[WEC] Glickenhaus Hypercar

[Pandamasque]

This discussion may seem a little off-topic in the Glickenhaus thread, but at the same time... In the short to medium term future the only semi-realistic scenario for a resurgence of smaller constructors in sports car racing hinges on the success of the 007 LMH car, since LMH is the only class where one is at least allowed to have a go at it!
If the 007 is somewhat competitive against the big OEMs, that could theoretically entice the Koenigseggs of the world to have a go, perhaps even with a homologated road car. Then we'd see Hypercar the way it was intended to be.

Worst case scenario is turn-key LMDh cars get a favourable BoP and prototype racing as we knew it is over, because why bother construct a prototype when you can be guaranteed competitiveness in what is effectively a generic mass product that was designated to be a benchmark?

[chernaudi]

One thing that I must note is that there wasn't this much gnashing of teeth when Aston Martin jammed their V12 in the back of a customer Lola coupe, designed some bespoke bodywork, and said job done.

Granted, they were the first at (at the time) only one to do so, though Lister was hoping to do similar with a Pescarolo LMP1 chassis.

But there's also not been a lot of customer programs where an OEM engine was stuffed into the back of a customer car either in recent years. I also guess one can include the Courage (now Oreca) based Acura LMP2s, though those cars became more and more proprietary to the point where Wirth Research built a near carbon copy version (suitably modified) so they wouldn't have to pay Oreca's licensing fees.

[chernaudi]

Originally Posted by Pandamasque

This discussion may seem a little off-topic in the Glickenhaus thread, but at the same time... In the short to medium term future the only semi-realistic scenario for a resurgence of smaller constructors in sports car racing hinges on the success of the 007 LMH car, since LMH is the only class where one is at least allowed to have a go at it!
If the 007 is somewhat competitive against the big OEMs, that could theoretically entice the Koenigseggs of the world to have a go, perhaps even with a homologated road car. Then we'd see Hypercar the way it was intended to be.

Worst case scenario is turn-key LMDh cars get a favourable BoP and prototype racing as we knew it is over, because why bother construct a prototype when you can be guaranteed competitiveness in what is effectively a generic mass product that was designated to be a benchmark?

You can blame IMSA for this by making DPI a cheap and cheerful formula. Biggest thing I don't like about it is you're flat out not allowed to build your own car or do any major developments to a customer chassis.

I myself favor LMH based on concept alone, but if LMDH is appealing to OEMs, especially with possible cash flow issues from marketing, R&D, or both to motorsports programs, I can't say from my POV that I blame OEMs.

Simply put, too much has changed over the last decade or so. One can say maybe the ACO should just give LMH's slightly better BOP, but with so many OEM's seemingly favoring LMDH, they might not have much of a choice but to create a level playing field. They, as IMSA is doing (and the ACO themselves have often done), will chase factory money and advertising.

Also, if mods or admins think that part of the discussion is better suited elsewhere, feel free to move it to the appropriate area.

[Aysedasi]

It's a good discussion, but I'm too lazy to move it. I guess it probably ought to go here ---

https://www.tentenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=155760

[chernaudi]

I'm actually thinking for technical aspects the new rules thread would be better. Especially since I do have a point to ponder about the rules in general, not in particular directed at LMH/LMDH.

[Aysedasi]

Absolutely fine!

[Napolis]

Originally Posted by Pandamasque

This discussion may seem a little off-topic in the Glickenhaus thread, but at the same time... In the short to medium term future the only semi-realistic scenario for a resurgence of smaller constructors in sports car racing hinges on the success of the 007 LMH car, since LMH is the only class where one is at least allowed to have a go at it!
If the 007 is somewhat competitive against the big OEMs, that could theoretically entice the Koenigseggs of the world to have a go, perhaps even with a homologated road car. Then we'd see Hypercar the way it was intended to be.

Worst case scenario is turn-key LMDh cars get a favourable BoP and prototype racing as we knew it is over, because why bother construct a prototype when you can be guaranteed competitiveness in what is effectively a generic mass product that was designated to be a benchmark?

Sad but true.^

[Napolis]

Coming along.

[Napolis]

Just Married...

[CTD]

Originally Posted by Napolis

Just Married...

Congratulations!
And thanks for sharing.

[S griffin]

Originally Posted by Napolis

Just Married...

Really looks the business there

[GT6]

A marriage made in heaven.

[Aysedasi]

Congratulations!

[Napolis]

Fuel Cell installed.

[Aysedasi]

Thanks for the updates Napolis. Let us know when the t-shirts are ready!

[Napolis]

Originally Posted by Aysedasi

Thanks for the updates Napolis. Let us know when the t-shirts are ready!

https://glickenhausadventure.com/

[Napolis]

007 LMH

[Napolis]

007 LMH

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by Napolis

https://glickenhausadventure.com/

Nice! I shall probably pause and wait for the special edition Le Mans t shirt......

[Napolis]

We're also looking into Hydrogen powering our Le Mans ICE engine at Le Mans.
For the road flex H/gasoline might be a good interim step as H refueling infrastructure is built out. Swappable H tanks as BBQ propane is done.

[WyldStallion]

Originally Posted by Napolis

We're also looking into Hydrogen powering our Le Mans ICE engine at Le Mans.
For the road flex H/gasoline might be a good interim step as H refueling infrastructure is built out. Swappable H tanks as BBQ propane is done.

Love the updates dude! Do you know the WEC car numbers yet?

[WyldStallion]

Originally Posted by Napolis

Just Married...

Getting on track is the consummation :-)

[Napolis]

Originally Posted by WyldStallion

Love the updates dude! Do you know the WEC car numbers yet?

We asked for 708 & 709 as these are our 8&9th race chassis.
Our N24 cars are 706 &710 (new customer N24 car)
707 is a customer 004C that will race in The US.

[CTD]

Originally Posted by Napolis

We asked for 708 & 709 as these are our 8&9th race chassis.
Our N24 cars are 706 &710 (new customer N24 car)
707 is a customer 004C that will race in The US.

7 for luck?
Are you going to recruit Tom Kristensen as a driver as well?

[WyldStallion]

Originally Posted by Napolis

We asked for 708 & 709 as these are our 8&9th race chassis.
Our N24 cars are 706 &710 (new customer N24 car)
707 is a customer 004C that will race in The US.

I hope you get it. I don't recall the WEC allowing car numbers outside of 1-99. Not even Aston Martin can use "007" on their cars. It was 97. Same for Porsche with "911", they had to go with 91.