Formula Le Mans LMS feeder series - Page 3

The359 · 15 Nov 2008, 22:42 (Ref:2335489)

The V10's basic design goes back to the 1990s, but I'm sure nothing of the original design really remains besides the layout.

Adam Larnach · 16 Nov 2008, 17:03 (Ref:2335899)

Budget LMP's? Who are they kidding?

What is the ACO trying to do here?

Sportscar's have always been a pure sport WITHOUT spec cars. The formulaic approach that is used in open wheel racing does not work with sportscar racing. If you don't believe me name 5 full time ALMS driver's that came directly from IMSA Lites.

And yes it's a GM engine.

http://www.formula-lemans.com/images...ry/image13.jpg

Fogelhund · 16 Nov 2008, 17:43 (Ref:2335915)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Larnach

Budget LMP's? Who are they kidding?

What is the ACO trying to do here?

Sportscar's have always been a pure sport WITHOUT spec cars. The formulaic approach that is used in open wheel racing does not work with sportscar racing. If you don't believe me name 5 full time ALMS driver's that came directly from IMSA Lites.

And yes it's a GM engine.

http://www.formula-lemans.com/images...ry/image13.jpg

Umm... Richard Berry, Feinberg... ok, that might be it..

But seriously, does it need to be a feeder series, or just something that is profitable for the sanction?

Adam Larnach · 16 Nov 2008, 18:00 (Ref:2335925)

Richard Berry pays (or should I say 'paid') his own way... he simply made an upgrade. He wasn't picked up by a team, he provided the means for the team to function.

The number of total individuals involved and the spread of wealth between open wheel racing and sportscar racing is similar to baseball and polo.

The initial investment for this feeder series is still going to be in the seven figure range, how that constitutes as a feeder series I have no idea, especially when the pool you're drawing from is very small. How many karter's move onto sportscars vs. open wheel cars?

**FIRE** · 16 Nov 2008, 18:05 (Ref:2335928)

Formula 1 and single seaters in general are feeder series for sports cars....

Aslak Vind · 16 Nov 2008, 18:19 (Ref:2335941)

Quote:

How many karter's move onto sportscars vs. open wheel cars?

I guess more racers move to sportscars from openwheel racing, when they realise that F1 is never gonna happen for them..?

Fogelhund · 16 Nov 2008, 20:13 (Ref:2336007)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Larnach

The initial investment for this feeder series is still going to be in the seven figure range, how that constitutes as a feeder series I have no idea, especially when the pool you're drawing from is very small. How many karter's move onto sportscars vs. open wheel cars?

Again, you utilize the term, "feeder series".

I think you've missed the point. This is a way for the sanction to make money. They are probably taking a cut on car sales, parts sales, and they certainly are getting the entry fees.

Aslak Vind · 16 Nov 2008, 20:16 (Ref:2336010)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

Again, you utilize the term, "feeder series".

I think you've missed the point. This is a way for the sanction to make money. They are probably taking a cut on car sales, parts sales, and they certainly are getting the entry fees.

It could seem that way, yes..

johntt · 16 Nov 2008, 20:53 (Ref:2336027)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Larnach

Budget LMP's? Who are they kidding?

What is the ACO trying to do here?

Sportscar's have always been a pure sport WITHOUT spec cars. The formulaic approach that is used in open wheel racing does not work with sportscar racing. If you don't believe me name 5 full time ALMS driver's that came directly from IMSA Lites.

And yes it's a GM engine.

http://www.formula-lemans.com/images...ry/image13.jpg

Given the current economic situation I think a spec series makes sense.

When things really pick up again economically they could probably allow different engine manufacturers and maybe allow different chassis makers.

Adam Larnach · 17 Nov 2008, 01:11 (Ref:2336128)

Quote:

Originally Posted by johntt

Given the current economic situation I think a spec series makes sense.

When things really pick up again economically they could probably allow different engine manufacturers and maybe allow different chassis makers.

I can't tell if your being facetious or not... I mean really, don't the last few words in your response resemble what we already have today? Sportscars of "different engine manufacturers and... different chassis makers"; sounds to me like we've got that one covered.

Mike Sweeney · 17 Nov 2008, 08:29 (Ref:2336232)

FWIW I think it's a great idea and very welcome - much as the prospects for yet another new series, particularly in the current economic climate are..well, poor at best.

However, it could be a real, viable alternative to FIA GT3 which can be no bad thing. By further comparison with Ratels' portfolio, the addition to LMS of V de V group CN/C3 would complete the package, being the alternative to FIA GT4.

The idea of LMP1, 2, 3 and 4 works for me. Prototype racing needs a clear feeder series and path to Le Mans, not just for drivers but teams also - it might also keep some teams in who just couldn't afford to stay otherwise.

the sniper · 18 Nov 2008, 22:42 (Ref:2337291)

I don't really see the need for Formula Le Mans, the LMS already has plenty of feeder series, F1, GP2, F3, Touring Cars, National GT's ect...

HORNDAWG · 18 Nov 2008, 23:11 (Ref:2337310)

Quote:

Originally Posted by the sniper

I don't really see the need for Formula Le Mans, the LMS already has plenty of feeder series, F1, GP2, F3, Touring Cars, National GT's ect...

Maybe in the future we will see the National (regionally) GT-3 & possibly GT-4 running with them, to create a complete training series of ACO style Sports Car racing. To be run as a support series for the LMS. (?)

L.P.

The359 · 18 Nov 2008, 23:21 (Ref:2337313)

I see Formula Le Mans as a way to get youth into sports car racing. Drivers from other series who come to sports cars are usually more mature.

Aslak Vind · 18 Nov 2008, 23:32 (Ref:2337320)

I agree!

However the price is a bit steep..

mattcat · 19 Nov 2008, 15:17 (Ref:2337677)

What could there be to complain about? It is more sports car prototype racing. There may not be a need for it, but it's sure nice to have more racing. Also, I like HORNDAWG's idea. Why not have a Formula Le Mans / GT3 / GT4 series as support for the LMS?

Hugewally · 19 Nov 2008, 16:02 (Ref:2337698)

Back when IMSA Lites was first proposed to the series, it was envisioned as a LMP3/GT3 ladder series. Not just to develop drivers for multi-class racing, but to bring up teams and manufacturers too.

HORNDAWG · 19 Nov 2008, 16:30 (Ref:2337712)

Well maybe this will help that vision be realized. (?) Hopefully!

L.P.

notguilty · 19 Nov 2008, 21:14 (Ref:2337898)

one step further on the ladder idea could this in 2010 spread to the ALMS as a support race? The ALMS are pretty full but its an idea.

Jimmy Magnusson · 19 Nov 2008, 21:21 (Ref:2337911)

ALMS got IMSA Lites. I don't really see why it needs to be replaced (but then I don't see why this class is needed. Things work well as they are right now).

zac510 · 19 Nov 2008, 21:36 (Ref:2337926)

Quote:

Originally Posted by The359

I see Formula Le Mans as a way to get youth into sports car racing. Drivers from other series who come to sports cars are usually more mature.

One of the carrots dangled in the new Formula2 series is that the top 3 drivers are automatically granted an FIA Superlicence. As an upcoming driver that would be an awesome thing to get in the bag early. It's a bit nicer than just some cash.

Maybe the ACO can offer something like that, but I can't think of something right now!

JohnMiller · 19 Nov 2008, 21:38 (Ref:2337928)

Quote:

Originally Posted by zac510

One of the carrots dangled in the new Formula2 series is that the top 3 drivers are automatically granted an FIA Superlicence.

Any just how long does it last? Also, do you knwo the cost of the licence fee for that year?

zac510 · 19 Nov 2008, 21:51 (Ref:2337940)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnMiller

Any just how long does it last? Also, do you knwo the cost of the licence fee for that year?

12 months according to this:
http://www.fia.com/resources/documen...pendix_L_a.pdf

Don't know the value, but compared to the cost of the others series here you could potentially have it for circa Â£200k.

courageous · 19 Nov 2008, 22:03 (Ref:2337951)

Quote:

Originally Posted by zac510

One of the carrots dangled in the new Formula2 series is that the top 3 drivers are automatically granted an FIA Superlicence. As an upcoming driver that would be an awesome thing to get in the bag early. It's a bit nicer than just some cash.

Maybe the ACO can offer something like that, but I can't think of something right now!

Now you mention it - an obvious idea would be to give an auto invite for the winning team to run an LMP2 compliant car at Le Mans the next year (might also give an incentive for teams to graduate rather than just stay where they are & take the easy money from drivers).

Cost of an F1 super license for 2008 was 10,000 + 2,000 (euros) per point scored in the previous F1 season - Kimi Raikkonen's superlicense cost him 230,000 euros (boo-hoo let's all have a whip round)

zac510 · 19 Nov 2008, 22:09 (Ref:2337959)

Yeah that's the kind of thing, like the FIA GT/ALMS invites.

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