To all the Naysayers and Doubters (Including Myself)

[pach233]

2013 WEC grid- better than expected
2013 ELMS grid- much better than expected
2013 ALMS grid- better than expected
2013 BES grid- looking as strong as last year
2013 AsLMS- looking as though it may actually happen!

Dubai 24 hours and Bathurst 12 have already been real successes.

Yes sportscar racing has its problems and they must be addressed. But support the series you enjoy and have fun with the upcoming season because things aren't looking half bad!

[GT6]

Well i would agree so far so good, but let us hope it continues that way

[vincegail]

Yeah the financial crisis and therefore the autosport crisis seems to be solved (God knows it isn't; the financial stuff that is) so enjoy it while it lasts folks!

[Simmi]

It's true that some people do love to wallow in the doom and gloom.

The only real disappointment you can point to anywhere is the P1 situation worldwide. But with new regs coming let's see.

Hoping to get to plenty of racing this year. Le Mans, the WEC/ELMS bonanza at Silverstone, Blancpain and hopefully a couple of British GT rounds. Off-topic trips to the WRC in Finland and Wales also on the list. It's looking like a good year!

[Maelochs]

Yeah, well .... um ... Rolex still sucks. We're dooooomed!

[skycafe]

Originally Posted by pach233

Yes sportscar racing has its problems and they must be addressed. But support the series you enjoy and have fun with the upcoming season because things aren't looking half bad!

Seems like really good advice! Loud fast cars in bright colors flashing by, too much sun, probably some rain, a bit too much beer, sore feet, and a smile that doesn't go away for a week.

[Breitling24]

Originally Posted by Maelochs

Rolex still sucks.

You mean as a watch maker? Do you mean as a sponsor of Le Mans? Are you using the watch manufacture name in vain, refering to GA? Do you mean as the title sponsor of GA?

[skycafe]

Let's reframe from making negative comments about a major sportscar sponsor that is supporting the sport we all love.

[Breitling24]

Originally Posted by skycafe

Let's reframe from making negative comments about a major sportscar sponsor that is supporting the sport we all love.

I love my GMT-Master IIc.

[svend.olsen]

Geting ready for Sebring. Looking into the future feeling very good about LMP2 LMPC with a extra heavy dose of GT. Will deal with the Prototurtles when they get here.

[Maelochs]

I'd like to applaud you all on your totally deaf ears for humorous sarcasm.

I hope to see some of you at upcoming events (including the Rolex Series/IndyCar weekend at Barber.) Sebring first though.

Even so ... Only Two Audis at Sebring?... we're dooooomed!

Been practicing that attitude for too long to change quickly.

[formerf1champ]

Has the Bathurst 12h seriously gained a presence amongst motorsport fans overseas?

[somebodysb2]

Originally Posted by formerf1champ

Has the Bathurst 12h seriously gained a presence amongst motorsport fans overseas?

It has, but still a long way to go until it can join the "greats" like Spa

Getting rid of those lower classes would be a start

[Victor_RO]

Originally Posted by somebodysb2

It has, but still a long way to go until it can join the "greats" like Spa

Getting rid of those lower classes would be a start

Wrong. Races like the Nurburgring 24h are great because of the variety they offer (and that includes the lower classes).

[somebodysb2]

Originally Posted by Victor_RO

Wrong. Races like the Nurburgring 24h are great because of the variety they offer (and that includes the lower classes).

The Ring also happens to be much larger than Bathurst.

Some tracks can handle a lot of different cars, some tracks cannot.

[Acid09]

Originally Posted by somebodysb2

The Ring also happens to be much larger than Bathurst.

Some tracks can handle a lot of different cars, some tracks cannot.

And what exactly happened at this years race that suggests the track can't handle that many cars?

[somebodysb2]

Originally Posted by Acid09

And what exactly happened at this years race that suggests the track can't handle that many cars?

multi-class racing etiquette, the closing speeds particularly at the mountain section, etc

I know that this happens at every endurance event, but its an issue nonetheless!

[Victor_RO]

Originally Posted by somebodysb2

multi-class racing etiquette, the closing speeds particularly at the mountain section, etc

I know that this happens at every endurance event, but its an issue nonetheless!

Speed differentials are relative, you need the small touring car classes if the top class is GTE/GT3/an equivalent of those two, in percentage terms small touring cars are slower than GTE/GT3 by a similar percentage (about 20-30%) to the one by which GTE cars are slower than LMP1.

[Gingers4Justice]

Originally Posted by formerf1champ

Has the Bathurst 12h seriously gained a presence amongst motorsport fans overseas?

If you're organising an event anywhere in the world and you want it to be recognised overseas, the first thing you do is get RLM involved.

Bathurst was immediately on my "must-listen-to" list for this year when I heard RLM were going there. So yes, it certainly has.

If not for them, I wouldn't have bothered with Barthurst or Dubai.

Overall, that's another thing to be really happy about in our little corner of the sport. We have one of the most passionate, enthusiastic and charismatic commentary teams in the motorsport world pretty much all to ourselves and we're undeniably healthier for it.

[Coach Ep]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

If not for them, I wouldn't have bothered with Barthurst or Dubai.

That´s almost an insult for Bathurst... Admittedly, RLM is bringing something extra to any race but I believe Mount Panorama, the racing, the atmosphere and presumably the very hospitable attitude of the ´Aussies´ will make it worth the trip anyway!

[Maelochs]

RLM is a huge benefit---getting rid of "reference lap times" would put them over the top and into "Really Important International Race' territory.

Race tracks shouldn't have speed limits except in the pits.

Of course, the reference time at Bathurst was almost a non-factor as most race laps wouldn't have broken it anyway, and only one car did in qualifying, but penalizing cars for going fast? That's so backwards, it is almost Grand Am-ish.

[Mike E]

What got my attention re Bathurst was the free web stream. I know some people had problems with it but it worked fine for me. At a time when F1 continues to edge towards pay-TV, being able to watch this sort of stuff live, uninterrupted and free is great. Long may it continue.

[fieldodreams79]

I'd watch push carts on the mountain in Bathhurst, so putting GT cars on an uninterrupted stream from there will always have my attention.

[Gingers4Justice]

Originally Posted by Coach Ep
That´s almost an insult for Bathurst... Admittedly, RLM is bringing something extra to any race but I believe Mount Panorama, the racing, the atmosphere and presumably the very hospitable attitude of the ´Aussies´ will make it worth the trip anyway!

You misunderstood me. Without RLM, Bathurst would have been very difficult to even hear about. I was only reminded the event took place through listening to MWM and following Hindaugh on twitter. If not for them, I wouldn't have seen anything about it at all. I have no doubt it's a brilliant event and I would love to go, but living in the UK, I have to rely on RLM to have my eyes opened to such events.

[Tim the Grey]

I had Bathurst and Dubai on streaming, and RLM on audio.
Easier at Bathurst, as JH WAS on circuit commentator! You could hear those dulcet Geordie (sic) tones over the effects mikes!

The thing is, RLM ARE the people you go to, if you want the world to know you exist. The world knows RLM, and trusts them. It's been a LONG slog for John, and Eve, and I'm happy for them to reap any rewards going for the work they've done...