GTP V8 Supercars Series: News and Race Reports Thread

[Stiggy]

GTP V8 Supercars Series: News & Race Reviews

I got the idea for this thread after reading the GTPSN interviews with LSX in the race threads. Feel free to write your own news stories in this thread as well.

New Schedule Revealed:
The revised 2009/2010 race schedule was unveiled on the 8th of November. The main features of the new schedule are that the enduro races are to be held later in the season to avoid clashes with the SuperGT sprint races. The Tokyo and Motegi events were rescheduled to be on the same week as the SuperGT sprint races at these tracks. Last but not least is the addition of an extended length street race at Monaco (Cote'd Azur) to end the first season of the GTP V8 Supercar Series. A copy of the schedule is provided below.

2009 GT Planet V8 Supercars Series Schedule V8 Supercars (Class 1) V8 Production (Class 2)

Seattle Reverse (Street), 13 laps, 7 laps
Tsukuba Wet (Sprint) 25 laps, 12 laps
Suzuka East (Sprint), 22 laps, 11 laps
New York (Street), 12 laps, 6 laps
Midfield (Sprint), 14 laps, 7 laps
High Speed Ring (Sprint), 12 laps, 6 laps
Motegi East (Sprint), 15 laps, 7 laps
Tokyo R246 (Street), 10 laps, 5 laps
Trial Mountain (Enduro), 25 laps, 13 laps
El Capitan (Enduro), 31 laps, 16 laps
Apricot Hill (Sprint), 13 laps, 6 laps
Cote 'd Azur (Street) 22 laps (75km), 11 laps(37km)

Mid Season Rule Changes
After the first few races of the new season, some small rule changes have occurred. The changes include:

- Use of soft tyres at street race events is now permitted, but the same 'one set per race' rules as in the sprint races still apply

- Two 'guest' cars per class to give drivers that only race in one class the opportunity to race in another class for a race. This is also open to other drivers who don't regularly drive in the V8 Supercars Series. It is also a good opportunity to score some more points towards the Teams Championship. You must either PM me before Thursday on the race week or post in the race thread that you would like to drive a 'guest' car. The list of Guest cars are:
#96, Ford Falcon XR8 Race Car (V8 Supercars/Class 1)
#97, Chevrolet Camaro Race Car (V8 Supercars/Class 1)
#98, FPV GT (V8 Production/Class 2)
#99, Holden Commodore SS (V8 Production/Class 2)

- Name changes for classes and series:
What was known as 'Class 1' will now be refered to as 'V8 Supercars' while 'Class 2' will now be known as 'V8 Production'. The new name of the series is 'GTP V8 Supercars Series'.

-Camaro Loses Weight
The weight of the Chevy Camaro is to be reduced from +9 to +8 to evenly match the two cars in the V8 Supercars/Class 1 Class.

'Enduro' Series drives
Enduro drives are available for those who are currently racing in SuperGT, only racing in one class of the V8 Supercars, or one of the various Short Race Series. The enduro races are on after the SuperGT series finishes. These races are a good opportunity to polish up on endurance skills before the next GTPLMS. Points scored in endurance races will count towards the 'V8 Supercars Enduro Championship' as well as the main V8 Supercars Series. To enter the enduro races simply post your nomination in the Sign-Up/Information thread and mention that you want to race in the Enduros.

Points System For Endurance Races
1st: 20, 2nd: 16, 3rd: 14, 4th: 12, 5th: 10, 6th: 8, 7th: 6, 8th: 5, 9th: 4, 10th: 3, 11th: 2, 12th: 1 and a bonus point for fastest lap

Race Reviews
Round 1 - Seattle Reverse

The first race of the new V8 Supercars Series was an action packed race around the tight streets of Seattle. The highlight of this very technical layout is a series of downhill jumps. Get it right and you're well on your way to a good result. Get it wrong and you will end up headfirst into the armco barriers that line the track and recieve a Drive Through Penalty.
Class 1
The first race of the season started off with a bang, literally, for East Coast Motorsports driver LancerEvo7GSR who ended his race on lap 11 after crashing on the downhill jumps. The tight track caused numerous issues, with drive through penalties a common feature. After all of the chaos, there could only be one winner. Viperin took out the race with the only two stop race in Class 1 with TheStig13 just over 2 seconds behind. Oldmodelt rounded out the podium.
Class 1 Results
1. Viperin Falcon 20'25.613
2. TheStig13 Falcon 20'27.274
3. oldmodelt Camaro 20'39.824
Fastest Lap: viperin 1'28.617

Class 2
A very close race for the start of the class 2 season with just over 7 tenths of a second seperating the top 2. Swift Pits driver, Pitracer100 just edged out GTsail290 for the race win. East Coast Motorsports driver Cougar23 was third but sadly had to withdraw from the series after the race.
Results
1. Pitracer100 FPV 13'12.301
2. GTsail290 Commodore 13'13.017
3. Cougar23 FPV 13'19.128
Fastest Lap GTsail290 1'47.106

Round 2 - Tsukuba Wet

The second round was an exciting sprint race around the short but challenging Tsukuba Circuit. Only a few hours before the race, though, it looked as the first sprint race of the season would have to be cancelled due to a torrential downpour that almost flooded the track. Thankfully the weather cleared just two hours before the race but the track remained extremely wet.

Class 1
The Class 1 sprint race at Tsukuba was more reminiscent of a Class 1 Offshore Powerboat race than a Class 1 V8 Supercar race due to the torrential rain from the night before the race. Map 'o Tassie driver viperin drove a great race to stay on track and finish first by over 5 seconds. 3 seconds seperated the two other podium finishers, TheStig13 and oldmodelt.
Results:
1 viperin Falcon 27'25.296
2 TheStig13 Falcon 27'30.107
3 oldmodelt Camaro 27'32.914
Fastest lap: viperin 59.459

Class 2
Paul's Offshore Racing Team (PORT) driver GTsail290 certainly lived up to his name, sailing in to victory at this very wet race. Meanwhile, LSX was experiencing typical Holden build quality (only joking ) when his Commodore filled up with water. LSX was quoted as saying: "The car was like a fish bowl with all the wildlife swimming around inside. One of my crew men was bailing it out as fast as it would fill." Other podium placegetters were Pitracer100 and AyJay.
Results
1 GTsail290 Commodore 14 '59.053
2. Pitracer100 FPV GT 15'12.090
3 AyJay Commodore 15'36.018
Fastest Lap: GTsail290 1'10.302

Round 3 - Suzuka East

Suzuka's East circuit played host to the third round of the GTP V8 Supercars Series. This round was also the first 'double-header' round with the popular SuperGT series and the racing action from both series did not dissapoint the fans.
Class 1:
Yet another win for Map 'o Tassie driver viperin, who is currently dominating the Class 1 standings with 3 wins from 3 races. However, this was the first race where viperin didn't score full points due to a fast lap on soft tyres by second placed TheStig13. LSX scored his first podium of the series with third place in the LSX Engineering Camaro.
Results
1 viperin Falcon 18'23.888
2 TheStig13 Falcon 18'30.917
3 LSX Camaro 18'33.433
Fastest Lap: TheStig13 45.795

Class 2
Controversy over a passing move by winner GTsail290 has marred the Class 2 race at Suzuka East. On lap 10 the Commodore of GTsail290 was tagged by a lapped competitor, causing the series leader to admit the mistake. After a while, the stewards deemed it a 'racing incident' and GTsail290 was declared the winner. A one off drive from Class 1 driver oldmodelt in a FPV GT was good enough for second on his first race in the car. Oldmodelt has since confirmed that he will race the rest of the Class 2 season. LancerEvo7GSR took the ex Cougar23 East Coast Motorsports FPV to third. Pitracer100, second in the drivers standings was forced to retire from the race.
Class 2 Results:
1 GTsail290 Commodore 11'03.377
2 oldmodelt FPV GT 11'11.875
3 LancerEvo7GSR FPV GT 11'14.848
Fastest Lap: TheStig13 56.431

 

[Pitracer100]

Nice story and mid-season changes.👍

 

[LSX]

*GTPSN Supercar minute*

"The number 5 LSX Engineering Camaro is in the Big Apple for a Goodyear tire test this week. Due to the new tire rules in place, Goodyear is looking for feedback on tire wear."



*LSX Engineering chief mechanic interview*


GTPSN - "How has the car been reacting, given the weight drop and the addition of a softer compound for street races?"


"Well, we are seeing favorable results for the new soft compound we're planning on running for the fourth round of Supercar competition. Though we're blowing off the fronts in around 5 laps, we only need to run one stint with that compound, so it won't affect our pit strategy. Between the slight weight drop we've seen, and the addition of soft compound tires, we're looking very good for the coming race day. The weight drop is not substantial, but we are seeing slightly less understeer than we have been previously, every bit helps you know. We were already quite happy with a medium compound test session that took place in the early season, the addition of the soft tires, really helps the fast lap but adds to pit strategy, depending on how the car is driven."

*Studio*
"We will keep you posted for any new developments out of New York for the fourth round of V8 Supercar action in the coming week."

*This has been a GTPSN Supercar minute.*

 

[GTsail]

Nicely worded TheStig13 -

I look forward to the next race in the Big Apple.

Though, I will have to mind my racing line. I don't want the racing stewards to issue me a black flag for rough driving.

Thankfully, PORT will not have to return the assorted hardware that was awarded last week. My crew informs me that most items have been "mis-placed" after a night of drunken debauchery last week in nearby Osaka after the Suzuka race.

GTsail290

 

[oldmodelt]

-Camaro Loses Weight
The weight of the Chevy Camaro is to be reduced from +9 to +8 to evenly match the two cars in the V8 Supercars/Class 1 Class.

Now I know why I didn't win the first three races.

 

[viperin]

*GTPSN Supercar minute*


GTPSN - In News just to hand, Team "Map O' Tassie" have announced that viperin, "The Worlds Oldest Rookie", as he is affectionately known, has secured a guest driving spot in one of the spare FPV Production cars for the upcoming round at the difficult New York street circuit.

We can now cross live for an few words from the man himself -
GTPSN - "Why the decision to accept a guest drive at this time ? Are you concerned it may affect your chances in the V8 Supercar Race" ?

viperin - " Not at all Randy, always happy to drive a Falcon and put on a show for the fans, it just reminds me of hooning around the streets of Hobart in my old XY Falcon. Good times.

GTPSN - "Are you thinking of joining the Production Car series ? "

viperin - "If things go well, we might consider making it permanent .
As you know our team, Map o' Tassie, is very popular down under, and our Chief Mechanics ( the celebrated Stoner Brothers ), are itching to fettle an FPV Car.
However some rather serious sponsorship problems have curtailed our setting up and running a GT300 & 500 Team, so we have plenty of time to put into this effort".

GTPSN - "How will the rule changes affect your V8 Supercar strategy here and do you think it will loosen your iron grip at the top of the points table ?"

viperin - " Will not affect our strategy at all, which is just simply to Win !
And just to show that I am always willing to help my fellow competitors, I am sending them some Gift Vouchers from Jenny Craig.
I figure this would be an easier way for them to lose some extra weight, heh heh".

GTPSN - " And on that bombshell, its back to the studio".

*This has been a GTPSN Supercar minute.*

 

[Pitracer100]

-Camaro Loses Weight
The weight of the Chevy Camaro is to be reduced from +9 to +8 to evenly match the two cars in the V8 Supercars/Class 1 Class.

Now I know why I didn't win the first three races.

Its like an obese person going from 350 to 348 in one month. Almost no point of diet.
GTSail290 passed me in the point standings by 12 pts.

 

[GTsail]

PORT is pleased to announce the entry of a car in the V8 Supercar class at New York.

PORT has little experience in fielding a car in such a high-powered class, so intends to start the race from the back of the grid. Pit stops may be a little lengthy since team PORT only has one jack, and we understand that tire strategy is key at New York.

Race car driver GTsail has been hired to do some of the racing on a probationary basis after a stint at the remedial driving school at nearby Lime Rock Park in CT.

GTsail290

 

[Pitracer100]

I guess I was the first team to make it to NY!

Only weekend warriors raced and my fastest lap is on the NY thread.

 

[LSX]

*GTPSN*

In an interview with the driver of the LSX Engineering Camaro and Commodore...

"Well, we had mixed results this week, I'm very proud of our second podium finish in a row in the Supercars. Also, for the first time this season we've set the fastest overall lap in the Supercar class as well. It's quite a milestone for us, insignificant as it may seem, the whole team and myself are working very hard for good results, and it's starting to pay off for us. We're really grateful for what we've been able to do so far, we just want to keep improving. The number 5 Camaro was on rails all week, I have to thank the team and our sponsors for the help and preparation!"

*GTPSN* - What of your finish in the production class?

"Ah, I just could not get a good rhythm down in the number 55 Commodore, the team prepared a great car, I just could not make it work. So, it's my fault, I don't feel good about it. I mean, we're not a big team, so trying to stretch our resources to run well on both sides, just is not in the cards if we can't preform. We may be pulling out of the Production class, it's not been decided yet, but the option is being considered by the team..."

"We're going to keep trying hard to do better in the Supercar class, everything is coming together well. I want to congratulate the PORT racing team on the sweep, they clearly deserve it. I also want to thank Lowe's chassis and Logitech for all the great racing parts we use!"

*GTPSN*- "Alright, well there you have it, mixed emotions in the LSX-E camp, we're going to try and get interviews with a few other drivers before we sign off, back to the studio."

 

[Stiggy]

Commodore Gains Weight
The Holden Commodore SS (V8 Production) has been given a weight increase after testing by one of the drivers in the series found that it was 0.5 of a second faster a lap.
The weight of the car is now 1624kg (-2) instead of 1608kg (-3)

 

[viperin]

*GTPSN*
We have manged to secure a short interview with an obviously peeved viperin -

Not the sort of weekend you were hoping for ?

viperin - "Well, all things considered it could have been worse. I am pleased I manged a podium for the production class after that lapse in judgement leading to the prang.
I just felt I owed it to the guys after working so hard to repair the car in time for the Race."

*GTPSN*
It looked as if you were struggling in the V8 race though, not such a good result ?

viperin - "Actually I was quite pleased with the result, as we made a strategic blunder in our tyre selection.Our tyre technician insisted Racing on a combo of RH / RS would give us the speed and longevity to be competitive.

They tell me he will be out of traction some time next week.

I can assure all our fans and opponents we will be making no such tactical blunder this week".

*GTPSN*
And on that Bombshell, it is back to the studio.

 

[Stiggy]

New pit rules for V8 Production Class
The compulsory pit stop rule in the V8 Production class has been axed as it was unnecessary.

Enduro Sign-ups opening soon!
Signups for the two endurance races at Trial Mountain and El Capitan are opening soon. NOTE: If you have already signed up for the series, you are automatically signed up for the enduros.

 

[Stiggy]

The next race (Motegi) will be postponed two weeks to avoid a clash with the SuperGT Race. The new race thread will be opened on the 10th of January 2010.

 

[LSX]

Great news, because I'm about as busy as can be 👍!

 

[oldmodelt]

*GTPSN*
As part of our ongoing coverage of the V8 Championship Race Series, this week we bring you our interview with Vintage Motors Inc. (VMI) senior driver oldmodelt.

I notice that you have made a few personnel changes the last few weeks.? What prompted all of this?

oldmodelt – "This is something that just fell into our laps. I knew with the caliber of the opposition that has been running against us we needed to improve our depth of drivers for some time. fogbound provides us with just the thing we were lacking in terms of a second driver. His initial showing at Motegi makes us very very happy we were able to agree to terms with him. And that he takes a back seat to no one here at VMI in terms of skill."

*GTPSN*
How did you initially hook up so to speak ?
oldmodelt- "Actually, he was the the first one to approach us on a general matter not really specific to this Race Series. One thing led to another and he eventually accepted our offer which made us very happy.”

*GTPSN*
Any other thoughts on his joining VMI?
oldmodelt- “Only that he really made us very happy this week. With all the computer problems that we were hit with as a result of that rogue malware virus. It totally shut us down for the entire week. We were lucky that the cars weren't affected and even luckier that he just jumped in and took over his duties without missing a beat.”

*GTPSN*
Can you give us a little background on him? Single, married, kids? That sort of thing.
oldmodelt- “I could but then I'd have to kill you! Lol. You'll learn more about him soon enough.”

*GTPSN*
And with that threat. Back to the safety of the studios.

 

[fogbound]

*GTPSN*
Swing the microphone over here, I just noticed VMI's rookie driver Fogbound climbing out of the team trailer.

"We just spoke to team owner and #1 driver oldmodelt regarding your sudden entry this late in the season." He didn't have much to say"

Fogbound- I tried to tell em about the bees, no one would listen. Me and the Nephew were pruning apple trees, I tried to back the van up so we could reach the high branches and somehow we hooked that old bee hive. When I went to pull away, that big buzzin' ball of anger popped off and landed right in that crate that was in the back of the van (points to small wooden crate strapped to the fuel cell of the #58 car). Well, I am here to tell you, when I saw that happen, all I could think was "you better git' boy". I fired 'er up and slammed the gas pedal till it was stuck real good in the rust hole.

Knowin' bees hate smoke, when she hit second and the orchard ran straight for a way, I quick popped the engine cover off (love those old vans) and tossed half a beer down that howling quadrajet. It only took a couple of seconds with the back door swingin' to fill the van with steam and got those bees calmed down (wish that PBR worked that quick on me). I then ran to the back and pulled down lid down down on the crate. I was still doing about 70 and bouncin' around a bit, I should have dropped the beer and grabbed for the door frame (none of my sight is too good), I had just passed oldmodelt's fancy hauler when I fell out the back and landed in the ditch.

Ol'e Fess said he'd had enough of me and I owed him for the van and the chainsaw that fell in the ditch. oldmodelt offered to settle up with Fess if I would come drive this 'ole race car, good as I drive that van, I wouldn't owe nothing!

*GTPSN*
Any other thoughts on joining VMI?

I told the guys I don't need the bees in the car but I guess they don't want me to forget how I got here!

*GTPSN*
Can you give us a little background on yourself?

Married, kids grown, the wife is driving that school bus with the VW bus welded on top (did that myself 'case you were wonderin').


*GTPSN*
ahem... OK, we will keep that in mind!, back to you!