IMSA Race 2015 Petit Le Mans

[joeb]

Well, this will be the second time in 3 years that a series will be having its final race at Petit. In 2013 it was the ALMS and now we bid farewell to the Tudor United Sportscar Championship. Guess which one will be missed more?

This is going to be a great event again this year - especially if you are at the track. There aren't going to be any surprises on the entry list, but last year the DW managed to put in a decent showing. Wondering if they can repeat that.



Schedule

Entry List

Weather

Spotter Guides

Trackside

FRC

[Coach Ep]

Originally Posted by joeb

There aren't going to be any surprises on the entry list

Hmmm

Though Pruett and Hand are now fourth in the points, expect an all-out effort from the team at the last race of the season, Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta October 1-3.

from http://sportscar365.com/imsa/tusc/pr...omment-1845383

That almost sounds like Ganassi might enter his second car to take away points from the other contenders. Or can it not score points because it's not a seasonal entry?

[fieldodreams79]

Originally Posted by joeb

Well, this will be the second time in 3 years that a series will be having its final race at Petit. In 2013 it was the ALMS and now we bid farewell to the Tudor United Sportscar Championship. Guess which one will be missed more?

This is going to be a great event again this year - especially if you are at the track. There aren't going to be any surprises on the entry list, but last year the DW managed to put in a decent showing. Wondering if they can repeat that.

Hooray! Race thread with all the proper links in a nice and neat, color coordinated format.

The time is near! Thanks joeb.

[TRspitfirefan]

Originally Posted by joeb

Well, this will be the second time in 3 years that a series will be having its final race at Petit. In 2013 it was the ALMS and now we bid farewell to the Tudor United Sportscar Championship. Guess which one will be missed more?

It's just too bad that the only thing changing this time is the title sponsor.
I'm thankful that I was able to make the trip down there in 2013.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by TRspitfirefan

It's just too bad that the only thing changing this time is the title sponsor.
I'm thankful that I was able to make the trip down there in 2013.

That was fun in 2013. Just got my ice chest out prepping for next week and I saw one of those "I was there" bumper stickers they were handing out plastered on the side.

Actually a few things change for 2016. New GTE and new GT3 cars!

[MaskedRacer]

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/w...fort-for-2016/

In the S365 article about the Taylors rumor to the WEC. I was thinking from the picture that it would be awesome if at the Petit Le mans the #10 Konica Minolta Corvette DP came to the race in yellow trim. Not black.

[Coach Ep]

Originally Posted by MaskedRacer

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/w...fort-for-2016/

In the S365 article about the Taylors rumor to the WEC. I was thinking from the picture that it would be awesome if at the Petit Le mans the #10 Konica Minolta Corvette DP came to the race in yellow trim. Not black.

That would be cool!

(tbh, also the Action Express #5 DP would profit massively from a better color scheme, I liked the red/silver livery they ran on the #9 before).

Taling about the #9, will we see it back to help the other 2 AX cars?

[Coach Ep]

Lizards will attend with a rather serious driver line up:

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/tusc/fl...e-mans-lineup/

should be a contender for a podium finish.

Also looks like a rehearsal for next season.

[Coach Ep]

Joeb, entry list is out: http://www.imsa.com/sites/default/fi...tryList_v1.pdf

feel free to delete this post once uploaded to your initial one.

[Coach Ep]

Entry list 'remarkables':

- Lizards return to GTD with Pro line up
- no second or third car from Ganassi and Action Express (both long shots anyway)
- no ESM Patron cars (as announced). Still weird as the Petit is also the last round of the Patron enduro cup (which coincidentally - and to rub extra salt into wounds - is continued next year...)
- Skip that Starworks DP car, it'll be a no-show once again!
-one of the PC cars damaged at CotA is not repaired on time it seems, number in class is down to 8.
- lots of high caliber 3rd driver additions (as we're used to)!

[rich07]

Interesting to see Guy Cosmo back with the Lizards.

[Coach Ep]

Did I mention already that I'm very glad Road Atlanta has no tarmac run off (the motorcycle chicane at T3 not counting as such)? Well, I am!

[fieldodreams79]

Originally Posted by Coach Ep

Did I mention already that I'm very glad Road Atlanta has no tarmac run off (the motorcycle chicane at T3 not counting as such)? Well, I am!

Not sure if you did or not but I'm glad too, even though some of the old timers think there's a slight runoff at T5, with one of the short track courses on the outside. In the past, if you got off in the grass there, it was bad news where you'd find an embankment pretty easily.

Chicanes in the esses, at least the bottom one, should be removed.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by Coach Ep

Did I mention already that I'm very glad Road Atlanta has no tarmac run off (the motorcycle chicane at T3 not counting as such)? Well, I am!

It will be a big difference to the spectacle at COTA last week. I have never been to VIR, but one of the things I like there is the grass all around the track. Looks great on tv, and you have no advantage by extending track limits.


Also, thanks for the entry list update!

[joeb]

Has Pat Long run with Falken previously? of is this a first?

[BullMan]

Originally Posted by joeb

Has Pat Long run with Falken previously? of is this a first?

He did Daytona and Sebring with them. I don't remember if he drove at Watkins Glen.

[Coach Ep]

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

Not sure if you did or not but I'm glad too, even though some of the old timers think there's a slight runoff at T5, with one of the short track courses on the outside. In the past, if you got off in the grass there, it was bad news where you'd find an embankment pretty easily.

Chicanes in the esses, at least the bottom one, should be removed.

Agreed although in this day and age I'm just glad they don't use it!

And the cut through at T5 provides no advantage whatsoever in terms of improved lap times (and the exit between 8-9 is now blocked off, preventing a staggering new lap record anyway! ) but it's convenient for cars with mechanical issues and such (and during the Petit the rescue + recovery crews are staged there). Besides, compared to the loss of the dip (which I unfortunately never got to witness ) that piece hardly exists.

Originally Posted by joeb

It will be a big difference to the spectacle at COTA last week. I have never been to VIR, but one of the things I like there is the grass all around the track. Looks great on tv, and you have no advantage by extending track limits.

Go, just go there!

After flying in to ATL early Sat. morning, we'll be driving up to VIR for the Trans Am race on Sun. TA has 56 cars listed which will all race together, it'll be awesome, especially in the uphill esses (T8-9)!

I'm also confident TA will have VIR on it's schedule next year so you'll better start planning early! (TA schedule expected to come out in november, either around the penultimate round at CotA or the Daytona finale the week after.)

Originally Posted by joeb

Has Pat Long run with Falken previously? or is this a first?

Edit: already answered! I believe so but not sure either, it was Nick Tandy in previous years so that almost feels like a (tiny) step back for them!
A stellar line up nevertheless and with possibly some precipitation during the race they should be among the favorites for the win once again!

Let's hope Walker Racing will be back next year (I don't really care in which class, either GTLM or GTD works for me), it's a top notch operation!

[HJJ]

http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/12186...-petit-le-mans

[fieldodreams79]

Originally Posted by Coach Ep

Agreed although in this day and age I'm just glad they don't use it!

And the cut through at T5 provides no advantage whatsoever in terms of improved lap times (and the exit between 8-9 is now blocked off, preventing a staggering new lap record anyway! ) but it's convenient for cars with mechanical issues and such (and during the Petit the rescue + recovery crews are staged there). Besides, compared to the loss of the dip (which I unfortunately never got to witness ) that piece hardly exists.

But it provides no disadvantage to lap times now If your were out there before it was paved, you'd be in the grass/clay and likely spinning or in the guardrail/embankment as that is off camber out there. It's fun stand next to the fence there and watch them "hop" the rumble strips.

However, as you say both the cut throughs there provide a safe pull off just past one of the tightest parts of the circuit.

And I seen the dip!

[Coach Ep]

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

But it provides no disadvantage to lap times now If your were out there before it was paved, you'd be in the grass/clay and likely spinning or in the guardrail/embankment as that is off camber out there. It's fun stand next to the fence there and watch them "hop" the rumble strips.

However, as you say both the cut throughs there provide a safe pull off just past one of the tightest parts of the circuit.

And I seen the dip!

I think I didn't fully understand you at first but by now I'm taken it you're talking about the extra strip of tarmac coming from the back straight that merges back with the original track at the exit of 5 (5A in corner workers language) on drivers right. Initially was looking at the 'escape' route coming outta the esses and shortcutting the entire 6-8 complex. Both pieces of tarmac are separated at the base by a (sort of) triangular shaped gravel trap. I'm aware you know what the place looks like, just trying to describe the pic I have in my head right here.

All good in other words and yes, you're correct, using that extra bit of run off on driver's right gives many drivers a little advantage there. The little dip right at the end of the marble strips is certainly entertaining, often you seen cars move a feet or two (and sometimes more than that!) towards the tire wall! I always hope the drivers just keep their steering wheel fixed and straight but every now and then one adjusts his steering, giving us the opportunity to wave a yellow and make a call!

Great stuff. That's what racing is supposed to be like!

[fieldodreams79]

Originally Posted by Coach Ep

I think I didn't fully understand you at first but by now I'm taken it you're talking about the extra strip of tarmac coming from the back straight that merges back with the original track at the exit of 5 (5A in corner workers language) on drivers right. Initially was looking at the 'escape' route coming outta the esses and shortcutting the entire 6-8 complex. Both pieces of tarmac are separated at the base by a (sort of) triangular shaped gravel trap. I'm aware you know what the place looks like, just trying to describe the pic I have in my head right here.

All good in other words and yes, you're correct, using that extra bit of run off on driver's right gives many drivers a little advantage there. The little dip right at the end of the marble strips is certainly entertaining, often you seen cars move a feet or two (and sometimes more than that!) towards the tire wall! I always hope the drivers just keep their steering wheel fixed and straight but every now and then one adjusts his steering, giving us the opportunity to wave a yellow and make a call!

Great stuff. That's what racing is supposed to be like!

You got it! Great stuff indeed.

T5, like the rest of the track, is great viewing from several angles. Just wish I could see it from the "outside" where one of the marshall stands used to be.

[nasportscar]

Petit Pick 'Em http://nasportscar.com/2014-tusc-pick-em/

[fieldodreams79]

Weather has been the hot button issue in the trackside thread and it will surely play a factor in Thursday's proceedings. Hopefully, we'll get some dry time for night practice, if nothing else.

Shame the lack of banter and noise in this thread as it used to bring so much interest, just like the race. I'll enjoy not working and being trackside with friends and hope to meet some new ones.

I've just now run through the entry and see that the #4 has only Oli and Tommy with no TBA. Will be a long weekend for them!

And as much as I'd like to see a Bowtie take the win, I'll be pulling for Falken to go out on top!

[MaskedRacer]

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

Weather has been the hot button issue in the trackside thread and it will surely play a factor in Thursday's proceedings. Hopefully, we'll get some dry time for night practice, if nothing else.

Shame the lack of banter and noise in this thread as it used to bring so much interest, just like the race. I'll enjoy not working and being trackside with friends and hope to meet some new ones.

I've just now run through the entry and see that the #4 has only Oli and Tommy with no TBA. Will be a long weekend for them!

And as much as I'd like to see a Bowtie take the win, I'll be pulling for Falken to go out on top!

I am always curious to see the dynamic of the race if it rains because the GTLM cars with those custom tires can probably match the speeds of the DP cars on spec contis (or come pretty darn close). That happened at Watkins Glen

My pick is a Corvette sweep of prototype and GTLM for this race

[Mike Hedlund]

Originally Posted by MaskedRacer

I am always curious to see the dynamic of the race if it rains because the GTLM cars with those custom tires can probably match the speeds of the DP cars on spec contis (or come pretty darn close). That happened at Watkins Glen

While the Michelin rain options are very good, you might be confusing those who started on rains VS those that started on slicks... at least as far as Watkins Glen was concerned. :-)

-mike