Quote:
Originally Posted by August
Mandatory bodykit for OEMs is something I don't understand; shouldn't it be the OEMs own decision if they think it improves marketing possibilities?
I understand the one chassis per OEM rule as the bodykit may be impossible to apply to different chassis. However, should imsa drop the bodykit requirement, couldn't they allow the engine be used in any chassis? Heck, why not even allow that for OEMs with a bodykit; would it be so bad if there was a Dallara in Cadillac disguise and another Caddy-powered chassis with the regular bodywork?  (Not that it'd happen.)
Anyway, I was just thinking about this scenario. If the OEM engines aren't allowed in the new P2s without the OEM bodykit, might there be e.g. Honda-powered grandfathered P2s next year, while the OEM remains wondering whether to commit to the DPi rules? |
On the surface, it seems a stupid rule to force the OEM companies to spend the funds doing their own bodywork, lock that design in for 4 years, but they cannot run at Le Mans?
Does IMSA seriously think any of the OEM apart from perhaps GM, will agree to this?
It would appear that the new LMP2/DPi for 2017, or whatever you want to call it, was a perfect opportunity for the USA to reconstruct prototype racing in a manner that works for the entrants and companies in the USA?
But yet again, it seems this opportunity has been wasted, cow towing to the ACO, who aside of Austin, do not hold any other races in the USA and very few USA based teams have any interest in Le Mans.
So can someone please tell me, in whose interest is this?