[LM24] Le Mans 2023 Le Mans Entries

[Simmi]

Small admin note that Prema will not utilise its ELMS auto entry. Sticks with two cars - https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...ar-at-le-mans/

[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

[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.

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by joeb

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.

I think you're right. Van der Zande confirmed it this morning on Instagram in the comments - which is likely the basis for that E-I story - https://www.instagram.com/p/Co9YYaXtgvq/

With AX having the auto invite that would appear to be the confirmation that we'll get all three cars at LM.

[Simmi]

WEC full season news

Vector Sport:

Matthias Kaiser (replacing Cullen) / Gabriel Aubry / TBC

United #22:

Frederick Lubin (new young silver)

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2023/...2-drivers.html
https://www.dailysportscar.com/2023/...ick-lubin.html

[claude2cv]

[QUOTE=Simmi;4144633]WEC full season news

Vector Sport:

Matthias Kaiser (replacing Cullen) /


Oh no, I have been replaced ;-)

Sean Cullen

[claude2cv]

Just come up on Facebook, entry list revealed on Monday 27th Feb, no time given..Sean

[Simmi]

*rubs hands together*

Finally an entry list with some intrigue to it after the last few years.

[Mike E]

Yes please

[RL17]

https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/h...drawn-up-57144

5pm CET

[GT3_Fan]

The thing I most want to see is for Walkenhorst to enter a BMW M8.

[broadrun96]

They'll pretty much have to won't they? If they want to race I mean, it's GTE-Am invite only right?

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by GT3_Fan

The thing I most want to see is for Walkenhorst to enter a BMW M8.

<tired old joke>If they do enter an M8 you won't be seeing much else on track</tired old joke>

More seriously, it would be a feather in the cap for even a team as prestigious as Walkenhorst. I hope they get the entry.