[LM24] NASCAR returns to Circuit de la Sarthe...

[broadrun96]

What little cars feel like behind an SUV, he went left and then right to see around and go

[JT240Z]

Garage 56 finishes the race still running strong. Congrats to them for a job well done.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by JT240Z

Garage 56 finishes the race still running strong. Congrats to them for a job well done.

No major problems?

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by FIRE

No major problems?

Just the transmission that needed fixing/replacing (I forget which).

[skycafe]

Trans was replaced

[S griffin]

Shame they had that gearbox problem late on, which slightly spoilt an otherwise trouble free run. But at least it was easily fixed and got it home in the top 40. Good solid start there

[JT240Z]

Still not a bad run given the conditions. Sure would like to see it here. Not sure what the future plans for it are.

[fieldodreams79]

Nasty noises:

https://twitter.com/BoziTatarevic/st...93461503049728

[skycafe]

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

Nasty noises:

https://twitter.com/BoziTatarevic/st...93461503049728

OMG! Crunch!

[BertMk2]

I hadn't really kept up with this other than "there's going to be a NASCAR at Le Mans" - seeing it on the grid with the other cars it looked totally out of place. Interesting from an engineering point of view though - seeing the potential of these cars when some of the restrictions are lifted and they go on a diet.

The thing I'm still not clear on though is this: what was the point of it and who paid for it (and why)? From what I've seen there's no intention to run a class of these things anywhere, there was no major experimental technology on there and there's nowhere else it can run. It must have cost a substantial amount to develop (bespoke tyres wouldn't have been cheap either) - so what's the payback?

[Greem]

Out of all the cars on the grid, this one was by far the most ground-shaking. And air, lungs, trousers, teeth and hair!

Going past us at the top of the Mulsanne at full chat was simply jaw-dropping.

Glad to see them haul it round to the finish - and even more glad to see them avoid some of the silly accidents that other more experienced teams suffered!

[fieldodreams79]

Originally Posted by BertMk2

I hadn't really kept up with this other than "there's going to be a NASCAR at Le Mans" - seeing it on the grid with the other cars it looked totally out of place. Interesting from an engineering point of view though - seeing the potential of these cars when some of the restrictions are lifted and they go on a diet.

The thing I'm still not clear on though is this: what was the point of it and who paid for it (and why)? From what I've seen there's no intention to run a class of these things anywhere, there was no major experimental technology on there and there's nowhere else it can run. It must have cost a substantial amount to develop (bespoke tyres wouldn't have been cheap either) - so what's the payback?

With the near future of NASCAR being a lot more road racing, could this have been one big gigantic marketing scheme? GM and NASCAR got deep pockets and resources. Hendrick Motorsports isn't a poor operation either but I'd be curious of the total budget and how it was split up.

Originally Posted by Greem

Out of all the cars on the grid, this one was by far the most ground-shaking. And air, lungs, trousers, teeth and hair!

Going past us at the top of the Mulsanne at full chat was simply jaw-dropping.

I'm glad to hear this. We're pretty familiar with beasts like this over here and while technologically speaking, they're not the most advanced, they bring a smile to my face in person everytime. And isn't that what this is all about?

Glad to see them haul it round to the finish - and even more glad to see them avoid some of the silly accidents that other more experienced teams suffered!

Likewise! It might have helped they weren't "battling" anyone but it's still a big deal for them to finish!

[broadrun96]

Originally Posted by BertMk2

I hadn't really kept up with this other than "there's going to be a NASCAR at Le Mans" - seeing it on the grid with the other cars it looked totally out of place. Interesting from an engineering point of view though - seeing the potential of these cars when some of the restrictions are lifted and they go on a diet.

The thing I'm still not clear on though is this: what was the point of it and who paid for it (and why)? From what I've seen there's no intention to run a class of these things anywhere, there was no major experimental technology on there and there's nowhere else it can run. It must have cost a substantial amount to develop (bespoke tyres wouldn't have been cheap either) - so what's the payback?

Originally Posted by Greem

Out of all the cars on the grid, this one was by far the most ground-shaking. And air, lungs, trousers, teeth and hair!

Going past us at the top of the Mulsanne at full chat was simply jaw-dropping.

Glad to see them haul it round to the finish - and even more glad to see them avoid some of the silly accidents that other more experienced teams suffered!

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

With the near future of NASCAR being a lot more road racing, could this have been one big gigantic marketing scheme? GM and NASCAR got deep pockets and resources. Hendrick Motorsports isn't a poor operation either but I'd be curious of the total budget and how it was split up.



I'm glad to hear this. We're pretty familiar with beasts like this over here and while technologically speaking, they're not the most advanced, they bring a smile to my face in person everytime. And isn't that what this is all about?



Likewise! It might have helped they weren't "battling" anyone but it's still a big deal for them to finish!

Why is asked and then answered.

It sounded like Nascar fronted a decent amount of the money and Kelly Crandall on Racer had hinted the information gathered running the car longer would be shared with Toyota and Ford after Toyota made a stink about we already go to LM why not use us. Might lead to longer lasting motor regs, suspension and new chassis tweaks and some other ideas. There was some rumor about it was supposed to debut the hybrid system as well but apparently that was dropped quick. Now are those all better for NASCAR as a series and idea?? Maybe not, but it did get in plenty of news and stories that a race at Sonoma just doesn't get.

Yeah, NASCAR ended up on a road course the same weekend as LM but it might be the worst natural terrain one out there.

[NaBUru38]

Originally Posted by broadrun96

There was some rumor about it was supposed to debut the hybrid system as well but apparently that was dropped quick.

It was officially announced.

https://racer.com/2022/06/07/insight...age-56-begins/

Supposedly they couldn't make it work in time.

[skycafe]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

It was officially announced.

https://racer.com/2022/06/07/insight...age-56-begins/

Supposedly they couldn't make it work in time.

I think their priority was getting the car from green to checker, and implementing the hybrid added too much complication that could hamper a reliable run.

Also, weight: they removed a massive amout of weight and putting hybrid in was going to ad weight.

[S griffin]

You have to say they did a solid job. They knew there were going to be no miracles, while at the same time making sure the car was competitive and reliable as possible. Very good idea not putting a hybrid in.

[bludvl_x19]

Originally Posted by BertMk2

there was no major experimental technology on there

The Goodyear tyres made specially for the G56 Nascar had a TPM (tyre pressure monitoring) system that was "baked into" the tyre carcass when manufactured.

This is one that I'm aware of, potentially there were others that also haven't broken the cover of day yet.

Having seen and heard the car, it was awesome. It had no place on the grid, but the car was so wrong it actually was right.

[broadrun96]

I had forgotten about that, supposedly some other functions in the sensors could be offered in the future and used in street applications.

Thought it was announced hybrid but then convinced myself they weren't actually doing it and it had disappeared from the statements.


But also, what other options were out there for a G56 project that would actually make it work for more than a few laps? Yeah, it's not a zero emissions or electric or whatever else but are any of them ready to run? Good filler and gets other eyes on the race

[GT6]

Well it sounded good and was a good addition to the race, big thanks to all those involved

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by bludvl_x19

The Goodyear tyres made specially for the G56 Nascar had a TPM (tyre pressure monitoring) system that was "baked into" the tyre carcass when manufactured.

Intelligent tech:

https://www.speedwaydigest.com/index...f-le-mans-race
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...301840936.html

[skycafe]

Do we know the driving time for each of the three drivers?

[Gerard C]

Recorded live by the RC and thoroughly policed. In other series, each driver has a transpondeur sticked on his helmet but I did not see any, may be they have a more discrete device for LM. When a Ferrari driver went above the limit he was warned only, no penalty this time, because the pitlane entry was closed at the end of his stint.

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by skycafe

Do we know the driving time for each of the three drivers?

Will number of laps do?

Average Lap time

Rank	Car	Fastest	Top 10	Top 20	Top 40	Laps
1	Mike ROCKENFELLER (P) Chevrolet 24	3:50.512	3:51.300	3:51.649	3:52.112	91
2	Jenson BUTTON (P) Chevrolet 24	3:50.831	3:51.442	3:51.781	3:52.477	97
3	Jimmie JOHNSON (P) Chevrolet 24	3:52.601	3:53.523	3:53.988	3:54.970	97

A pretty even split on laps.

Jenson was pretty much on Mike's pace. Mike got more fast ones in as you can see on the chart.

Jimmie was a couple of seconds off and did drop away quickly. I feel you have to be quite petty to make too much of this in the context of this entry. Yes, throw Chase in or someone and it goes quicker, but it adds value having this legend in there.

Of course, this is all influenced a little by track conditions when they were out.

[Gerard C]

I dont remember seing this car jumping on the kerbs, hitting a barrier or tyre wall, spinning, cutting the grass or collecting gravel by tons that often. Not only they've been fast and good but they've been consistent, remaining professionals at all time even in the dark with a heavy trafic. And we don't know how the beast handled in the wet with different tires.

As you said, Adam, far from the stupid europeans clichés about american cars and teams. Respect for this and thanks for the show. IMO.

[skycafe]

Groovy-they didn't take it easy on JJ. Proper respect for the accomplishment of the Team!