Cadillac to do a U-turn?

pink69 · 29 Aug 2002, 22:09 (Ref:368650)

Having announced the end of the Cadillac Northstar project, GM appear to be on the verge of a U-turn. Sources say GM may consider allowing another year of racing for the Northstar to continue racing in the ALMS as it is good marketing for Cadillac. I think the ALMS needs Cadillac to stay if Audi pull out, but if Wolfgang Ullrich has his way, the factory Audi R8's could race again next year. Cadillacs decision could depend on if Audi return next year.

egor · 30 Aug 2002, 07:32 (Ref:368837)

I've read that GM are in talks with a possible team to run two cars next year? With JJ Lehto's name being banded about as one of the drivers.

If this is correct, GM have to let them have the cars, and with a bit of development work who can stop them. Their recent performances speak louder than words.

rdjones · 30 Aug 2002, 20:17 (Ref:369437)

I have a fealling that this story may run and run, for sometime. I reckon that we might not see the Cadillac at Le Mans again and next season they might just run the car in the ALMS - as this is more of an important market to GM and Cadillac and with no works Audi's next season they may be in with a chance of wins and the championship and of cause that would mean publicity and more car sales in the US.

Speedworx · 30 Aug 2002, 20:24 (Ref:369444)

I hope Cadillac stay in the ALMS. They deserve to win something.

pink69 · 30 Aug 2002, 23:04 (Ref:369557)

Cadillac should really do LM next year. With Bentley likely to be on the only works team, 2003 could be their best and only chance to win with the Northstar.

Speedworx · 31 Aug 2002, 10:26 (Ref:369738)

Cadillac should wait until 2004 before going back to Le Mans. ALMS is their best bet for 2003.

Mal · 31 Aug 2002, 12:20 (Ref:369783)

I think Lemans 2003 is a golden oppurtunity for Cadillac. With a bit of development and no works Audis they could stand a real chance

Speedworx · 31 Aug 2002, 14:43 (Ref:369893)

Who says that Audi won't be at Le Mans in 2003?

They have yet to say what they are going to do.

SL · 31 Aug 2002, 22:18 (Ref:370146)

I agree, 2003 could be a good year for someone to get a shock win at LM. Personally I think Bentley will get there and with ease 1, 2 & 4. But if Caddy can come up with a few tricks they might run them close.

For ALM the private Audi's will still be the class of the field, with Joest development they will probably get faster, should Joest go the Audi way. Caddy will have no hope if the Porkers return, so 2003 is the main chance.

Simon

**Aysedasi** · 1 Sep 2002, 08:10 (Ref:370288)

Yep, I agree with all this. Cadillac don't want to make the mistake Toyota made in 2000 - that should have been their year at Le Mans.

AllonFS · 2 Sep 2002, 08:51 (Ref:371046)

Much as I want to see a Bentley win, (so that I can say I was there and to feel what the atmosphere must have been like in 88 and 90), I also want as many manufacturers there as possible. Maybe we have to accept that 2003 will be a relatively quiet year, before all hell breaks lose in 2004. But with Audi presumably dropping out, it seems a daft time for Caddy to go as well.

cybersdorf · 2 Sep 2002, 09:52 (Ref:371066)

Isn't it funny that a team like Norma (or, when they were still around, Ascari) puts Cadillac and Bentley (in other words: GM and VAG) to shame because in spite of their shoestring budget, they build their own car and race it while the big boys sit it out on account of "no money".

AllonFS · 2 Sep 2002, 09:56 (Ref:371068)

For no money, read no success! The small private manufacturers are in it for the sport and so a few buyers might buy their dozen or so bespoke road cars. The big guys are in it for worldwide marketing and publicity, if they don't get what they see as a 'good return' on their money then they are out of there.

cybersdorf · 2 Sep 2002, 10:11 (Ref:371078)

When you build a car, then never race it, how can you get a good return on the money spent. If Bentley wanted to build a concours d'elegance winner and conversation piece maybe a nice Continental R would have been enough.
And - where is MG? Did they lose the keys?

AllonFS · 2 Sep 2002, 10:15 (Ref:371081)

Bentley have certainly had a fair bit of publicity for driving in just 2 races. I am pretty sure that whatever happens at Le Mans in 2003 (win or lose), that will be the end of Bentley's flirtation with motorsport again. Hopefully the new rules in 2004 will bring in a load more people and for a few years as well.

kmchow · 3 Sep 2002, 01:10 (Ref:371732)

JJ Lehto is also testing a DTM Opel Astra. So his participation is also in question.

Fab · 3 Sep 2002, 05:32 (Ref:371813)

Quote:

Originally posted by AllonFS
I am pretty sure that whatever happens at Le Mans in 2003 (win or lose), that will be the end of Bentley's flirtation with motorsport again.

So fast ? That'll be bad news...

bigh · 3 Sep 2002, 07:50 (Ref:371853)

Quote:

Much as I want to see a Bentley win, (so that I can say I was there and to feel what the atmosphere must have been like in 88 and 90),

Somehow I don't think it will be quite the same. If Audi don't put any cars in and Bentley win, then I'll bet Audi won't be slow to let everyone know just how much of an Audi the Bentley is. I reckon most people perceive the Bentley as a re-badged (slightly unfair, I know) Audi, whereas the Jags in 88 and 90 were seen as 100% Jaguar. Still, it'll be nice to see something other than an R8 up front.
H

AllonFS · 3 Sep 2002, 08:01 (Ref:371860)

Much as I hope I am wrong, I just can't see Bentley building a new car for the new rules in 2004. I suspect they want to win, get all the publicity and use that for the next 70 years.

As for the atmosphere if they win, I agree it probably won't be the same as 88 and 90. But then I have only witnessed BMW and 3 slot machine Audis win. I want either a British or French win just to savour the atmosphere of the crowd going nuts rather than politely applauding. I still strongly remember 2001 when the 3rd placed Bentley got a far bigger reception than the winning Audi.

Mal · 3 Sep 2002, 08:48 (Ref:371891)

I don't think there will be any problem with the atmosphere if Bently win. The British crowd will love it just as much. You could see the support in 2001 when the Bentley finished third, especially when it came in for that late 3 minute pit stop!

kdr · 3 Sep 2002, 08:59 (Ref:371903)

2001-i think the pescarolo courage that trundled out the pitlane near the end got a bigger cheer than the eventual winners!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
[LM24] Le Mans - turn 6 and turn 7 ?	lemanfan	24 Heures du Mans	6	23 Jun 2005 11:14
The New Cadillac	Liz	Sportscar & GT Racing	2	19 Oct 2001 22:37
Would Cadillac be better off...	H16	Sportscar & GT Racing	4	3 Sep 2001 19:41