IMSA USCC in 2016 and 2017

[BullMan]

I can only assume Panoz will trot the DW GT out to run demo laps during PLM this year, like we saw with the Abruzzi one year.

[Damian Baldi]

It looks like Mazda is swicthing to gasoline engine this year (and one car maybe at the Glen).

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/tusc/ma...soline-engine/

[kvenom]

What a waste of a program. Originally used to promote the road car diesel engine, but that car is nowhere to be seen on our shores. Hilariously slow and unreliable and using an ancient chassis. Just bad.

[jasonjessica09]

Originally Posted by kvenom

What a waste of a program. Originally used to promote the road car diesel engine, but that car is nowhere to be seen on our shores. Hilariously slow and unreliable and using an ancient chassis. Just bad.

No manufacturer seems more out of place in sportscar racing that Mazda. Do they have a legit sportscar that people can salivate over in the likes of a Porsche 911, Audi R8, Lamboghini, etc. No. I think they need a road/sportscar to capture the imagination first like the Viper or the Ford GT.

[TRspitfirefan]

Originally Posted by jasonjessica09

No manufacturer seems more out of place in sportscar racing that Mazda. Do they have a legit sportscar that people can salivate over in the likes of a Porsche 911, Audi R8, Lamboghini, etc. No. I think they need a road/sportscar to capture the imagination first like the Viper or the Ford GT.

It could be argued that Mazda is just about the only manufacturer with a legit sportscar- the little MX-5. All those other cars you listed are better classified as "super cars", a long way distant from the true soul of the affordable wonderful little sports roadsters of yesteryear.

[MitchZ06]

GTE MX-5 then.

[Rcz]

Sure, just throw in a Ford V6.



Since IMSA is allowing Mazda a racing engine now, you think others will be allowed to use racing engines? From either P1 lights or P2 cars.

[Dyson Mazda]

Originally Posted by Rcz

Sure, just throw in a Ford V6.



Since IMSA is allowing Mazda a racing engine now, you think others will be allowed to use racing engines? From either P1 lights or P2 cars.

I think if you want to run an LMP or a DP the series will do all they can to work with you to ensure your entry makes it to the grid. They are not really in a position to tell you to take a hike.

[TF110]

At least Mazda will continue and hopefully they're more competitive.

[Accident]

Actually glad to see that diesel thing finally abandoned.

I have to admit, I'll sorta miss those moments during the broadcast as they are talking to Doonan and he's blabbering on about how great the program is and how much progress they are making while you can see over his shoulder one of the cars is pulling into the pit box smoking and about to be retired.

[Damian Baldi]

It talks about the new block, but it doesn't mention the origin.

http://www.mulsannescorner.com/aerturbolmp2mzr-r.html

[Rcz]

So Ganassi says he will continue to race in Protoypes in IMSA as long as he still has support. Well I guess I can see why, can't win overall in GT for the most part. They should race against Corvette in both Protoype and GT.

In 2017 I would love to see a Ford Proto in IMSA inspired by the new Ford Gt.

[August]

I hope Ford will continue their involvement in the P class. Otherwise the variety with the '17 rules could be just Chevy engines vs. ACO's spec engines.

[MagVanisher]

I hope so, but you're forgotten about Nissan's involvement on TUSC as well as Honda and Mazda to a lesser extent.

[Coach Ep]

Originally Posted by Rcz

So Ganassi says he will continue to race in Protoypes in IMSA as long as he still has support. Well I guess I can see why, can't win overall in GT for the most part. They should race against Corvette in both Protoype and GT.

In 2017 I would love to see a Ford Proto in IMSA inspired by the new Ford Gt.

Read this again: http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/11839...d-ecoboost-dps

I highly doubt we'll see Ganassi back in P as it would take away budget and time from the GT project.

Originally Posted by MagVanisher

I hope so, but you're forgotten about Nissan's involvement on TUSC as well as Honda and Mazda to a lesser extent.

Nissan?? Honda??

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by Coach Ep

Read this again: http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/11839...d-ecoboost-dps

I highly doubt we'll see Ganassi back in P as it would take away budget and time from the GT project.

It read to me that he was looking for funding, so it wouldn't impact their budget... "If" it hits the track, I would expect a Pro/Am type entry.

Hull says paying customers could be the key to keeping the No. 01 car on track in 2016.

[FstrthnU]

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/tusc/wa...ay-notebook-2/
Shank hoping to have a 2nd NAEC Ligier with Matt McMurry next year, hope the plan works out

[Rcz]

http://www.racer.com/more/viewpoints...aradigm-shifts
http://www.racer.com/more/viewpoints...-shifts-part-2
http://www.racer.com/more/viewpoints...-shifts-part-3

Marshall Pruett thoughts on the whole P2 debacle

[Salamus]

Time for IMSA/NASCAR to ditch the ACO and go their own route. If the two entities don't want to work together, there is no reason to have unified rules.

I really like the GT3 engine idea, especially since GT3 are coming next year. Teams can have an Am entry in GTD to fund a Pro entry in P.

Also, it's time USCC ditches the PC class. One prototype class is enough.

[Rcz]

Well the GT3 idea is a DP and LMP2 idea.

Engine regs can be like:

6L Normal Aspirated production engine; up to 12 valves(Corvette, Aston Martin, Dodge)
4L Turbos and Super Charged Production engine; up to 8 valves(Ford, Porsche, BMW,Ferrari ,Bentley, Nissan, Honda,Mercedes)
2L Turbo Racing Engine(for those who don't have a big enough engine)

Horsepower target:600-700

[Damian Baldi]

Well, it looks like IMSA could be go on his own way to allow teams and manufactures more freedom and less dependence from ACO. But, it should have future consequences.

There will be P2 chassis for selling at the end of 2016 from WEC/ELMS?

[joeb]

MP was killing it with content tonight:

http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/11853...-2017?showall=

http://www.racer.com/more/viewpoints...aradigm-shifts

[nkoske]

I'm not sure what's so difficult. Create some reasonably priced cars that are RS Spyder/ARX-01 fast. Those cars are nearly 10 years old now, the price of that tech has to have come down.

People want a spectacle current LMP2s and DPs are boring to watch. They don't look fast.

[TF110]

If these manufacturers in tusc want brand identity with their bodywork, they should go to a gt500 type ruleset. Theyre already faster than p2 and look (somewhat) like their roadcar base vehicle. The new dtm-style isnt as appealing as the last gen, but maybe class 1 rules open up some more freedom in design. Keep GTE in aco likeness but forget the p2 deal. Just let those 2017 P2 guys run if they want, new regs will have faster cars anyway, so performance may be closer to gt500?

[Rcz]

Really, the Class 1 drumbeat again? Trading ACO for the DTM is not a good idea. Protoype class should be something IMSA can control, but please please don't let it be DP 2.0.

I think the chassis dimension, like width and length, and the cockpit tub should be similar to P2, so manufactures that are not the chosen 4 can convert their old chassis easily to the new IMSA rule set.

And the car has to have both production engine support and styling cues so manufactures can support it.