|
The funny thing is if that guy from BMW would have come here and told you the same thing, everyone would have jumped all over his case and got into some technical talk about GTLM and GT3, then into aero then into whatever else with the car.
What everyone needs to understand is what is going on has been going on for years. It's that sanctioning bodies have hung out a sign telling new teams to join because everything is going to be level, easy and cheap because this new formula will fix the problem. As we see it does not.
Let's look at Speed King Racing. SKR has been running a pair of Porsches in GT3 for a few seasons and everyone assumes they are sort of like the sort of factory team. In reality they are not. Just spend money in GT3 and do what the sanctioning body told him in the previous paragraph. So, Acme Motors has a new GT3 car and for this past season, they sent a guy to look and see which teams spend a boatload of money.
When 2017 comes to an end, Acme calls SKR and gives them this proposition. It's two new Acme GT3's for $400K. With those new Acmes, comes a massive container of spares free of charge. To take the deal, SKR will have to hire Joe Tanto Jr as he's part of the Acme driver development program and he also did all of the test driving on the GT3 model. Joe Tanto Jr. is paid by Acme but for him to not be a paid factory driver, he has a company called Driven, LLC. That's where the money goes to. SKR pays him $100/race for his services. For all anyone knows, Joe Tanto Jr is just a regular guy that is fast. Plus, Joe runs with that pro guy you paid in 2017, as for SKR team owner, you get that other pro and drive with him. That way it looks like crazy old white guy is just blowing his retirement.
Then SKR will need to hire Hans Gruber. Hans is some German guy that knows lots about the Acme GT3. Hans has a company called Die Hard LLC. That's where you, (SKR team owner) pays that $100/race consulting fee. In reality, Hans actually works for Acme but this is his "side" job.
Then there will be lots of testing and that's possible because of the money saved due to that container of free spares. Plus, even though the ACME engine is rated for 40 hours, you will need to send it in every 20hrs for "warranty" work. Plus, Hans takes the shocks every race and brings them back with 5 other pairs. Hans is so nice, he just rebuilds and gives you shocks for free. Hans and Joe never wear an Acme shirt, only SKR. That way, they are not factory.
There you go. GT3 and the chance of success is much better. As we all know it's not guaranteed because probably 3 other manufacturers are doing the same thing. As for GT4, it's already going on and soon enough TCR will be right in there.
|