ALMS 2012 Discussion - Page 2

Fogelhund · 10 Sep 2011, 12:35 (Ref:2953482)

Quote:

Originally Posted by arakis

plus risi leaving would mean ALMS gt would become BMW corvette bore fest

you guys are asuming Risi will exit ALMS on bad asumptions.
.

At least until BMW leaves the year after..

Assumptions? How do you know they are assumptions?

JAG · 10 Sep 2011, 15:21 (Ref:2953530)

Quote:

Originally Posted by chernaudi

That is the big issue with the ALMS and LMS following the ACO's model for so long--Audi and Peugeot left those respective series at the first feelers of the ILMC/WEC forming. I think that both series need to stake a claim and run to their take on the ACO's rules by keeping their rules similar enough to allow their cars to run at LM, but they need to make their own identity to survive in their current format long term.

The 2012 LMS should be a better package than the last couple of years with a dozen or more P2's going for overall wins. LMPC should be a decent battle in itself but more importantly act as a feeder series.

The ALMS' problems stem from the lack of feeder series and LMPC teams not yet progressing to P1/P2. If Dyson return with at least two cars and Muscle Milk enter an exciting car, that may generate more interest and confidence in the class.

Fogelhund · 10 Sep 2011, 15:59 (Ref:2953536)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAG

The ALMS' problems stem from the lack of feeder series and LMPC teams not yet progressing to P1/P2.

Surely you can't be serious.

JAG · 10 Sep 2011, 17:10 (Ref:2953559)

I'm sure it's more palatable to blame an individual, organisation or ruleset but the same problems blight all NA road racing.

Look at this thread, ALMS, GA and Indycar are fighting over the same manufactuers, teams and sponsors with little new blood coming through the ranks. When individuals with mega money take an interest it's as easy for them to compete around the world as on home soil.

Fogelhund · 10 Sep 2011, 17:40 (Ref:2953564)

There are MANY series that act (or could act) as feeders, both professional and amateur in North America. That you have no idea who, or what they are doesn't change that. The bottom line is the money.

Jonerz · 10 Sep 2011, 20:34 (Ref:2953623)

The problem at the top of American road racing (ALMS, Grand-Am, IndyCar) right now is primarily rules that don't attract teams and manufacturers to make big investments. The ALMS is likely closest but there is a dark cloud over the series that anyone looking into it finds a turnoff. Also the WEC is an increasingly large impediment.

Grand-Am is trying to fix that, but in DP they haven't gone far enough yet. The next 18 months will see great improvements in their GT class and the support of NASCAR (and therefore SPEED/FOX) will make them more and more attractive.

Chris

Fogelhund · 11 Sep 2011, 02:01 (Ref:2953674)

Perhaps the future of the ALMS is Unlimited?

Danske · 11 Sep 2011, 02:15 (Ref:2953679)

Or if it's doomed have a grand farewell tour by making everything that was ever legal in IMSA/PSC legal again till the shop is closed.

Jonerz · 11 Sep 2011, 04:37 (Ref:2953713)

Hahaha, we have HSR for that!

Chris

deggis · 11 Sep 2011, 17:57 (Ref:2954043)

1) http://twitter.com/#!/Murphythebear/...88686176546818
2) http://twitter.com/#!/Murphythebear/...41481772621825

Googled: http://www.trademarkia.com/unlimited...-85343289.html (?)

Jacques Rabbit · 11 Sep 2011, 20:32 (Ref:2954105)

Unlimited Racing Championship...what does that mean, exactly? Is it an overall philosophy for the ALMS, or is it just one class? I know unlimited GTs were talked about...but knowing ALMS, it will be an "unlimited" "open-source" DeltaWing class with no competitors. Hope I'm wrong there.

FordCosworthPanoz · 11 Sep 2011, 20:35 (Ref:2954106)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacques Rabbit

Unlimited Racing Championship...what does that mean, exactly? Is it an overall philosophy for the ALMS, or is it just one class? I know unlimited GTs were talked about...but knowing ALMS, it will be an "unlimited" "open-source" DeltaWing class with no competitors. Hope I'm wrong there.

This is what worries me...

Danske · 11 Sep 2011, 20:54 (Ref:2954115)

I vote for either a spec support race series, or a Forza 4 series with all existing cars used, a complicated mathematical formula to adjust the finishing times and the races recorded and available online for viewing later to Comcast subscribers only.

JAG · 11 Sep 2011, 21:49 (Ref:2954143)

FIA GT1 highlighted how difficult it is to run cars in front line series which are out of production with manufactuers only wishing to support and promote their latest models.

As for anything out of the norm entering what could you expect, LMPC's or adaptations of DP's with larger engines, I can't see anyone running an LMP in a spec much different than is already eligable in the ALMS.

Whatevers decided upon an announcment needs to be made sharpish, teams are preparing deals for 2012 yet there's still speculation over the direction the series will take.

Jonerz · 11 Sep 2011, 21:58 (Ref:2954150)

Even if Unlimited Racing Championship is just a rebranding of the ALMS after they don't re-up with the ACO, why not just use the name IMSA Sports Car Championship or IMSA GT Championship?

I fully expect the Unlimited Racing Championship to have the Drayson electric car, and the Delta Wing as their big green racing flag bearers, and effectively what it will be is a field that is filled out by (Autocon and Intersport(?)) B06/10 AERs, Lola-Toyota (Cytosport) and B09/86 Mazolas (Dyson). ("Leading edge, BLEEDING edge technology." They'll say...)

Hopefully a more interesting grid in the future but for Pete's sake just call it IMSA Sports Car. Oh, and yeah the GT, GTC and LMPC classes will be there. LMPC might be called, ironically "Unlimited 2" or something. The decal on the side of LMPC cars will be cool though, they'll read "U2", how's that for hip and relevant!

Could URC be an attempt to associate with UFC, if just in the minds of the 18-34 crowd?

Chris

HJJ · 11 Sep 2011, 22:22 (Ref:2954159)

Y'all are missing the point. It will be a reborn (rebranded?) Can-Am series (Group 7) sanctioned by IMSA. Sounds like SCCA would let them use the name "Can-Am" or they (Krohn?) didn't want to pay the fee.

After reading John Dagys Saturday Notebook from Silverstone, it sounds like the ACO really wants to re-sign with Doctor P.

Jonerz · 11 Sep 2011, 22:29 (Ref:2954161)

Quote:

Originally Posted by HJJ

After reading John Dagys Saturday Notebook from Silverstone, it sounds like the ACO really wants to re-sign with Doctor P.

Because the ACO has benefitted tons from the ALMS saving sports car racing in the last 13 years. Plus, they want the series to remain as a feeder to them so they have a foothold in the American market.

Staying with the ACO would only be viable for IMSA if they had some way of getting exciting interesting entries, or have the freedom to differentiate their product enough (with rules or a media package that gets HUGE audiences) that manufacturers feel the need to run an IMSA program in addition to WEC. Don't know how IMSA would be able to pull that off.

Now in the North American sports car wars Grand-Am has a heck of a head start on stable and American-centric rules. Of course, on attracting manufacturers it is reasonably close between the two.

If IMSA could create an exciting, interesting Can-Am or IMSA GTP-ish formula that can turn on America, that would help them survive and thrive.

Chris

MitchZ06 · 12 Sep 2011, 03:57 (Ref:2954204)

IMSA Unlimited class as the new Can-Am? Oh yes please!

Nick6 · 12 Sep 2011, 04:22 (Ref:2954207)

How "unlimited" are we talking here?

Fogelhund · 12 Sep 2011, 06:49 (Ref:2954225)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick6

How "unlimited" are we talking here?

We can speculate all we want about what this announcement on Friday is, but we'll have to find out until Friday to find out for certain. All we know is the PR firm's major client is Tracy Krohn, and that the law firm who registered the name also deals with Patrick Dempsey. These could be coincidences, or not... The URL Unlimitedracingchampionship was reserved I think four or five days ago..

seanyb505 · 12 Sep 2011, 12:38 (Ref:2954422)

I would lean toward coincidence on clients. I'm also fearful the unlimited name is being slapped on for inclusion of the delta wing.

Jonerz · 12 Sep 2011, 16:40 (Ref:2954534)

Regardless if it is a new name for what is now the ALMS, or for a DeltaWing championship, or even for yet another shot at recreating the Can-Am... it's just an awful name. Maybe it's an acquired taste...

Chris

Breitling24 · 12 Sep 2011, 16:40 (Ref:2954535)

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanyb505

I would lean toward coincidence on clients. I'm also fearful the unlimited name is being slapped on for inclusion of the delta wing.

...and the Abruzzi, and the ex-GA tube framed "GT" cars...

WolfsburgRS · 12 Sep 2011, 17:29 (Ref:2954579)

What a terrible name. I mean really. Ill withhold judgement until we know what it is but that is just clumsy and vague.

Jonerz · 12 Sep 2011, 19:13 (Ref:2954643)

Quote:

Originally Posted by WolfsburgRS

What a terrible name. I mean really. Ill withhold judgement until we know what it is but that is just clumsy and vague.

Yeah, what you said.

Chris

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