IMSA TUSC 2015 Entries, Schedule, and Rumors

[TRspitfirefan]

Originally Posted by DeezPutz

They (Road America)* don't deserve anything. The place is falling apart and looks ragged anymore. The track needs a resurfacing and some work. It's looking bad, and the zipline isn't going to get a WEC race.

As pretty much anybody reading this forum already knows, that statement is total rubbish.

[jasonjessica09]

On his twitter John Dagys has "really excited for tommorrow" meaning tuesday. I wonder what that is? I would hope it is the announcement of a new GTLM entry personally.

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by jasonjessica09

On his twitter John Dagys has "really excited for tommorrow" meaning tuesday. I wonder what that is? I would hope it is the announcement of a new GTLM entry personally.

Personal sponsor announcement for John, by Mountain Dew, with a free case delivered to his place of residence.

[Victor_RO]

Can't link to it right now, but the announcement has broken and it says no full-time ESM in TUSC next year, they'll be doing the full WEC season with two cars.

[Gulf]

Originally Posted by Victor_RO

Can't link to it right now, but the announcement has broken and it says no full-time ESM in TUSC next year, they'll be doing the full WEC season with two cars.

Just saw that. I am really excited for them.

[seanyb505]

I do wonder, whether expected or not, what message this sends to NAS...IM...whoever is running the show. Relief in not having to balance the protos? Disappointment? Victory? Loss?

[Dodge_Swinger]

I don't think it says anything to IMSA, or more accurately, anything they actually HEAR.

Don't panic. I've read multiple times on this very forum that there will be at least 50 DPs at every race. It must be true. The only people interested in WEC are rich people who want to travel. The fans are the biggest winners.

Boogity, boogity.

[Gulf]

Originally Posted by seanyb505

I do wonder, whether expected or not, what message this sends to NAS...IM...whoever is running the show. Relief in not having to balance the protos? Disappointment? Victory? Loss?

I think they are only worried about what will happen to that Patron money.

This is a pretty big blow considering ESM is the team that helped make the merger happen.

[Dodge_Swinger]

I am pleased that ESM is in WEC full time, though.

[Dodge_Swinger]

Originally Posted by Gulf

I think they are only worried about what will happen to that Patron money.

This is a pretty big blow considering ESM is the team that helped make the merger happen.

It can't look good when one of the naming sponsors of TUSC chooses to race somewhere else, especially after playing a big role in the merger/buyout.

It looks like marketing Patron in new markets was a big factor. Not sure how much was due to dissatisfaction with TUSC, but at least they'll only get BoP'ed twice a season at most, and then only in relation to other P2 cars.

Two new facilities in Florida and Europe represent a pretty significant investment. Definitely a case of putting your money where your mouth is.

Meanwhile, other than Krohn, has anyone revealed their new livery for 2015? I suspect that will be The Next Big Announcement from IMSA.

[MagVanisher]

With Extreme Speed Motorsports gone to WEC, I wonder if IMSA will change the NAEC sponsor to something else?

Meanwhile, the IMSA didn't flinch that the P class entries are dwindling... For Jim France's team, he'll sure be happy that his rivals are leaving!

[Speed-King]

Originally Posted by MagVanisher

With Extreme Speed Motorsports gone to WEC, I wonder if IMSA will change the NAEC sponsor to something else?

Unless the contract is out, (which it afaik isn't) and someone else comes along there's no reason at all for a change there.

Meanwhile, the IMSA didn't flinch that the P class entries are dwindling

What makes you think that? Is it because they haven't put out a press release saying that they are about ready to commit sepuku over ESM's withdrawal???

For Jim France's team, he'll sure be happy that his rivals are leaving!

No, just no. Winning against no one isn't winning, even if your last name is France. Actually, deep fields were always one of the things GA touted as their biggest strong points.

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by DeezPutz

They don't deserve anything. The place is falling apart and looks ragged anymore. The track needs a resurfacing and some work. It's looking bad, and the zipline isn't going to get a WEC race.

Really? Falling apart? That's hilarious. Seriously...I'm in stitches.

The only logical thing you've said here is that it needs a resurface. Asphalt doesn't do well in northern climates. Just a fact. But, the track is used nearly every day from April to the end of October, and sometimes, even into November. The last FULL repave was done in 96. 3,5,6,8,12 have all been done in a special compound that was fine prior to NASCAR. They are too heavy..but...even at that, the track has held up really, really well.

It's always been a highly polished, low grip surface. There are lots of improvements coming. The WEC is watching.

[DeezPutz]

What part has WEC salivating the most? Is it the lack of runoff at the kink, the lack of garages, the lack of decent amenities, the six year old stickers stuck to the uneven concrete barriers, the alligator curbing for NASCAR, or the fact that the same corners come apart every race including club racing? There's plenty of tracks in the same climate that don't have the surface issues year after year.

Road America has one focus right now. A 2016 Sprint cup race. If that happens, then we will see.

[Rodger Davies]

Its none of those, apparently; it's the lack of soundproofed hospitality suites for thousands of corporate guests.

[Breitling24]

Originally Posted by MagVanisher

With Extreme Speed Motorsports gone to WEC, I wonder if IMSA will change the NAEC sponsor to something else?

Meanwhile, the IMSA didn't flinch that the P class entries are dwindling... For Jim France's team, he'll sure be happy that his rivals are leaving!

ESM isn't gone, not totally, from TUSCC (running NAEC). Plus, even if the team was running no TUSCC races, you don't think they wouldn't advertise their product?

[Deleted]

Even though ESM says they're also committing to NAEC Glen and PLM, I can see them pulling out after season prep-up at Daytona & Sebring, citing "unexpected costs and difficulties with logistics" or "we need to concentrate fully on WEC from now on" or whatever.

[Gulf]

Originally Posted by Breitling24

ESM isn't gone, not totally, from TUSCC (running NAEC). Plus, even if the team was running no TUSCC races, you don't think they wouldn't advertise their product?

Do you really think Patron get any roi sponsoring TUSC? I don't. The only reason they are there is because of Scott Brown and the only reason they are still there is contracts.

[Purist]

Um, Chiana, Watkins Glen and Road Atlanta are part of the NAEC. Sorry, your wording makes it seem like they aren't.

[Breitling24]

Originally Posted by Gulf

Do you really think Patron get any roi sponsoring TUSC? I don't. The only reason they are there is because of Scott Brown and the only reason they are still there is contracts.

Do you think the contract doesn't have an exit clause for Patron, as most sponsorship contracts do? I do think there is some ROI there. Your comment sounds as if you believe there is none, what so ever.

Since I'm not privy to the books, I'll continue to think that there is some ROI for Patron. Brown's a smart business man, and I don't see him continuing something that doesn't make business sense.

[nasportscar]

Originally Posted by Gulf

Do you really think Patron get any roi sponsoring TUSC? I don't. The only reason they are there is because of Scott Brown and the only reason they are still there is contracts.

I think they are there for the future, specifically 2017 and beyond...Right now is not pretty for P2 teams, but sticking around and trying to get the glory of winning the NAEC races is still appealing. It's probably better to go over to WEC, learn the cars, etc, then come back full time in 2017 or '18 and see what IMSA has done.

I still have faith the IMSA will get it right and am optimistic the series will be where it should be.

[Deleted]

Originally Posted by Purist

Um, Chiana, Watkins Glen and Road Atlanta are part of the NAEC. Sorry, your wording makes it seem like they aren't.

Of course they are. You must've misunderstood what I said.

[joeb]

No Dempsey next year:

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/tusc/de...ations-in-u-s/

Focusing on WEC instead.

Also, Alex Job is back on the fence regarding next season after the change and change back in the driver ratings rules for gtd.

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/tusc/dr...g-regulations/

So will we have any cars in GTD next season? Looks like single digits for the "regular" races.

[Gulf]

Originally Posted by Breitling24

Do you think the contract doesn't have an exit clause for Patron, as most sponsorship contracts do? I do think there is some ROI there. Your comment sounds as if you believe there is none, what so ever.

Since I'm not privy to the books, I'll continue to think that there is some ROI for Patron. Brown's a smart business man, and I don't see him continuing something that doesn't make business sense.

Patron only there because of Scott Brown wanting to race.

Originally Posted by nasportscar

I think they are there for the future, specifically 2017 and beyond...Right now is not pretty for P2 teams, but sticking around and trying to get the glory of winning the NAEC races is still appealing. It's probably better to go over to WEC, learn the cars, etc, then come back full time in 2017 or '18 and see what IMSA has done.

I still have faith the IMSA will get it right and am optimistic the series will be where it should be.

Patrons CEO has already bailed on TUSC. I don't think there is any glory in winning the NAEC without the best competition being there and no person outside of Sports car fans know what it is.

[Disraeli Eers]

Wow I hope this GTD exodus is only a 1-year thing.