[LM24] Le Mans 2023 Le Mans Entries (Closed)

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by Koenigsegg

I agree the current format works and technically the Middle East is part of Asia. But, nowadays you mostly see European teams and drivers competing. In my opinion that's not the true spirit of the Asian Le Mans Series.

Indeed, either rename it and/or include the other parts of Asia in its calendar. For the latter, create an incentive for teams to enter.

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).

[Mike E]

38 WEC entries, 13 auto invites (if all taken up), and Garage 56 means just 10 more spots to squabble over. How long will that reserve list be?

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...ans-confirmed/

[joeb]

Originally Posted by Mike E

38 WEC entries, 13 auto invites (if all taken up), and Garage 56 means just 10 more spots to squabble over. How long will that reserve list be?

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...ans-confirmed/

Out of those 10 we know some have asked for additional entries, like Glick, and Caddy.

[Mike E]

True! And they will get them. 8 spots left?

But will any Hypercar Porsche privateers make it?

[joeb]

Originally Posted by Mike E

True! And they will get them. 8 spots left?

But will any Hypercar Porsche privateers make it?

Caddy will have 2 at Spa so that pretty much confirms their 2nd Le Mans entry.

https://www.endurance-info.com/auto/...-francorchamps

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by joeb

Caddy will have 2 at Spa so that pretty much confirms their 2nd Le Mans entry.

https://www.endurance-info.com/auto/...-francorchamps

Cool to see they'll do an extra round. I'm guessing that's the Action Express car that's racing. Not signed up to E-I so can't read full thing.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Cool to see they'll do an extra round. I'm guessing that's the Action Express car that's racing. Not signed up to E-I so can't read full thing.

Good question on which team it will be, I just assumed the 2nd Ganassi, but perhaps not. I don't have time to look right now but I think all of the other full time Caddy drivers are available so that doesn't help narrow it down.

[broadrun96]

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).

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