Oreca set to announce GT2 Viper project? - Page 3

pederb · 12 Jul 2007, 21:52 (Ref:1961975)

So it's suddenly been homoglized? I was told that Dodge had no interest in FIA or ACO? I guess the times are changing

ThePenguin · 12 Jul 2007, 21:54 (Ref:1961976)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foster

By the looks of it, Dodge is in the form of sponsorship, something like a Dodge Dealers type of situation.

I could be wrong though.

Woodhouse Performance is closely associated with the Woodhouse dealer network, so it isn't Dodge that sponsors them, it is a private dealer network.

Fogelhund · 12 Jul 2007, 23:33 (Ref:1962033)

Quote:

Originally Posted by pederb

So it's suddenly been homoglized?

The car has not been homologated.

pederb · 12 Jul 2007, 23:55 (Ref:1962041)

How can it run in GT2 then?

Fogelhund · 13 Jul 2007, 00:04 (Ref:1962044)

Quote:

Originally Posted by pederb

How can it run in GT2 then?

IMSA Super Sport (S2) category, just like the BMW's ran last year. (who were also not homologated cars.)

The359 · 13 Jul 2007, 00:05 (Ref:1962046)

Special permission by IMSA.

The359 · 13 Jul 2007, 00:06 (Ref:1962049)

Why exactly weren't the M3s homologated?

Fogelhund · 13 Jul 2007, 02:14 (Ref:1962069)

Quote:

Originally Posted by The359

Why exactly weren't the M3s homologated?

I don't believe a formal statement was ever issued on this topic.

My opinion is that BWM didn't want to bother with the homologation process, as the car only had one year left anyway.

cmk · 13 Jul 2007, 03:04 (Ref:1962078)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePenguin

Woodhouse Performance is closely associated with the Woodhouse dealer network, so it isn't Dodge that sponsors them, it is a private dealer network.

The press statement contains a couple of oblique references to Dodge and Dodge Motorsport. I am with you in thinking that this is not a factory-supported endeavour in any way, shape or form, but I'd imagine that the reality is that the factory is keeping an eye on what happens, perhaps with an eye towards some limited support in the future. That could maybe just be in the form of Mopar sponsorship or something like that.

The359 · 13 Jul 2007, 03:23 (Ref:1962085)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

I don't believe a formal statement was ever issued on this topic.

My opinion is that BWM didn't want to bother with the homologation process, as the car only had one year left anyway.

But people have raced non-GTR M3s before, were they not homologated then as well?

HORNDAWG · 13 Jul 2007, 04:22 (Ref:1962101)

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmk

The press statement contains a couple of oblique references to Dodge and Dodge Motorsport. I am with you in thinking that this is not a factory-supported endeavour in any way, shape or form, but I'd imagine that the reality is that the factory is keeping an eye on what happens, perhaps with an eye towards some limited support in the future. That could maybe just be in the form of Mopar sponsorship or something like that.

So this statement in the article at DSC is incorrect? quote:

Quote:

Woodhouse Performance expects to be the vehicle to provide valuable information to Dodge Motorsports in order to help determine the competitiveness of the race-ready Dodge Viper that has been in existence for the last four years,’ says the statement.

Or this one from the ALMS? quote:

Quote:

The venture is a collaboration of efforts that combines the common curiosity of Dodge, KUMHO Tires and Woodhouse Performance to discover the capability of the Viper within the premium brand of motorsports. It will go head-to-head with other elite GT2 manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche and Panoz.

L.P.

Zurbert82 · 13 Jul 2007, 05:45 (Ref:1962118)

Both statements are incorrect!!!! There is nothing stating that Dodge is not supporting them!!!! Yeah!!!!

Seriously, arguing semantics on sports car racing topics is getting old

I would be surprised to see the team within 2 seconds of the slowest regular GT2 entrant.

Fogelhund · 13 Jul 2007, 11:09 (Ref:1962313)

Quote:

Originally Posted by The359

But people have raced non-GTR M3s before, were they not homologated then as well?

If I recall correctly, there were some variances over previous cars, and running in the S2 category gave them the capability for adjustments to make them more competitive. (in theory).

cmk · 13 Jul 2007, 14:45 (Ref:1962508)

Come on, Horndawg, you know as well as I do that information can be provided and nothing done with it, or that toe-in-the-water plans can come to naught [queue factory Lexus theme music]! The amount of Dodge badging on the car is impressive, but there are lots of well-badged cars that don't receive enough tangible factory support from the manufacturer. They've got decent drivers and a decent team, but I admit that I would have expected Dodge to utilize both drivers and team with ALMS or similar experience.

I'd like nothing more than a factory-backed Viper program but I'm not going to hold my breath. Nor am I saying anyone is lying, but having spin is practically the definition of a press release. Maybe I've just been infected with the cynicism of TWK (with absolutely no offense intended). Let us just hope they get the info they want.

Fogelhund · 13 Jul 2007, 16:36 (Ref:1962600)

They didn't specifically state it wasn't a toe in the water for a new LMP program either.

HORNDAWG · 13 Jul 2007, 18:30 (Ref:1962674)

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmk

Come on, Horndawg, you know as well as I do that information can be provided and nothing done with it, or that toe-in-the-water plans can come to naught [queue factory Lexus theme music]! The amount of Dodge badging on the car is impressive, but there are lots of well-badged cars that don't receive enough tangible factory support from the manufacturer. They've got decent drivers and a decent team, but I admit that I would have expected Dodge to utilize both drivers and team with ALMS or similar experience.

I'd like nothing more than a factory-backed Viper program but I'm not going to hold my breath. Nor am I saying anyone is lying, but having spin is practically the definition of a press release. Maybe I've just been infected with the cynicism of TWK (with absolutely no offense intended). Let us just hope they get the info they want.

I would agree with everything that you say here, except for one sentence!
(an aside)
The Dodge vs Dodge dealers (sponsorship) supposed semantic disagreement by some, is a very important distinction (yes the meaning of words are important when that is the medium being used to communicate)!

In essence the distinction is that Dodge, even if they do not sponsor anyone outright or minimally, needs to be involved in the "possible" homologation of an ACO spec car, GT-2 or any other. And to this point they have not shown any outright interest in doing so (that I know of) for a current (new) car. So actually having Dodge named in reputable places in an exploratory venture in an ACO spec series is a reason (to me at least) to have hope that another Marque (and American to boot) may actually be on the horizon. Also in this is the Oreca connection and the possible market they would have with an ACO legal GT-2 car! If you wish to be cynical about it, that is your choice but not mine! And quite frankly, I am getting a little tired of the pessimists trying to take a leak on my Wheaties!!!

L.P.

HORNDAWG · 13 Jul 2007, 18:32 (Ref:1962676)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

They didn't specifically state it wasn't a toe in the water for a new LMP program either.

But don't give up your day job!

L.P.

jhansen · 13 Jul 2007, 21:20 (Ref:1962762)

Quote:

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

If you wish to be cynical about it, that is your choice but not mine! And quite frankly, I am getting a little tired of the pessimists trying to take a leak on my Wheaties!!!

Ease up. It's quite easy to be cynical having watched this series for any length of time. We see lots of promises and great intentions every year. Well I appologize for this, but so what! Intentions mean nothing until they become a reality.

bil588 · 14 Jul 2007, 07:18 (Ref:1962901)

I remember when Dr. Z was interviewed at a NASCAR race last year saying that Dodge was commited to NASCAR as rumors were flying around that an auto maker was leaving.

Why stay in NASCAR with its move to spec cars now? Come back to 'GT2'

ThePenguin · 16 Jul 2007, 00:06 (Ref:1964002)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bil588

Why stay in NASCAR with its move to spec cars now? Come back to 'GT2'

Dodge has a long-term commitment to NASCAR and they will not be leaving any time soon, unless something very drastic happens. And with their new owners, I doubt that they will try to start any new racing programs.

**Adam43** · 16 Jul 2007, 07:51 (Ref:1964143)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bil588

Why stay in NASCAR with its move to spec cars now? Come back to 'GT2'

For the simple reason that people watch it.

It has been practically spec. cars for ages and they have stayed.

I think manufacturers often think in the terms of NASCAR as a separate thing to a motorsport programme. If you see what I mean.

Rumours that a Viper may race in a Le Mans series again does at least indicate that there is a desire for it to happen. I would love it too. I wait for more news with interest...

minimangler · 19 Jul 2007, 08:55 (Ref:1967239)

hmmm.

When Racing Box come out to play in FIA GT or LMS with it, then I'm interested. Until then...

veeten · 20 Jul 2007, 17:55 (Ref:1968508)

confirmation, baby!

http://www.americanlemans.com/news/Article.aspx?ID=3386

and they have been doing testing for this weekend's race at Mid-Ohio.

http://www.speedarena.com/news/publi...cle_8050.shtml

should be a surprise for the Ferraris and Porsches.

pederb · 20 Jul 2007, 18:03 (Ref:1968515)

I hope they will repaint the car before the race. I really hate that paint job.

HORNDAWG · 20 Jul 2007, 18:25 (Ref:1968539)

Looks pretty good IMO!

Images from ALMS news

L.P.

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