LMP Challenge cars unveiled

[mz2k]

Fourteen drivers tested the FLM09 cars. Hopefully, most of them can get the funding for full time drives next year.

http://www.americanlemans.com/index_news.php?n=13905

[Fogelhund]

The ALMS publicly states that they hope for four cars. Frankly, I think they'll be a bit higher than that, and if we can get 6-8 it will be a VERY successful start, on a number of levels.

[mz2k]

Of the fourteen who tested, I wonder how many came from IMSA Lites?

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by mz2k

Of the fourteen who tested, I wonder how many came from IMSA Lites?

More significantly, how many were representing owners of DP's?

[DanShenise]

The best part is that they do look like real race cars and not some weird pudgy turtle. Hopefully they'll get 6-8 of them running next year. That combined with 6-8 fulltime real LMP cars and you'll have some decent fields.

[mz2k]

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

More significantly, how many were representing owners of DP's?

Maybe we'll get a hint from the Bear...

[HORNDAWG]

Pretty good piece at DSC on the demo/test at R/A on Sunday.




L.P.

[MJ_N_09]

I think Primetime will be one of the teams moving to this new class next year.

[DanShenise]

The Bear has his hint out now. I guess the powers on International Speedway Blvd don't wield the power they think they do.

[Canada ALMS fan]

Originally Posted by MJ_N_09

I think Primetime will be one of the teams moving to this new class next year.

I had the chance to speak to Joel during the rain delay. He would like to run one plus another 1 or 2 if there are any customers (not holding my breath), just like he does with the IMSA lights.

[broadrun96]

Think he might have the best chance of pulling that off, has a good track record of good cars in IMSA lights, he did win the series crown right? But will he pull the Viper that he's worked pretty hard at moving up to GT2 spec?

[bjwedgemtu]

i like the new class structure that the ALMS has. I think the LMP challenge class we bring a lot of good talent into the series along with boosting car counts. It should make for some good racing though.

[The359]

Originally Posted by broadrun96

Think he might have the best chance of pulling that off, has a good track record of good cars in IMSA lights, he did win the series crown right? But will he pull the Viper that he's worked pretty hard at moving up to GT2 spec?

Considering the Viper is not on the Laguna Seca entry list, I'd say yes.

Although it may still be too damaged from it's crash at Petit.

[johntt]

Slightly OT but on Midweek Motorsport last night Hindy said something about Audi anticipating sales of the R8 LMS in America come 2011, looks like we could see the GT Challenge class go to full GT3 sooner than expected...

[Steven Humphrey]

Think they are the same spec as the Formula Le Mans cars that run as a support to the Le Mans Series. They ran as a seperate race with 11 cars, which made for 2 dull races at Silverstone. Running them with the main series,as a seperate class (as seems to be happening in the US) would make far more sense. Noisy buggers though!

[zac510]

I imagine they would lap quite a bit quicker than a DP? Is DP their main competition as a category/series?

[fieldodreams79]

they would absolutely SMOKE DPs, no question.

i must say, after seeing the cars and seeing the initial lap times at RoadATL, i am excited about the possiblilities of these cars having good scraps among a number of worthy, competitive teams.

[Subaru_WRX_STi]

the GM engine, is from Pratt&Miller ?

[johntt]

Its a 6.2l Chevy LS3 engine

[trahsub]

Originally Posted by johntt

Slightly OT but on Midweek Motorsport last night Hindy said something about Audi anticipating sales of the R8 LMS in America come 2011, looks like we could see the GT Challenge class go to full GT3 sooner than expected...

I love me some full race grids, but is there any concern that with a proliferation of the GT3 class with different makes, would it be difficult for a factory team to decide between GT2 and GT3?

In other words, could GT3 cannibalize GT2 entrys?

[MJ_N_09]

Not likely, as I haven't heard of a factory Ferrari or Porsche program in GT3.

[Fogelhund]

I doubt this car would "smoke" a DP. Marginally quicker, depending on tires, setup and driver, but probably not "smoke". The test times at Road Atlanta were 1:17 range. Compare that to GT2.

Now compare GT2 times to DP times at Laguna Seca.

They are however much cheaper than a DP.

The European cars are indeed GM engines. I still expect the ALMS versions to have Ford based powerplants.

[MJ_N_09]

Who knows, maybe the FLM cars will be allowed too?

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

I doubt this car would "smoke" a DP. Marginally quicker, depending on tires, setup and driver, but probably not "smoke". The test times at Road Atlanta were 1:17 range. Compare that to GT2.

Now compare GT2 times to DP times at Laguna Seca.

They are however much cheaper than a DP.

The European cars are indeed GM engines. I still expect the ALMS versions to have Ford based powerplants.

The '1:17' at RA is not what the car could run if it were to have a set-up for the track and be run in anger vs a demo ride. A better comparison is how the FLM09's compared to the fields in the LMS where they consistently where on a pace that put them in the bask 1/3 of the P-2 class and through the GT-1 class and ahead of GT-2.

But I agree with Fogelhund, that it would not 'smoke' the DP.

I on the other hand have seen nothing to indicate they will run anything other than what is in the FLM09 in the LMPC-10.

If they do run a different power plant that could hamper thoughts of any of the FLM's coming over as they will not be at the same spec.


L.P.

[JHamilton]

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

I doubt this car would "smoke" a DP. Marginally quicker, depending on tires, setup and driver, but probably not "smoke". The test times at Road Atlanta were 1:17 range. Compare that to GT2.

Now compare GT2 times to DP times at Laguna Seca.

They are however much cheaper than a DP.

The European cars are indeed GM engines. I still expect the ALMS versions to have Ford based powerplants.

I just did that and I think it depends on you definition of smoke. Figure 2 seconds a lap between a DP and an undeveloped test car during a demo. There's got to be at least a second in left in it.