Quote:
Originally Posted by J Jay
The circuits are on the Asian continent, they race to ACO rules and regulations, therefore it is the Asian Le Mans Series. Apologies for being blunt, but that comes off as somewhat elitist.
The points about a lack of Asian venues/entrants are valid, but that was tried, and as someone who watched those races, it was always teetering on the edge of respectability. Without significant financial backing to cover most of the cost, the teams based further east aren't coming to the Middle East to race. Likewise, the entrants we have seen - yes, who were mostly from Europe - will not be going to the far east for anything other than the WEC. The closest realistic circuit I can think of would be Buddh (India), but there would be money needed to ensure the circuit is a ready and willing host.
The ACO do need to be careful that this version of the AsLMS doesn't become the ELMS/WEC B-team championship*, but at the moment the series serves its purpose for all involved. Half by accident, half by circumstance, we've stumbled on a happy medium
*And this is a wider issue with the proliferation of LMP2 "super teams" that should be relieved when they are all involved in LMH/LMDH (looking at you, United Autosports).
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Exactly that. Why is it IMSA gets to celebrate the world appeal for drivers but then the Asian LMS is ripped for it? There are Asian drivers and teams in the series as well as the teams in ELMS and WEC running hired cars. The schedule was tried roaming across the continent but there wasn't the draw and the costs were crazy. This seems like the best solution at the time, additional rounds could be added as they haven't committed to a 100 year plan have they?
As for the B series, well it and ELMS are kinda meant to be that aren't they? Costs much lower, none of the front line car class and mostly Am targeted. In that respect it seems to be working and has a decent number of teams bringing in new younger drivers with the lower costs