ALMS 2011 Discussion

[chernaudi]

It's probably finished unless Audi Sport or AoA kick in the money or Audi or a team can find a sponsor, and even that's iffy at best. Audi would probably want to run the R15 in the early non-ILMC rounds to keep the R18s in Europe for the ILMC races and for testing, but R18s probably would run ALMS post Le Mans.

And as far as GTE vs GTC, this is a vaccum that IMSA and the ACO found themselves in after GT1 rightfully died out and needed a "cheap" (relative term) class for the pro-am element to stay interested. However, which implementation is correct: IMSA with GTC featuring Speed GT/detuned FIA GT3 cars, which are relatively inexpensive, or the ACO's GTE class that feature year plus old GT2 cars, which cost just as much as a new GT2 car does now?

Both series are targeting either the pro/am gentleman driver where they can reap some bang for a "few bucks", or to a degree, serving as development programs for teams that want to move up to the professional GT ranks (At least one GTC team has plans to move up to GT2 if things work out, just as one LMPC team has plans to move into the LMP class in the ALMS).

But which stragegy is better, and can this cause problems for IMSA and the ACO (hence rules clashes) in the future. I guess we'll find out in the ILMC events (Sebring and PLM) over the next year or two, and when it comes time for IMSA to decide to grandfather or drop the GTC and LMPC classes in 2012.

[HJJ]

New team for 2011.

http://www.americanlemans.com/primar...cat=news|15287

CORE AUTOSPORT ANNOUNCES INTENT TO COMPETE IN THE 2011 AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP

After dominating the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Series, CORE autosport is announcing its intention to compete in the American Le Mans Series during the 2011 season.

“I am pleased to say that we are evaluating several options to join ALMS’ prototype ranks”, said Jonathan Bennett, CORE autosport founder and driver. “We will decide which prototype class and manufacturer by November 1st. This is a very exciting time at CORE autosport.”

“We hope to continue our success in the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Series in addition to ALMS”, said Morgan Brady, Team Manager. “The Lites program will serve as the foundation for drivers and crew members to hone their skills before moving up to ALMS”.

The driver lineup for the ALMS effort has not been determined at this time, but news about the car and driver lineup will be forthcoming over the next few months prior to the first event at Sebring next March.

CORE autosport is a professional motorsports team. CORE offers full service racecar preparation and driver development. We specialize on the individual needs of our drivers and in delivering the necessary combination of ingredients for them to achieve success. From racecar preparation, data acquisition and driver coaching, to trackside hospitality and entertainment for corporate partners, CORE autosport has delivered. CORE autosport currently focuses on IMSA and American Le Mans Series road racing. For more information visit: www.coreautosport.com.

[HORNDAWG]

And just why would you think that a link needs to be posted when you post the whole article??
The link would of sufficed all by itself.




L.P.

[HJJ]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

And just why would you think that a link needs to be posted when you post the whole article??
The link would of sufficed all by itself.

Noted.

[carsten66]

Originally Posted by HJJ

New team for 2011.

http://www.americanlemans.com/primar...cat=news|15287

CORE autosport intents to compete in the 2011 ALMS...

[The359]

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Signat...20911821289138

IMSA Lights team Signature Motorsports is also interested in ALMS, apparently with a Lola.

[LagunaSnaka]

Do we know yet if ALMS is running a combined P class next year? Or will that be part of the PLM week annoucements?

[The359]

http://photos.speedtv.com/gallery/AL.../06Zm5Wjbfy4O3

Marshall Pruett seems to think that ACS Express will be building their own version of the Ford GT for 2011 rather than using the Doran-built car they currently have.

Or could they possibly be buying a Matech GTE?

[JAG]

The Matech seems the obvious option.

[dj4monie]

Right at the end of the test session coverage Hindy said that Wheeler TV is on its last hurray and doing Petit Le Mans this year.

As I have warned since before the Docu-dramas were announced that changes in coverage could be afoot and many have dismissed that as being "good" for the sport.

The series belongs on TV (Cable/Sat or OTA) until IPTV is mature in its entirety.

I have a feeling something is coming down on Friday and some won't like it.

[The359]

More on the Signature entry:

http://translate.google.com/translat...ance-5377.html

2011 IMSA Lights campaign, with a Lola B11/80-Roush coming together mid-season, target debut at Mid-Ohio, then a full season campaign in 2012.

Also plan to contest ILMC in the future.

Clearly overly ambitious

[cmk]

It's a reasonable plan for a team coming from IMSA Lites - interesting that the 2011 P2 route seems to be just as attractive as the PC cars... Have to guess they're still working to put together the funding package though, as otherwise why not get the chassis over the winter and get in a full year's racing?

It kind of sounds like they are trying to fund some of it with a reality show. Really?

[WMUCarGuy]

So has AER announced any engine for next year? I'd assume the "Mazda" could become a P1 motor, if anyone wanted to use it, right?

[The359]

Marshall gets the silly season going:

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...sday-notebook1

Level 5 - LMP program, but not necessarily ALMS. More news Friday.
Dyson - Back with most likely the same
Risi and Extreme - Both back with Ferrari 458s
Corvette - Back as per normal
Highcroft - Back but unsure on the package yet
Cytosport - Want to keep the Spyder, but want some aid from Porsche. Only other option is grandfathered car.
Drayson - May move to just ILMC.
RSR - Back with 1, maybe 2 Jags
Intersport - The same old Lola LMP plus two LMPCs
Robertson - 1 full time Ford, 2nd car needs funding
Falken - Back with Porsche, possibily supply tires to another team co-run by Landmark.
Alex Job - Considering LMPC, GT, or GTC
Signature - Announcement this week. Team has ALMS experience, but under another name? Who?
Gunnar - 2 car LMPC or RS Spyder in LMP (Zugel owns an ex-Penske currently running HSR)

[WMUCarGuy]

Originally Posted by The359

Marshall gets the silly season going:

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...sday-notebook1

Level 5 - LMP program, but not necessarily ALMS. More news Friday.
Dyson - Back with most likely the same
Risi and Extreme - Both back with Ferrari 458s
Corvette - Back as per normal
Highcroft - Back but unsure on the package yet
Cytosport - Want to keep the Spyder, but want some aid from Porsche. Only other option is grandfathered car.
Drayson - May move to just ILMC.
RSR - Back with 1, maybe 2 Jags
Intersport - The same old Lola LMP plus two LMPCs
Robertson - 1 full time Ford, 2nd car needs funding
Falken - Back with Porsche, possibily supply tires to another team co-run by Landmark.
Alex Job - Considering LMPC, GT, or GTC
Signature - Announcement this week. Team has ALMS experience, but under another name? Who?
Gunnar - 2 car LMPC or RS Spyder in LMP (Zugel owns an ex-Penske currently running HSR)

American Spirit Racing used to run a Riley & Scott in the ALMS early days.

Or could it be Chris Hall trying to put an LMPC deal together with performance tech, potentially with the remainders of Primetime?

[The359]

So Signature was American Spirit?

[The359]

From Jon Field himself - 1 B06/10 with AER power and Dunlop tyres, plus 2 LMPC cars, although the second car may only come out for the longer races.

Marcelli and the Downs trio are being looked at for the LMPC line-up.

http://translate.google.com/translat...ance-5387.html

[HJJ]

Originally Posted by dj4monie

Right at the end of the test session coverage Hindy said that Wheeler TV is on its last hurray and doing Petit Le Mans this year.

He also said that he didn't know if they would be back next year.

[Birddog07]

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...sday-notebook1

Lots of good and exciting info about 2011. Can't wait, sounds like the series is really starting to come strong again. Start to get the entries, I think a couple more races or longer current ones (like atleast 3h minimums please) could be a possibility.

I really want to see what comes about with the challenge classes. LMPC is somewhat entertaining while GTC is a slow bore.

[trahsub]

For real on the news. More announcements this year than the last three years combined! Of course many will add that announcements mean nothing in terms of things materializing, but I'll take news over nothing any day of the week.

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by HJJ

He also said that he didn't know if they would be back next year.

Thats why everyone concerned should make it clear to the ALMS that RLM/Hindy needs to be retained for the radio/internet broadcasting of the series, in any way you can! Email, call, whatever. Just let the ALMS know, so we can have this service continued!




L.P.

[seanyb505]

Where should we email, mail, Fedex, or direct our pony express riders to re: Hindy's return?

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by seanyb505

Where should we email, mail, Fedex, or direct our pony express riders to re: Hindy's return?

Firstly, it needs to be in a proper manner!

jbentley@panozgroup.com Attn: Scott Atherton




L.P.

[dj4monie]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

Firstly, it needs to be in a proper manner!

jbentley@panozgroup.com Attn: Scott Atherton

L.P.

Not sure what Hindy has to do with Wheeler TV (likely nothing). What I brought up is concern over the tv package changing to this docu-drama BS as a "cost effective" replacement for the current 7 Live Races and 2 "Highlight Package" races.

ALMS does in word "poorly" on network TV, just behind Indy Car on network TV. However it does better than Indy Car on Cable (Speed vs Versus). Hindy uncovered some discussions that had taken place a few years ago that the Versus was courting the ALMS to be the core of its new push into motorsports. ALMS felt it would be stepping down from its current Wheeler/Speed/Network TV combo its been running since the start.

I thought Wheeler was in trouble once Intersport entered the picture and while we've all have criticism of Wheeler's overall camera coverage and of course that really strange view of zoom cameras reducing the speed and danger present in racing (I don't think anybody cares frankly, what on a odd post on LTC).

Anyway, what you should be emailing Atherton over is not a further reduction of the TV deal.

[dj4monie]

Originally Posted by The359

From Jon Field himself - 1 B06/10 with AER power and Dunlop tyres, plus 2 LMPC cars, although the second car may only come out for the longer races.

Marcelli and the Downs trio are being looked at for the LMPC line-up.

http://translate.google.com/translat...ance-5387.html

Are we REALLY concerned over what they do?????

Worn out tub(s), used engines, a DNF record that would make RML blush (going back to 2008)

This is 100% budget operation if you call spending 1 Million a season a budget operation