Homestead

[Edmonton]

Why doesn't GrandAm use the full roadcourse anymore and now just use the banking?

[Chevyguy]

Err.. what? If you mean that they just run the oval, I think you are way off. As far as I've heard, they're still on the road course, which only utilizes the banked turns 3 and 4 (oval). Unless you can point to a source of differant information, they are using the road course.

[Edmonton]

I ment they use the banking in 3 and 4 instead of the original layout behind the banking.

[Chevyguy]

OK, i haven't seen that version of the track. I can't really answer that question, but it would make sense to me to utilize the banking just because it's there. With the the increased angle that they added last year, should be alot faster goin into turn 1 (roadcourse).

[Scrutineer78]

I think it was to increase the chances of completing the 250 kilometer distance within the 2.75 hours.

Judging from the test times, I think they'll use the banking this year, as well.

[BobN]

They are aiming at a 57 mph average?

I would think that almost ANY configuration would allow a race car to complete 250 kilometers in 2.75 hours. Well maybe not a figure 8.

[Vman]

Maybe it has something to do with the spec tires not being able to cope with the load on the banking? Homestead always has alot of blow outs on the banking...

[Gunman]

I think its because of the lack of vehicle tunnel access to the infield, in the old configuration (ie when nascar 3 and 4 weren't used).

[Scrutineer78]

Originally posted by BobN
They are aiming at a 57 mph average?

I would think that almost ANY configuration would allow a race car to complete 250 kilometers in 2.75 hours. Well maybe not a figure 8.

Make that 250 miles

[BobN]

They avaraged 100+MPH last year. 252 miles in 2:30:56.109

I still don't see where it would actually be a consideration to run 250 in 2.75 hour. That would only take 90.9 mph.

There is a bit of confusion between posts here showing the track sans banked sections and one on speedtv forum that show with banked section as being used this year. Either way, unless they have the same yellow and red situation they should be able to easily cover the 250 on either configuration in less than 2.75 hours. Are you thinking ALMS (2.75 hour, no mileage limit)?

[skycafe]

The race is 250 miles, the track layout will include one of the horseshoe shaped sections of the oval track. Go to grandam.com, pull up event schedule, pull up track info, and there will be a acrobat file of the track layout.

[Scrutineer78]

Lap times are around 1:16 at the test. At an average of 1:18 a lap, going all green, that's 2 hours and 26 minutes. I have no idea what the pace speed is for GA but I'd assume it would take at least 3 minutes per lap under caution and I assume there would be at least 1 or 2.

I still think it was an assurance factor to complete the entire distance.

[billnchristy]

I think its funny that they are running with IRL. I remember someone asking about (i think it was) T/A running with nascar but doing the infield courses and letting nascar do the oval, but it was brought up how hard it would be to convert back and forth.

The schedule has this "conversion" taking place in 15 minutes, so I guess that is out the window.

[Scrutineer78]

What exactly is involved in the "conversion"? I assume laying the cones for turn one into the infield but what else?

[Chevyguy]

The infields at NASCAR races are usually packed to the gils with campers, media, transports, etc. I think the main issue is as simple as not having enough space to keep the infield courses clear and safe. The NASholes would probably cause some problems as they have no resect for any legitimate road racing series, much like many of you guys feel about NASCAR. I could see many of them throwing things like nails on the infield courses because they have to walk a longer route to the beer tent. A little extreme, but I might not be off by much.

[gttouring]

the grand am could really take off if it was a stadium series, ifeel, especially with their not too conventional rule sets. and what a great schedule they could have, and they could really set up well for fans- for the shorter races...
why doesn't SMI have any sun shades over the grandstands at their tracks by the way?

[billnchristy]

I hate to say this, but to have a "NASCAR" like schedule for road racing, you would have to visit a LOT of ovals or repeat tracks a bunch, for instance:

Quality US/Canada Roadcourses capable of ALMS/GA racing:

Lime Rock Park
Watkins Glen
Mt. Tremblant
Mosport
Road America
Mid Ohio
Road Atlanta
VIR
Sebring
Portland
Laguna Seca
Sears Point
Barber Motorsports Park
Mexico City
Monterry (mex.)

So thats 15, not too shabby, I guess if we could get a series to actually hit everyone, that wouldnt be a bad schedule...its not 36 but that may be just a little ridiculous anyways!!