IMSA IMSA 2024

[joeb]

Originally Posted by Coach Ep

No Jota next season: https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...imsa-campaign/

There probably wouldn't have been room on the grid anyway.

Perhaps that forced their decision, and also the article mentions they don't have 2nd car locked down yet.

[joeb]

Full season Ferrari for Conquest in GTD

https://racer.com/2023/09/07/conques...ertech-season/



And calendar changes to avoid Spa24 clash.

https://racer.com/2023/09/07/imsa-mo...-spa-conflict/

[NaBUru38]

I wonder how many competitors will do Le Mans, Watkins Glen and Spa on consecutive weekends.

[joeb]

Algarve Pro will be back in LMP2 with George Kurtz and Crowdstrike for 2024

https://racer.com/2023/09/08/crowdst...eturn-in-2024/

[Coach Ep]

No Ferraris in the top class next year: https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...adar-for-2024/

And very much up in the air for beyond as well:

Coletta indicated that he would prefer a more unified approach to wind tunnel testing for homologation purposes.

“Frankly speaking, I don’t understand why we need to go in a different wind tunnel and why IMSA and the FIA have a different approach to the data,” he said.

“For me, the data is completely similar. I know that in LMDh [cars] that participated in IMSA, they have a different body with respect to the LMDh in WEC.

“We speak of convergence and then we have the cars [being] completely different. I believe that we need to have some work in front of us to have a real convergence.

“At the moment, for us, it’s no problem. I hope that when we take the eventual decision to go in the U.S., the problem of the convergence will be resolved.

“At the moment, I see just a little confusion. At the end, it’s the same issue for many years with the GTs. Because the BoP of GT3 in Europe is completely different to the BoP in the U.S.

Completely different is an exaggeration and the not-so-similar homologation processes have been known for a while. But his point still stands, I just don't see WEC and IMSA being able to sort out that challenge - heck, solving date clashes should be easy compared to that one!

[broadrun96]

I think by different body he is referring to a different body running the tests over a new body on the car itself, maybe a phrasing that is not as clear?? Or maybe just me reading it that way

But the same is true in reverse so would he cry then?

[Coach Ep]

In all fairness, Porsche, Cadillac and (soon to be) BMW will have done just what Ferrari is bringing up as a factor/excuse not to participate in IMSA next season: having their cars going through both homologation processes.

I'm guessing the project isn't progressed enough and the timeline is too tight for Ferrari to commit to a dual campaign. 2025 might be different. Let's hope so. The prancing horse is by far the biggest fish in the pond - imo IMSA should do whatever it takes to attract the red cars to participate in their series, part-time or not. The marketing impact will be gigantic.

[tomcug]

It almost looks like LMH teams are simply afraid of IMSA's wind tunnel testing, they probably don't want them to know too much about their cars for whatever reason. I don't get the "cars are completely different" thing. He means that there are 2 different rulesets there or what?

[Coach Ep]

Sorta I guess. It sounds like the different homologation processes result in (slightly?) different specs:

Team owner Christian Ried told DSC that switching the 963 from FIA WEC to IMSA spec wasn’t a simple process, and took multiple days to complete. The main difference is the change to the car’s electronics.

from https://www.dailysportscar.com/2023/...k-notes-3.html

If LMH cars would require a change in electronics, I can see how that would be a major stumbling block for the manufacturer to go IMSA (much more than their LMDh counterparts).

[tomcug]

About bodywork, differences between IMSA and WEC specs are minimal (at least at the back) but they're there.
http://lemansprototypes.over-blog.it...ring-2023.html
WEC homologation is a bit more draggy probably (from what I could find, I'm not aero specialist ).

[seanyb505]

I also read it that they aren't excited about having to put in the time and money to make the car fast for IMSA's version of bop. What are the chances even if they go through imsa homologation that the bop would be right for Daytona? And then Sebring? It's a huge risk to go through all that effort only for your lmh to not work properly.

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by tomcug

It almost looks like LMH teams are simply afraid of IMSA's wind tunnel testing, they probably don't want them to know too much about their cars for whatever reason.

So true! Works with the data collection too. Works in other businesses too when applying for a patent or asking for subventions. Source of massive leaks.

[broadrun96]

Originally Posted by seanyb505

I also read it that they aren't excited about having to put in the time and money to make the car fast for IMSA's version of bop. What are the chances even if they go through imsa homologation that the bop would be right for Daytona? And then Sebring? It's a huge risk to go through all that effort only for your lmh to not work properly.

I would argue that's the biggest concern and just be open with the IMSA BoP process takes time on track as well as the wind tunnel data. Even IMSA folks admit they may need to adjust after based on on-track performance. If you're a one-off it isn't really in your best interest to play. If anything try to join for The Glen and Petit before you try the 24 Hour and Sebring the next season to get more data

But that would require a second team and more chassis due to late season time constraints and WEC commitments

[Coach Ep]

Originally Posted by broadrun96

I would argue that's the biggest concern and just be open with the IMSA BoP process takes time on track as well as the wind tunnel data. Even IMSA folks admit they may need to adjust after based on on-track performance. If you're a one-off it isn't really in your best interest to play. If anything try to join for The Glen and Petit before you try the 24 Hour and Sebring the next season to get more data

But that would require a second team and more chassis due to late season time constraints and WEC commitments

Not only that, get yourself more familiar with IMSA procedures and proceedings as well. I'd expect Ferrari to get a rather 'favorable' BoP if they were to enter the Rolex, but knowing the ins-and-outs of the series is essential for a good result. AF Corse - and Risi! - has/have ample IMSA experience but nothing like having 1 or 2 dress rehearsals under your belt, especially since none of that experience stems from competing in the top class.

[broadrun96]

JR III closing up their IMSA program at the end of the season. United taking over their space in NC and team principal Billy Glavin will lead United's NA programs

https://racer.com/2023/09/14/jr-iii-...orts-for-2024/

[joeb]

Originally Posted by broadrun96

JR III closing up their IMSA program at the end of the season. United taking over their space in NC and team principal Billy Glavin will lead United's NA programs

https://racer.com/2023/09/14/jr-iii-...orts-for-2024/

That is definitely a bad news is good news type story!

[broadrun96]

And apparently they might be getting the McLaren GT3 LM program so maybe they can sell a GTD program too and get some additional IMSA cars to their LMP2s

[broadrun96]

So who's retiring from F1 or changing teams to allow them to enter

https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/t...-for-rolex-24/

Wayne hinting a current F1 driver will be announced in the WTR car at Daytona

[Akrapovic]

Originally Posted by broadrun96

So who's retiring from F1 or changing teams to allow them to enter

https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/t...-for-rolex-24/

Wayne hinting a current F1 driver will be announced in the WTR car at Daytona

KMag is obvious answer to this.

[Coach Ep]

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2023/...-for-2024.html

Teams still have until Tuesday, Oct. 3. to file their entry, we might reach 70 requests by then before the elimination starts.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by Akrapovic

KMag is obvious answer to this.

That is my expectation as well.

Originally Posted by Coach Ep

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2023/...-for-2024.html

Teams still have until Tuesday, Oct. 3. to file their entry, we might reach 70 requests by then before the elimination starts.

So many entries are going to be disappointed.

[broadrun96]

Originally Posted by Akrapovic

KMag is obvious answer to this.

That was the common answer on S365's FB post but for a dumb reason. They all said obvious it's KMags, he has experience in the Caddy already. And oddly so many agreed but no one said uhhh, aren't they Acura now so what does having Caddy, DPi not LMDh, experience have to do with anything. He has experience in the Pug too. But it's Facebook so.....

I tend to agree either of the Haas guys seem most obvious. Maybe Lando if McLaren want to let him play a bit with the rumors of he wants out are accurate. Let him run in other stuff and enjoy a race or two

[broadrun96]

Originally Posted by Coach Ep

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2023/...-for-2024.html

Teams still have until Tuesday, Oct. 3. to file their entry, we might reach 70 requests by then before the elimination starts.

Guessing we'll still have folks crying about field fillers and drivers who shouldn't be in the series and the old days were better

[veeten]

Originally Posted by broadrun96

That was the common answer on S365's FB post but for a dumb reason. They all said obvious it's KMags, he has experience in the Caddy already. And oddly so many agreed but no one said uhhh, aren't they Acura now so what does having Caddy, DPi not LMDh, experience have to do with anything. He has experience in the Pug too. But it's Facebook so.....

I tend to agree either of the Haas guys seem most obvious. Maybe Lando if McLaren want to let him play a bit with the rumors of he wants out are accurate. Let him run in other stuff and enjoy a race or two

Even better, since it's the Daytona 24, in January, this leaves lots of time for them to let one of their drivers to do it. This has more to do with Honda, so the deal with Red Bull could mean that either Perez, Riccairdo, Lawson, or more likely, Yuki, will be the choice.

[E.B]

Originally Posted by Akrapovic

KMag is obvious answer to this.

KMag was my immediate thought as well.
Wasnt he due to start Daytona last year but had to bail out due to a hand surgery required before the race.... having the op post race would have compromised his ability to be healed and ready in time for higher priority F1 pre season testing