IMSA USCC in 2016 and 2017

[Mike Hedlund]

I don't think there will be enough 488 GT3's to start the season at Daytona either -- however it wouldn't be a bad idea to run the 458 GT3 as it's a proven platform and at a 24 Hour race you might not want to roll the dice on something brand new.

There's no way they'll let the GT Americas run next year at Daytona. The GT America cars might actually turn a faster lap time than the full GT3 cars at Daytona simply because of less drag giving them a faster top end. Not to mention the GT3 spec cars aren't allowed to change gearing.

-mike

[Deleted]

Remember Sebring 2011, where Risi run the brand new 458 and hit electrical issues, and the other three entered 458s succumbed to their doom as well, while the factory supported AF Corse didn't even bother and chose the old F430 instead, earning both pole and in race fifth out of 24 ILMC/ALMS GT2 cars

[Rcz]

Originally Posted by Mike Hedlund

I don't think there will be enough 488 GT3's to start the season at Daytona either -- however it wouldn't be a bad idea to run the 458 GT3 as it's a proven platform and at a 24 Hour race you might not want to roll the dice on something brand new.

There's no way they'll let the GT Americas run next year at Daytona. The GT America cars might actually turn a faster lap time than the full GT3 cars at Daytona simply because of less drag giving them a faster top end. Not to mention the GT3 spec cars aren't allowed to change gearing.

-mike

Then give them a big draggy wing. Surly the Porsche Americas can be BOPed into contention.

[Coach Ep]

Have we heard anything about the Ferrari 488 GT3 being tested at this stage? Seems it's unbelievable quiet on that front (we know the GTE car is being put thru extensive testing as we speak).

[BullMan]

Originally Posted by Rcz

Then give them a big draggy wing. Surly the Porsche Americas can be BOPed into contention.

It's over for those things. They'll go sit next to the tube-framed "Camaros" and the Abruzzi in the dumb idea museum. It's GT3 or bust now, Something that should have been in 2014.

[Coach Ep]

More on why the GT America was the preferred option 2 years ago:

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/tusc/po...or-gt-america/

Seems both Porsche and IMSA underestimated the funds a lot of teams/Am drivers had/have to spend on GT3 material as we have seen such a boom since the above described decision was made.

If only IMSA wouldn't try to artificially keep the time differences between different classes (especially the 2 GT classes) up so much and had given the competitors the opportunity to choose between the 991 Cup car and the 997 GT3 car to race alongside each other...

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by BullMan

It's over for those things. They'll go sit next to the tube-framed "Camaros" and the Abruzzi in the dumb idea museum. It's GT3 or bust now, Something that should have been in 2014.

But it made far too much sense to do anything logical in 2014.

[HORNDAWG]

Hmm, and yet it is a new GT3 car we are talking about here, not the type 997 that was running then. As well as the fact that there is now a globalization (of sorts) to GT3, whereas there was not then.








L.P.

[Speed-King]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

As well as the fact that there is now a globalization (of sorts) to GT3, whereas there was not then.

GT3 was just as global back then as it is now - it's actually lost a few markets (among them Brazil) in the meantime.

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by Speed-King

GT3 was just as global back then as it is now - it's actually lost a few markets (among them Brazil) in the meantime.

Agree fully. There was plenty of GT3 machinery available and running around...

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by Speed-King

GT3 was just as global back then as it is now - it's actually lost a few markets (among them Brazil) in the meantime.

And yet they were not in N. America on a large scale until 2014 with PWC adopting the format. Which makes them more appealing if there is a larger market/opportunity for them to be ran in more than a single series. As well as the failure of the GT convergence. So I guess N. America is not part of the Global community.





L.P.

[BullMan]

Originally Posted by MoMedic9019

Agree fully. There was plenty of GT3 machinery available and running around...

People were asking IMSA to integrate GT3 into ALMS for years before the merger, and they didn't want to do it. I was dismayed at the fact that they had a clean slate in 2014 and chose to crap it up, again.

[Speed-King]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

And yet they were not in N. America on a large scale until 2014 with PWC adopting the format. Which makes them more appealing if there is a larger market/opportunity for them to be ran in more than a single series. As well as the failure of the GT convergence. So I guess N. America is not part of the Global community.

Who's to say that IMSA wouldn't have enjoyed similar success had they adopted GT3 before PWC?

[seanyb505]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

...So I guess N. America is not part of the Global community.

L.P.

IMSA mission accomplished then! Great job everyone.

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by Speed-King

Who's to say that IMSA wouldn't have enjoyed similar success had they adopted GT3 before PWC?

No one, just as no one can say they would have.








L.P.

[Coach Ep]

Originally Posted by BullMan

People were asking IMSA to integrate GT3 into ALMS for years before the merger, and they didn't want to do it. I was dismayed at the fact that they had a clean slate in 2014 and chose to crap it up, again.

As soon as the Challenge Class was introduced in 2009, suggestions were made to open up the class and let other GT3 material in (see http://archive2.dailysportscar.com/v...974FC1A9F35124 for the introduction announcement).

Meanwhile Porsche's GTLM factory effort (run by Core) is confirmed (not sure if it was mentioned before?).

[Rcz]

It's astounding when you have the ALMS and Grand-Am saying no to full GT3, and both series were going into decline. Yet the PWC adopts full GT3 and like magic, becomes a big player in the sportcar stage.


As far full GT3 cars only, I don't mind the series specials as long as they are the relevant to the streetcar like the Acura TLX 4 wheel drive car.

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

No one, just as no one can say they would have.

Yet, PWC did. I think it's foolish to pretend as if GT3 wouldn't be welcomed when many competitors, and owners asked for it. IMSA/NASCAR ignored it and pretended their way was the best.....

Just like they always do.

[Coach Ep]

ESM might or might not be back for the Florida enduros:

Tequila Patron ESM are looking like sure fire returnees to the FIA WEC in 2016, the team pronouncing themselves well satisfied with the package whilst eying a potential limited US endurance programme for the start of next season depending on the final shape of the 2016 WEC calendar, in particular the timing of the now traditional WEC Prologue test at Paul Ricard which proved a major logistical challenge for the team last year after their appearance the the 12 Hours of Sebring.

from http://www.dailysportscar.com/2015/0...ment-more.html

Daytona seems to suit the DPs better and Sebring will most likely be just a week before the WEC pre season test again, causing more logistic headaches.

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by Coach Ep

ESM might or might not be back for the Florida enduros:



from http://www.dailysportscar.com/2015/0...ment-more.html

Daytona seems to suit the DPs better and Sebring will most likely be just a week before the WEC pre season test again, causing more logistic headaches.

I would expect Daytona, no Sebring, back for the prologue. And Daytona as a shakedown, and early season prep. I would hold this as EXTREMLY tentative though.

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by Coach Ep

As soon as the Challenge Class was introduced in 2009, suggestions were made to open up the class and let other GT3 material in (see http://archive2.dailysportscar.com/v...974FC1A9F35124 for the introduction announcement).

Meanwhile Porsche's GTLM factory effort (run by Core) is confirmed (not sure if it was mentioned before?).

Core's GTLM effort has not been in question for awhile. The WEC one has.

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by MoMedic9019

Yet, PWC did. I think it's foolish to pretend as if GT3 wouldn't be welcomed when many competitors, and owners asked for it. IMSA/NASCAR ignored it and pretended their way was the best.....

Just like they always do.

I think it is foolish to assume that teams would opt for a car that was more expensive than the Porsche America. Also find it telling that the car was mainly bought by ALMS GTC teams, as a replacement for the GTC Porsche, while most non Porsche GT Daytona teams (sans Mazda) stuck with their cars.







L.P.

[HORNDAWG]

K-PAX mulling TUSC in 2016......

http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/12081...g-2016-options







L.P.

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

K-PAX mulling TUSC in 2016......

http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/12081...g-2016-options

Twas something I brought up a little bit ago...like...six days ago. Funny how that works sometimes eh?

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

I think it is foolish to assume that teams would opt for a car that was more expensive than the Porsche America. Also find it telling that the car was mainly bought by ALMS GTC teams, as a replacement for the GTC Porsche, while most non Porsche GT Daytona teams (sans Mazda) stuck with their cars.

And their options were? Oh right. Buy this or stick with what you have, unless it's being thrown out.... no we dont' care that the resale will suck, or that' you've paid for the spares and car you already own...