ALMS 2012 Discussion - Page 85

Speed Merchant 91 · 30 Mar 2012, 14:44 (Ref:3050863)

Quote:

Originally Posted by picchiofan

What an odd article.

"We don't like the GA spec R8, because they reduce the aerodynamics and detuned the engine, so we're looking at homologating an R8 for World Challenge, to do so we'll need to reduce the aerodynamics, and detune the engine".

'kay. Translation: There's 30+ car fields in GA with about 12 strong front running entries, as opposed to two cars in WCGT.

Also a little confused with the "less clutch" comment. The GA spec car ran the same clutch as the rest of the R8 race cars, Audi claims the lack of traction control caused it to shatter, multiple times, even with the detuned engine. For Barber they're getting a full on race clutch.

If you think there are only 2 cars in WCGT then you are sadley mistaken my friend. I would argue that the World Challenge GT class is every bit as competitive as the Grand-AM GT class with it's factory backed Cadillac and K-Pax Volvo teams and a grip of privateer Porsche and Corvettes that also stand a good chance of not only getting the race win, but also challenging for the championship as well. And once, (or if) Mike Skeen gets hits GTRs up to speed, I believe they could also be a factor as well. Plus, I would rather watch a "de-tuned" R8 LMS in World Challenge than watch a totally neutered R8 "Grand AM" anyday

Nick6 · 30 Mar 2012, 16:34 (Ref:3050911)

With only 2 cars in WCGT, I wonder why Picchio hasn't built a car for WC yet?

picchiofan · 30 Mar 2012, 17:56 (Ref:3050952)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick6

With only 2 cars in WCGT, I wonder why Picchio hasn't built a car for WC yet?

Because they were a backmarker chassis manufacturer that ceased to exist 5-6 years ago?

I know the irony thing might be new to ya..

And yes, there's the 2 car caddy effort in WCGT, the way long in the tooth Kpax volvos, and GMG's Porsches that they're replacing with the R8s. AKA, there's two other cars to worry about.

FstrthnU · 30 Mar 2012, 18:29 (Ref:3050967)

One thing about the r8 grand-am's clutch, they were forced to use a production clutch instead of a race spec clutch on the gt3.

Jonerz · 30 Mar 2012, 19:28 (Ref:3050987)

Quote:

Originally Posted by picchiofan

Because they were a backmarker chassis manufacturer that ceased to exist 5-6 years ago?

I know the irony thing might be new to ya..

And yes, there's the 2 car caddy effort in WCGT, the way long in the tooth Kpax volvos, and GMG's Porsches that they're replacing with the R8s. AKA, there's two other cars to worry about.

Incorrect, the KPax Volvos are based on the new model. Not much new technology outside of center-locking hubs that I can see from the outside. But the series, thanks to Cadillac and Volvo primarilly, has really seen the tune of the cars develop over the past few years despite being a down time in terms of number of entries.

Looking at the GT grid the two Volvos are always in with a shout (except when they are sorting out "dozens" of electrical issues, as they were at St. Pete), the two Cadillacs are in with a shout, the Hawk Performance Nissan and the former Crager Corvettes are both solid, well funded efforts, plus the TruSpeed Porsches are very quick. On top of that, as you mentioned, the GMG Porsches at least of Sofronas and Crescentini are quick.

Some people just don't like the way Grand-Am's GT class is built. It is very successful on the whole, but some people prefer a little more teeth in their cars or don't like some of the politics in the series. (Not saying that World Challenge lacks politics or has that SCCA Pro is even that great a sanctioning body, just saying some people would take it over Grand-Am.)

Plus in World Challenge the GT cars are the top category which may draw entries. And the races are a sprint format, another difference and potential draw.

Chris

Canada ALMS fan · 30 Mar 2012, 19:34 (Ref:3050989)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FstrthnU

One thing about the r8 grand-am's clutch, they were forced to use a production clutch instead of a race spec clutch on the gt3.

This is correct, Audi confirmed this to us at Daytona.

TF110 · 30 Mar 2012, 19:45 (Ref:3050995)

I wonder if any teams in WC will snatch up the Viper when it's introduced.

Fogelhund · 30 Mar 2012, 23:26 (Ref:3051058)

Man, some of you guys try to make things complicated. GMG is racing in WC, because that is where the guys with the $ to spend want to race. End of story... and it probably does have something to do with the level of competition in various series.

Jonerz · 31 Mar 2012, 03:13 (Ref:3051100)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

Man, some of you guys try to make things complicated. GMG is racing in WC, because that is where the guys with the $ to spend want to race. End of story... and it probably does have something to do with the level of competition in various series.

And the race format, and the schedule, and the types of cars competing. There are many, many factors as to why someone chooses to spend his money where he does.

Chris

Jonerz · 31 Mar 2012, 15:37 (Ref:3051302)

Sorry for the double post, but couldn't edit this long after my last post...

John Ward (ex-AAR and Falken Tire) takes over as engineer on the Gainsco 99 car in Grand-Am, Kyle Brannan is leaving the team for a "big opportunity" in the ALMS - from John Dagys on twitter.

What's Kyle's big opportunity? Corvette Racing? Dempsey P2? What opportunity in the ALMS would be "big"? To me meaning more than a sideways step to a privateer team?

Chris

Dyson Mazda · 1 Apr 2012, 16:24 (Ref:3051797)

Quote:

Sorry for the double post, but couldn't edit this long after my last post...

John Ward (ex-AAR and Falken Tire) takes over as engineer on the Gainsco 99 car in Grand-Am, Kyle Brannan is leaving the team for a "big opportunity" in the ALMS - from John Dagys on twitter.

What's Kyle's big opportunity? Corvette Racing? Dempsey P2? What opportunity in the ALMS would be "big"? To me meaning more than a sideways step to a privateer team?

Chris

Viper Riley GTE project?

Rodger Davies · 1 Apr 2012, 18:38 (Ref:3051867)

good shout

on the other hand, John has hinted recently that he knows of a GA team close to entering ALMS (that isn't Starworks, I assume). Might be this one? When're we expecting the other 'new GTE' project to come about?

Salamus · 1 Apr 2012, 22:05 (Ref:3051992)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodger Davies

good shout

on the other hand, John has hinted recently that he knows of a GA team close to entering ALMS (that isn't Starworks, I assume). Might be this one? When're we expecting the other 'new GTE' project to come about?

I thought the new GTE project was the Alex Job Lotus.

**joeb** · 2 Apr 2012, 00:49 (Ref:3052037)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonerz

Sorry for the double post, but couldn't edit this long after my last post...

John Ward (ex-AAR and Falken Tire) takes over as engineer on the Gainsco 99 car in Grand-Am, Kyle Brannan is leaving the team for a "big opportunity" in the ALMS - from John Dagys on twitter.

What's Kyle's big opportunity? Corvette Racing? Dempsey P2? What opportunity in the ALMS would be "big"? To me meaning more than a sideways step to a privateer team?

Chris

There have been rumours of 1 or 2 GA teams running a prototype in the ALMS. That is my guess.

Speed-King · 2 Apr 2012, 02:01 (Ref:3052044)

It was the other way around... prototype teams from GA running something in ALMS

Jonerz · 2 Apr 2012, 02:55 (Ref:3052053)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed-King

It was the other way around... prototype teams from GA running something in ALMS

My guess is two SunTrust Saleen S7-R's in GT1 with Bill Riley on the pitbo- oh wait...

We'll see what it is. New manufacturer announcement coming April 4th? Viper GTE? Kyle Brannan? Who knows?!

Chris

TF110 · 2 Apr 2012, 05:21 (Ref:3052068)

Could it be the Audi R8?

Speed-King · 2 Apr 2012, 06:21 (Ref:3052083)

From what Dagys writes that wouldn't be quite big enough...

TF110 · 2 Apr 2012, 06:35 (Ref:3052088)

If it's "big news" I can only think of the R8 or the Viper. If the R8 isn't big enough then a Viper program would be the only thing that I'd think would be bigger news.

MitchZ06 · 2 Apr 2012, 06:55 (Ref:3052096)

Bentley Conti GTE program? There is a V8 version of suitable capacity....

rich07 · 2 Apr 2012, 08:36 (Ref:3052132)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonerz

My guess is two SunTrust Saleen S7-R's in GT1 with Bill Riley on the pitbo- oh wait...

That would be great-I would love to see Saleen back in ALMS GT1 taking on the C6R and DBR9!

Ok in all seriousness I think its the Viper that is the big announcement. The R8 would be significant but without factory backing (something I think is unlikely) then it wouldnt be as big as Dagys is making out to be.

Should be big news either way.

Pandamasque · 2 Apr 2012, 10:20 (Ref:3052193)

I think it's the Viper too. The new model is to be unveiled this week at the NY motor show... maybe alongside its GTE version?

Simmi · 2 Apr 2012, 10:27 (Ref:3052196)

Would be great news if so. Wonder when is the earliest they could have it running if it does turn out to be that?

ep16 · 2 Apr 2012, 10:40 (Ref:3052200)

Does the new viper still have the 8.3L V10? ...'cos the ALMS regs only allow 5.5L, doesn't it?

Pandamasque · 2 Apr 2012, 10:46 (Ref:3052204)

It's rumored to be 8.7

Maybe they can saw it in half and end up with a straight 5

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