[LM24] Le Mans 2016 Entry List (and Driver Updates)

[Coach Ep]

Have to agree on Ibanez, with the whole Wolf P2 project falling thru it seems the driving force (Bellarosa) is gone and the team is back in animosity.

But who knows?

[antonylight]

Ferrari Challenge Europe confirmed as another of the support races at 2016 LM 24 Hours (on Endurance info site)

[Deleted]

So my prediction came true. The cycle is clear

I wish it had been Lambo Trofeo but that was always a pipedream, they don't have politics influence power on ACO like the existing marques

[Mike E]

Fred Sausset's garage 56 entry revealed. Nice livery.

http://srt41.com/frederic-sausset-et...-en-juin-2016/

[Deleted]

They should ask Zanardi for a seat.

It's kinda weird entry since the car itself is not showing any new technology as cited in the ACO regs, but rather it's just modded regular vehicle for special needs of disabled. Of course it's an admirable thing to do regardless

Shame the hydrogen GreenGT never got their act together

[Hawkwood]

Originally Posted by Chiana

They should ask Zanardi for a seat.

I was thinking that exact same thing.
He's such a boss.

[Victor_RO]

Originally Posted by Chiana

It's kinda weird entry since the car itself is not showing any new technology as cited in the ACO regs, but rather it's just modded regular vehicle for special needs of disabled. Of course it's an admirable thing to do regardless

Those modifications could include new technology for disabled drivers that hasn't yet been made available on road cars.

[Deleted]

Perhaps

Would be interesting to know if the open top met the usual cost cap in anywhere near fashion or was double in amount.

But if it was able to been achieved in mere CN it shouldn't be too extraordinary

[Deleted]

IMSA Performance wants LM return apparently. Not surprising.

Anyway Question:

So the Michelin Cup Thing awards auto entry for following years LM. That GT3 team could then just rent some LMGTE Ferrari or whatever for that one. Alright. However, is there a requirement for that GT3 team to also run full season in the regional series to keep that entry, you know like with all the other now too? In that case, does that GT3 series count as one, just like ELMS? Regional series? So team could just end up running there forever and nowhere else.

We have EMPIRE of regional series below LM and WEC soon

IWTSC
ELMS
ASLMS
GT3CUP
Sprint Asia Proto ???
America Proto ???

[TheMightyM]

From S365:

Ben Keating’s confirmed return to IMSA competition has ruled out the team taking part in the FIA WEC full-time with Keating’s Dodge Viper GTS-R. However, Bill Riley told Sportscar365 they’ll still be submitting an entry request for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

[Deleted]

Mildly surprising. But I guess they did get attention enough and generous bop this year

[Mike E]

Originally Posted by antonylight

Ferrari Challenge Europe confirmed as another of the support races at 2016 LM 24 Hours (on Endurance info site)

With the new GT3 Cup getting a support slot (ironically the only sprint race on their calendar), and the ACO confirming that this is not replacing an existing support race, I wonder which series will get the final support slot. The usual Le Mans Legends/Group C? How about some '70's metal??? Plateau 6 from the Classic would do me fine. https://peterauto.peter.fr/files/pdf...-LMC-entry.pdf

Anyway, this should go some way to filling the usual 3 hour gap between the second support race and the 24 Hours.

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2015/1...-answered.html

[PorscheFanNo1]

I always thought that the 3 hour gap was to make sure they have time to repair any damage that support races might cause, so an accident like in the Aston support race last year where extensive barrier repairs were needed wont delay the start of the 24h race.

[Mies7337]

Is Ferrari (AF Corse) building a new 488 GT2 car for next year? The old 458 was quick, but it seems to be a bit less every year. And it's a great way to promote the new 488 road car.

[Beetle]

Originally Posted by Mies7337

Is Ferrari (AF Corse) building a new 488 GT2 car for next year? The old 458 was quick, but it seems to be a bit less every year. And it's a great way to promote the new 488 road car.

Yes, it will make its debut at the next Rolex 24 with Risi.

http://sportscar365.com/industry/pho...-breaks-cover/

[Deleted]

Originally Posted by Mike E

With the new GT3 Cup getting a support slot (ironically the only sprint race on their calendar), and the ACO confirming that this is not replacing an existing support race, I wonder which series will get the final support slot. The usual Le Mans Legends/Group C? How about some '70's metal??? Plateau 6 from the Classic would do me fine. https://peterauto.peter.fr/files/pdf...-LMC-entry.pdf

Anyway, this should go some way to filling the usual 3 hour gap between the second support race and the 24 Hours.

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2015/1...-answered.html

It's Group C

[Mike E]

Originally Posted by Chiana

It's Group C

Is that confirmed?

I love Group C but that race always seems to feature far too much attrition in 45 minutes...

[Deleted]

Originally Posted by Mike E

Is that confirmed?

I love Group C but that race always seems to feature far too much attrition in 45 minutes...

http://williamianson.com/news-and-bl...-le-mans-2016/

'Rounds at both the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Le Mans Classic in 2016'

But it was always happening anyway, what with the same repetitious biannual routine between C and 1949-196X that's been going on forever now, somerhing else would be earth shattering...

[rich07]

Originally Posted by Beetle

Yes, it will make its debut at the next Rolex 24 with Risi.

http://sportscar365.com/industry/pho...-breaks-cover/

Rumor has it the car will be publicly unveiled this weekend at Mugello at the Ferrari World Finals.

[antonylight]

The ACO press release today launching the Michelin GT3/P3 support race, mentions 2 support races next year - as the Ferrari Challenge Europe race has already been announced, will this mean no Group C/Historic race next year?
Maybe as there will be a stand alone Group C race at the LM Classic next year, outside of the usual 6 grids up to 1979, that could be the reason?
Maybe in "Classic years" there will be no historic support race at the 24 Hours.

[Mike E]

Originally Posted by YorkshireLad

Didn't know where to post this. Well ****ed off!

Hi Luke

Thank you for your email.

Group C will not be the support race at the Le Mans 24hrs race next year as we will be attending Le Mans Classic instead.

Kind regards

Zoe
Group C Racing

Copied from Track changes thread.

[J Jay]

It figures

But it won't stop anyone going will it? If you want to see Group C then you'll have to make the "pilgrimage" biannually now.

Something old for something new,
Something BoP-ped, we're feeling blue.

[YorkshireLad]

Originally Posted by J Jay

It figures

But it won't stop anyone going will it? If you want to see Group C then you'll have to make the "pilgrimage" biannually now.

Something old for something new,
Something BoP-ped, we're feeling blue.

Yes I know, but it's better link with the past, it had a meaning.

It's a shame is all I'm saying. It was a nice starter before the main.

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by YorkshireLad

Yes I know, but it's better link with the past, it had a meaning.

It's a shame is all I'm saying. It was a nice starter before the main.

I agree with you entirely, but money talks, apparently more so than the wishes of sportscar's most passionate and supportive fans.

It just goes to show that ultimately the ACO will run roughshod over whatever and whoever is in the way if they think it will be in their best interests (as we've seen with the 2017 LMP2 regs).

[claude2cv]

While it will be a shame not to see Group C cars, I actually found the race last time quite boring. More of a fast procession. I go to see this year's race so maybe a series for those coming up through the ranks might actually be more exciting as they have a point to make. I was really looking forward to the Group C race last year and was surprised by my reaction to it. They were so much more exciting back in the day when they were being raced by top drivers all trying to win a championship.