The 2007 GT2 battle

TheNewBob · 29 Dec 2006, 19:44 (Ref:1801417)

The new season could well be an interesting one for this class. There hasn't been much talk about it, there's been plenty of LMP stories to muse upon, but do we know how GT2 is shaping up in Europe and America?

Porsche versus Ferrari should be great. The F430 mopped up in FIA GT in '06 and has been very strong elsewhere. How will it compare to the new 997, though? Also what about some of the smaller manufacturers, Panoz, Spyker etc. - will they step up their game enough to be a permanent pain in the arse to the Porsches and Ferraris?

**Dani Filth** · 29 Dec 2006, 20:38 (Ref:1801445)

the cars 430 and 997 should be equally strong . so i think it will depend on teams/drivers

chewymonster · 29 Dec 2006, 20:41 (Ref:1801446)

yep, 997 vs. 430 here in ALMS but the # of each is not concrete yet.

chewymonster · 29 Dec 2006, 21:26 (Ref:1801476)

Here is an article about all of the 997s that will race in ALMS.

http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID=2758

Looks like there will be 5 997s next year.

HORNDAWG · 29 Dec 2006, 21:27 (Ref:1801480)

Yep, 997's finally starting to arrive Stateside!
http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID=2758

L.P.

Dang missed it by that much !

Fogelhund · 29 Dec 2006, 21:38 (Ref:1801490)

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewymonster

Looks like there will be 5 997s next year.

There are five 997's accounted for at this point. The final number will be between five and seven.

chewymonster · 29 Dec 2006, 21:49 (Ref:1801494)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

There are five 997's accounted for at this point. The final number will be between five and seven.

But those five are guaranteed to run every single race, what are the two possible others? I know that Rahal has talked about a second 997.

On the Ferrari side Peterson Whitle Lightning will have one for every race and Risi should have at least one at every race.

AU N EGL · 29 Dec 2006, 22:24 (Ref:1801515)

997 vs 430 vs Panoz vs ?? = Great racing.

The Fans will be the big winners here.

HORNDAWG · 29 Dec 2006, 22:36 (Ref:1801521)

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewymonster

But those five are guaranteed to run every single race, what are the two possible others? I know that Rahal has talked about a second 997.

On the Ferrari side Peterson Whitle Lightning will have one for every race and Risi should have at least one at every race.

You don't think R.Ferri Competizione will be back ( Risi's #2 car)?

L.P.

Fogelhund · 29 Dec 2006, 22:43 (Ref:1801524)

Risi is said to have two cars for the full season. R. Ferri (Ferrari of Ontario) may be part time, or full time, and would be in addition to the two Risi cars. (plus PWL as well).

There are in fact a total of six 430 GT's in North America. Two are owned by collectors, and may, or may not be raced, full or part time.

The two possible others have not been announced as of yet, so we don't know the details... IF they even happen. Those who you would expect to know about this type of thing, suggest one is a definate, the other a maybe. We shall see.

chewymonster · 29 Dec 2006, 22:54 (Ref:1801529)

I just hope that Risi will run both cars at every race with the same drivers so we can have proper GT2 driver's and constructor's championships to contest (to the final race?)

AU N EGL · 29 Dec 2006, 23:12 (Ref:1801533)

NEW PORSCHES ARRIVING FOR GT2 TEAMS

Flying Lizard and Tafel Racing will field two Porsche 911 GT3 RSR ( 997) each
Rahal Letterman Racing has confirmed one Porsche 997 and possible a second coming.

Satorian · 30 Dec 2006, 02:37 (Ref:1801599)

I have high expectations for Spyker. They've been constantly improving and with their F1 buy-in they acquired lots of tech, equipment and talent that is supposed to reach down into their GT2 effort.

I think they'll catch a few more podiums and win their class on some occasions.

GT-Eins · 30 Dec 2006, 04:32 (Ref:1801612)

I had in mind there were talks about a possible GT2-Corvette-Project. Is there still some substance behind this?

Apart from that I think the Porsche-Ferrari battle will be the main-story of GT2 in 2007, spiced up by Panoz & hopefully Spyker as well.

HORNDAWG · 30 Dec 2006, 05:41 (Ref:1801629)

It looks like it is a firm maybe! From Lou's posts on another forum LG Motorsports for part of the season and I am not sure who the customer car is for. So I do not have a firm answer, but I am hopeful of a Corvette in GT-2 this year!

L.P.

TheNewBob · 30 Dec 2006, 07:59 (Ref:1801648)

Wasn't that the rumoured Z06 GT2 project? Be interesting to see 'Vette vs Ferrari vs Porsche in GT2 if it happens.

AU N EGL · 30 Dec 2006, 13:17 (Ref:1801746)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNewBob

Wasn't that the rumoured Z06 GT2 project? Be interesting to see 'Vette vs Ferrari vs Porsche in GT2 if it happens.

Calloway asked Chevy if they could convert their Z06r GT3 cars to GT2 specs. Chevy said NO, That was a year ago. Chevy did not want marketing confusion with potential customers of the street cars.

Now things have changed. Chevy did say to LG that they would help with technology ( not funding) and FIA hologation of the Corvette for GT2.

Will Calloway convert their GT3 to GT2 Cars?? who knows, but potential sponsors would like this idea.

Severl of us have been talking to Mr Wallace ( Chief Corvette Boss) about Chevy building a GT2 race ready car. The response was that would never happen. However, Chevy is looking at building rollers, to send to after market builds to turn into race cars.

Fogelhund · 30 Dec 2006, 13:28 (Ref:1801755)

Lou Gigliotti had suggested this GT2 car he was building for a "customer" wouldn't be ready until July. (which probably translates to later in the year)

**Dani Filth** · 30 Dec 2006, 13:45 (Ref:1801767)

no more issues with a 7 liter engine in GT2 ??

SALEEN S7R · 30 Dec 2006, 14:17 (Ref:1801774)

The rules regarding engine displacement size is the same in GT2 as it is in GT1. The only differnce is that the restrictors are larger on GT1 cars and are therefore able to make more power. GT3 also has the same engine displacement regulations I beleive. So no, there shoudnt be any problem with having a 7.0ltr in GT2, providing its n/a. As far as Im aware anyway.

old man · 30 Dec 2006, 14:19 (Ref:1801775)

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewymonster

I just hope that Risi will run both cars at every race with the same drivers so we can have proper GT2 driver's and constructor's championships to contest (to the final race?)

One RISI car is Melo and Salo for certain and as there are 3 and possibly 4 clashes with the FIA they are to concentrate on the ALMS

HORNDAWG · 30 Dec 2006, 19:10 (Ref:1801905)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dani Filth

no more issues with a 7 liter engine in GT2 ??

It just needs to be homologated. The old homologation( FIA I believe) was with a 6.2l engine. The new one would be a C6/Z06 w/7l instead of a C6 w/6.2l.
No issues, as it could be as large as 8.0l by rule.

L.P.

TWK · 30 Dec 2006, 23:26 (Ref:1801996)

Actually, there is nothing new about an ACO GT(2) homologated Corvette. One was homologated and raced in the ALMS in 2001.

TWK · 30 Dec 2006, 23:31 (Ref:1801997)

Murphy just published his Christmas column this morning, and summarized ALMS GT2 thus:

There are four Ferraris for the fans, and six Porsches probable. Panoz prospects are positive for a pair, and a part-time Panoz program is practicing. The Southern Swede is still a Spyker shopper.

http://murphythebear.com/blog/

chewymonster · 31 Dec 2006, 01:14 (Ref:1802026)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TWK

Murphy just published his Christmas column this morning, and summarized ALMS GT2 thus:

There are four Ferraris for the fans, and six Porsches probable. Panoz prospects are positive for a pair, and a part-time Panoz program is practicing. The Southern Swede is still a Spyker shopper.

http://murphythebear.com/blog/

A bit off topic, if we will go as far as to take 11 liters from the R10s tank, why would anyone bother making quility, fuel efficient engines, if all must turn out the same lap time and get the laps per tank.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Maserati GT2	Tom V	Sportscar & GT Racing	12	24 Jun 2005 15:23
New GT2 porsche	pink69	Sportscar & GT Racing	6	1 May 2002 14:31
I just got GT2!	G-R	Virtual Racers	14	3 Mar 2000 05:59