championship - but nowhere else is raced as a "filler" in another championship. Methinks that FIA and organizer SRO will want GT3 to stand on its own inside whatever series they end up in; IE a championship within the championship.

I kinda think after seeing Jean Todt appear at a Grand-Am/NASCAR weekend, I get the feeling we already know who will be "blessed".

 

[CTznOfTime]

That was one very concentrated, fast, informative video! 👍

Exciting all those dynamics between Motorsport regulations.

 

[JohnBM01]

I began to think about this a bit more. I do like the idea of a GT3-style series in the United States. I think it would be more like an ALMS deal than for Grand-Am. Imagine seeing something like those Audi R8 GT3 cars (LOVE the R8 GT cars!) or most of the other recent GT-type cars. I would easily imagine multiple stops around America's best road courses (maybe a few street courses), and the complimentary trip to Canada (and maybe Mexico... never know).

Whether or not this will be a success or a failure will depend. Just have to see how such an American GT3 series would do. Give it a minimum of three years, as you would almost any sport.

 

[Danisfast]

I assume your not familiar with FIA GT3 then?

No, I know about GT3; and watch it as often as possible on, uh, Bloomberg.

 

[RACECAR]

Update:

It appears that both ALMS and Grand-Am are very close to allowing GT3 into their series. Personally as much as I like ALMS, I still think Grand-Am has them beat. I would much rather take a series where the only change involved is turning the TC off rather then the one where I have to make extensive modifications.

 

[The Outlaw]

Update:

It appears that both ALMS and Grand-Am are very close to allowing GT3 into their series. Personally as much as I like ALMS, I still think Grand-Am has them beat. I would much rather take a series where the only change involved is turning TC rather then the one where I have to make extensive modifications.

What do you mean by TC?

 

[RACECAR]

What do you mean by TC?

Surely you know what is, don't you?

 

[The Outlaw]

Well, I just asked you. I assume TC = traction control. I just didn't really understand this statement though:

"I would much rather take a series where the only change involved is turning TC rather then the one where I have to make extensive modifications."

Edit: NM, I see you've edited your statement to make a bit more sense Got it.