IMSA: USCR 2018

[fieldodreams79]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

What about Dyson winning P-1 in '12? On Dunlops!







L.P.

Is that really a class win? Every time I look at that race, I get a headahce! So I'll take your word for it

Originally Posted by jimclark

'Just perused IMSA results and no GTO win for Mazda. The only classes in the 12 in '76 were GTO and GTU.

(edit: The Cosmo finished 25th overall, 9th in GTU)

A bunch of GTU over the years; and two Lights wins: '85, Downing and Maffucci in an Argo/Mazda, and '86, Rothbart, Meyer, and Kline in a Royale/Mazda.

(edit II: Sorry field, I see your post now. I missed the Kudzu win and ain't goin' back thru...what year was that? Thanks.)

1992
IMSA GTP Lights Winner: #36 Kudzu DG-1 Mazda - Katz / McAdam / Downing

http://www.racingsportscars.com/race...992-03-21.html

[Articus]

Originally Posted by broadrun96

Or that is in reference to the fact that both teams are done in house so there's nothing for Joest to do?

That's what I picked up. Ralf Juttner is German native so the word choice can come off a bit confusing.

[Damian Baldi]

Originally Posted by chernaudi

I wonder if Joest and Mazda will try and switch chassis, or do Joest and Multimatic think they can right the ship on the Riley chassis?

Multimatic already said last month that they will take full control of the Multimatic/Riley chassis program, putting aside Riley. I think the tests that Joest will make at Europe could bring updated information for both cars (Mazda and Riley) to know which areas to improve, but I'm not sure if they have the time to revise the aero of the Riley.

The P2 cars could only be upgraded once in four year, so if they do it wrong the first time, the chassis will be over.

At IMSA it's easier, because they you could upgrade the aero and engine every year, but those parts that are included on the P2 should remain the same for four years, brakes, suspension, cooling system, trasmision. So, if Mazda wants to change something that's part of the Riley chassis, they have to change it in both cars and keep it for four years. I think that's why they have cut the program to test and develop with suficient time ahead.

What will do Visid Florida team now? Buy a Dallara, keep an updated Riley, or run a Mazda?

[jimclark]

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

Is that really a class win? Every time I look at that race, I get a headahce! So I'll take your word for it

You're a real riot field! Pow zoom, to the moon....

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

1992
IMSA GTP Lights Winner: #36 Kudzu DG-1 Mazda - Katz / McAdam / Downing

http://www.racingsportscars.com/race...992-03-21.html

I didn't catch it in my scan of the results, and I missed the race (vacay used to visit mother and father in , '92) Thanks.

[Damian Baldi]

Originally Posted by Damian Baldi

Multimatic already said last month that they will take full control of the Multimatic/Riley chassis program, putting aside Riley. I think the tests that Joest will make at Europe could bring updated information for both cars (Mazda and Riley) to know which areas to improve, but I'm not sure if they have the time to revise the aero of the Riley.

The P2 cars could only be upgraded once in four year, so if they do it wrong the first time, the chassis will be over.

At IMSA it's easier, because they you could upgrade the aero and engine every year, but those parts that are included on the P2 should remain the same for four years, brakes, suspension, cooling system, trasmision. So, if Mazda wants to change something that's part of the Riley chassis, they have to change it in both cars and keep it for four years. I think that's why they have cut the program to test and develop with suficient time ahead.

What will do Visid Florida team now? Buy a Dallara, keep an updated Riley, or run a Mazda?

This is the note from Multimatic http://www.dailysportscar.com/2017/0...programme.html

[kevlow]

Originally Posted by Damian Baldi

This is the note from Multimatic http://www.dailysportscar.com/2017/0...programme.html

Thank you for the great link.
That is the first and only explanation I have seen stating why the car is not competitive.
I respect the way that Multimatic is owning the situation and is committed to their customer. Though he was gracious and proper with his words, it appears that Riley is moving on and distancing themselves from the problem.

It sounds like Multimatic and Joest have been working on this already and have a plan laid out to address the issues.

I wish them the very best.

Mazda, Joest, and Multimatic [Lola] have great racing bloodlines and it would be appropriate to see them at the point end of the field.

[DistortedSmile]

Can they still change the bodywork at this point? Would be a shame to lose one of the few truly good looking prototypes we've had in a while but I can't imagine Joest would be happy if it compromises the aero.

Also if Porsche pulls out of the WEC I hope they can steal Andre Lotterer, would love to see him racing in IMSA.

[FormulaFox]

Originally Posted by DistortedSmile

Can they still change the bodywork at this point? Would be a shame to lose one of the few truly good looking prototypes we've had in a while but I can't imagine Joest would be happy if it compromises the aero.

Also if Porsche pulls out of the WEC I hope they can steal Andre Lotterer, would love to see him racing in IMSA.

I don't think LMP2 has the same level of lockdown as LMP3, and I know DPi doesn't. They probably can't change EVERYTHING, but I'm sure they can make a lot of small tweaks that can add up.

I think the only thing they can't change AT ALL is the tub - and even that isn't 100% concrete as changes can be made if potential safety concerns are discovered.

[chernaudi]

DPIs are still under draft homologation, in other words, not truly homologated as of yet. IMSA were also supposed to give an update to what they were doing as far as DPI homologation, but nothing has come out yet.

Also, we have to remember that it's not like Joest can snatch up Audi Sport factory drivers. The only reason why Lotterer is at Porsche and why Jarvis is driving a Bentley GT3 car is because their Audi Sport contracts allow them to race for another VAG Group make should something happen to the LMP1 program. Or in a class where Audi Sport doesn't have direct competition, hence why Fassler does endurance races for Corvette in IMSA and Jarvis races for JC/DCR/Jota in the WEC in LMP2.

As far as I know, all the former Audi Sport factory drivers from last year are still technically under contract to Audi Sport and have been loaned out to GT3 programs, Formula E (though DiGrassi was already there and the Abt team has been re-branded as Audi Sport Abt, but with no real changes aside from increased Audi sponsorship), Porsche LMP1, DTM or other programs with Audi's blessing.

If there was an Audi Sport or VAG supported DPI program, Joest would have no problems with getting Audi Sport factory drivers. But as of now, Mazda have made it clear that they'll be primarily responsible with hiring drivers, which means that next year's line up might be similar to this years. If there's one thing that Mazda has done well with the program it's been the driver line up. The drivers on the team has been as responsible as anything else for the upsurge in success that Mazda had the past few races.

[broadrun96]

Originally Posted by FormulaFox

I don't think LMP2 has the same level of lockdown as LMP3, and I know DPi doesn't. They probably can't change EVERYTHING, but I'm sure they can make a lot of small tweaks that can add up.

I think the only thing they can't change AT ALL is the tub - and even that isn't 100% concrete as changes can be made if potential safety concerns are discovered.

I think the LMP2s are stuck, the joker update is available for all but you get one every 4 years and I think it is all inclusive across the chassis at once. Ligier was not allowed to use amended bodywork at LM for the LD configuration as the other teams would not let them use a free upgrade. Unanimous vote was required and why would Oreca allow it. The Mazda DPI specific regions can definitely be tweaked or completely redone, IMSA has yet to finalize any of the cars.

[chernaudi]

Stock LMP2s are stuck as is in IMSA unless the ACO allows a change. But as the ACO have yet to make a BOP change (in the LMS the three main cars, Oreca, Ligier and Dallara have been equal outside of Le Mans), things are static, and IMSA themselves can't make BOP changes without ACO approval it appears, either.

The only exceptions are if a chassis maker decides to use their one homolgation joker to which they're entitled, or all the teams or car constructors agree to a change. And as we saw at LM, the latter is almost certain not to happen, as if one gets an advantage, they won't voluntarily squander it.

With no DPI being truly homologated, they do have scope to make fairly extensive changes if they desire. Granted, it's kinda stupid to do in a BOP formula, but such things do give options to minimize the impact of BOP, especially if homolgation isn't complete yet. Especially if having to do something less than optimal to promote reliability is hampering performance.

This probably has a lot to do with why Mazda are not racing the cars for the rest of the season.

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by chernaudi

Stock LMP2s are stuck as is in IMSA unless the ACO allows a change. But as the ACO have yet to make a BOP change (in the LMS the three main cars, Oreca, Ligier and Dallara have been equal outside of Le Mans), things are static, and IMSA themselves can't make BOP changes without ACO approval it appears, either.

The only exceptions are if a chassis maker decides to use their one homolgation joker to which they're entitled, or all the teams or car constructors agree to a change. And as we saw at LM, the latter is almost certain not to happen, as if one gets an advantage, they won't voluntarily squander it.

With no DPI being truly homologated, they do have scope to make fairly extensive changes if they desire. Granted, it's kinda stupid to do in a BOP formula, but such things do give options to minimize the impact of BOP, especially if homolgation isn't complete yet. Especially if having to do something less than optimal to promote reliability is hampering performance.

This probably has a lot to do with why Mazda are not racing the cars for the rest of the season.

There is a ducting issue (lack of) that needs resolved for cooling.







L.P.

[Matt]

Mazda isn't running the cars for the rest of the year because they've gotta transfer over everything from one team to the next as well. The Speedsource partnership ended immediately.

[skycafe]

Originally Posted by Matt

Mazda isn't running the cars for the rest of the year because they've gotta transfer over everything from one team to the next as well. The Speedsource partnership ended immediately.

As Juttner said in an interview somewhere, they will be testing and developing in Europe immediately, as they are still set up with support in Europe. So, cars, engines, etc. have probably collected Frequent Flyer miles already.

I would love to know about budget. One can surmise that Joest would not have taken on the project with an insufficient budget, as the have a reputation to protect. Guessing they will get far more money then Speedsource. Guessing.

[Akrapovic]

As much as we all loved Mazda and kinda loved Speedsource in the plucky underdogs always trying hard kinda way...this was always going to happen. You can't sustain a factory effort with factory branding on those performances. I know they were great guys and tried their best, but they were out of their depth.

I hope the team isn't dead. It'd nice for them to grab a GTD cars and go racing there, or something similar. But they did get a fair crack at this, it isn't like they got binned a few months in.

[hondafan37]

With the Acura return , Will Mid Ohio be back to the calendar?

[joeb]

Originally Posted by hondafan37

With the Acura return , Will Mid Ohio be back to the calendar?

That would be nice to see, it has been too long since Protos have run there.

[MaskedRacer]

Originally Posted by hondafan37

With the Acura return , Will Mid Ohio be back to the calendar?

It could work if imsa is willing to have more split class races. I think they can have one or two prototype only races but invite lmp3 teams into the race to have their own trophy that is not part of the regular prototype challenge series championship.

[Damian Baldi]

Originally Posted by MaskedRacer

It could work if imsa is willing to have more split class races. I think they can have one or two prototype only races but invite lmp3 teams into the race to have their own trophy that is not part of the regular prototype challenge series championship.

It's a good point, it would be great to see protos at Mid Ohio. I think the DPi/P2 grid must be at least of 20 to do it by himself, if not, the P3 option could be a solution.

[Rcz]

Mid-Ohio needs to comeback
Portland needs to comeback
Barber too
Sonoma replaces Long Beach

[TF110]

Don't see Long Beach going anywhere. Portland has no funding to get it back in shape for a race, sadly. I hope we get more classics back though.

[Rcz]

Originally Posted by TF110

Don't see Long Beach going anywhere. Portland has no funding to get it back in shape for a race, sadly. I hope we get more classics back though.

Unless F1 gets Long Beach

[chernaudi]

As long as they don't go back to Miami, especially the track they had there in 2003. Namely that infamous bump leading on to the front straight that even prototypes were catching 6-12 inches of air over. Even the Audis were breaking stuff there in practice that they never did at Sebring.

That would make running the part of the road course that Homestead-Miami excised from their track after they re-banked the turns in '03 seem sensible to run on (it was left out due to cars hitting the banking transition in an awkward manner).

It's be interesting, but there's a reason why the ALMS and CART abandoned running there after 2003, namely teams' repair bills after those races.

[AoB Special Stage]

Originally Posted by chernaudi

As long as they don't go back to Miami, especially the track they had there in 2003. Namely that infamous bump leading on to the front straight that even prototypes were catching 6-12 inches of air over. Even the Audis were breaking stuff there in practice that they never did at Sebring.

That would make running the part of the road course that Homestead-Miami excised from their track after they re-banked the turns in '03 seem sensible to run on (it was left out due to cars hitting the banking transition in an awkward manner).

It's be interesting, but there's a reason why the ALMS and CART abandoned running there after 2003, namely teams' repair bills after those races.

'88 Miami

[Rcz]

St. Pete is more realistic.

Street courses are just expensive problems however.