DP's Fix

[veeten]

only one problem with that, FIA GT & British GT runs Vipers, Listers, Maranellos, Zondas and others the same as with ALMS' own GTS category, not to mention that the maximum engine size limit is 8L vs 6L for GA in Unibody form. The N-GT/GT/GT300 class is more universal, since they are more production-based. And since these cars are that way, practically any team can race anywhere in the world, with some modifications to fit the series' specifics.

Right now, the major manufacturers will stay with the more visual series, which are; British GT, FIA GT, JGTC, and GTS in ALMS, because of the return on racing investment.

Daytona Prototypes shouldn't be trying to compete with lesser vehicles for an overall win, rather it should be able to stand on it's own merits. This is why people feel that this is such an embarrassment to the meaning of the word, that it's a level above and a category better than the production racers. LMPs prove this, GTPs prove this, and by all rights & purposes, DPs should be doing the same.

[MaxSport]

What part of what I said is a problem?

G/A has the same basic GT rules as everyone else.
British GTs are now for just for GTs, not GTS Listers and Vipers.

In 2004 the G/A will likely be just GTs and DPs. Forget about tube frame GTS cars or unibody GTS cars with 6L rather than the ACO 8L engines. Moslers will be allowed in GT again, just like the British series. The only question is will the GT and DPs both run for the win or will DPs get more hp and just compete with each other for the overall victory.

DPs cost no more to buy and run than GT Ferraris or the 911 GT3RS so why do they have to be faster?
(sorry if I am being redundant with those who got it the first time)

Just because an R8 Audi LMP or Bentley GTP is faster than a GT Porsche doesn't mean than a DP has to be too. Do you have any idea of what one of these VAG prototypes, made of unobtainium, costs to build and run?

The lower costs are the whole point here. Mere millionaires can buy and race a DP. They can't do that with an LMP car and hope to win. There will be only five or six cars in LMP at most races this year but the two factory supported Audis will have to crash into each other to see another car win.

Professional teams that race for a living can't buy a car that can win in the ALMS and even if they could-where will they find 3-5 million in sponsorship to run it?

Let's say that a private team could put together that kind of number by constructing a well thought out marketing program that provides much more value than the signage on the car and the limited exposure. OK, now they have dough but the fact is they still won't win.

As James Weaver said at Sebring-" it was 12 guys taking on the might of the VAG". Dyson is spending a fair amount of money and not having much fun. This is what drives teams away and why the ALMS as we know it has no long term future,IMO.

KM
Besides, "Mr. Rogain" is just a CART PR guy who is in way over his head. Is it any surprise that things are so bad?

[veeten]

Originally posted by MaxSport
What part of what I said is a problem?

G/A has the same basic GT rules as everyone else.
British GTs are now for just for GTs, not GTS Listers and Vipers.

And yet, there are more entries this season for those GTS-type cars. Go figure...

In 2004 the G/A will likely be just GTs and DPs. Forget about tube frame GTS cars or unibody GTS cars with 6L rather than the ACO 8L engines. Moslers will be allowed in GT again, just like the British series. The only question is will the GT and DPs both run for the win or will DPs get more hp and just compete with each other for the overall victory.

If the former happens, then expect a higher number of Porsches, Ferraris, and M3s. If the latter, then the DPs will maintain their low number, as most will still see the GTs as the "low cost/high return alternative".

DPs cost no more to buy and run than GT Ferraris or the 911 GT3RS so why do they have to be faster?
(sorry if I am being redundant with those who got it the first time)

Ignoring the obvious, eh Max?. The cost difference is that the GT3RS, 360 Modena R, and M3 are in great supply, new or used. And with a plethora of parts to keep them running, you don't have to worry about fabrication costs. Reasons as to why you don't see that many DPs, unless you have those same "deep pockets" to race and maintain them.

Just because an R8 Audi LMP or Bentley GTP is faster than a GT Porsche doesn't mean than a DP has to be too. Do you have any idea of what one of these VAG prototypes, made of unobtainium, costs to build and run?

And yet, there are all those teams, willing to run MkIIIcs', LMP01s, Dallara LMPs, DOME S101s, MG/Lolas, Pilbeams, as well as the Audi R8s. Odd, quite odd...

The lower costs are the whole point here. Mere millionaires can buy and race a DP. They can't do that with an LMP car and hope to win. There will be only five or six cars in LMP at most races this year but the two factory supported Audis will have to crash into each other to see another car win.

Professional teams that race for a living can't buy a car that can win in the ALMS and even if they could-where will they find 3-5 million in sponsorship to run it?

Let's say that a private team could put together that kind of number by constructing a well thought out marketing program that provides much more value than the signage on the car and the limited exposure. OK, now they have dough but the fact is they still won't win.

It has always come to my attention that whenever any attempt is drawn towards "lower cost racing", it always returns as mediocure design attempts, mediocure racing management, and mediocure racing itself. BTW, how's those weeks-old, tape dalayed broadcasts on Speed been doing? I'm sure that they keep the series on the minds of the racing public, and any new fans they attract.

As James Weaver said at Sebring-" it was 12 guys taking on the might of the VAG". Dyson is spending a fair amount of money and not having much fun. This is what drives teams away and why the ALMS as we know it has no long term future,IMO.

Okay Max, now give us the rest of that statement/interview with Weaver, if it doesn't embarrass what was just mentioned. As for the latter part, we'll just have to wait until October to see if teams do leave.

KM
Besides, "Mr. Rogain" is just a CART PR guy who is in way over his head. Is it any surprise that things are so bad? [/B][/QUOTE]

[danhx]

Which series was it that ran away one of the most respected and successful sportscar teams of all time?...Looks like Dyson prefers "not having much fun" to not having much recognition.

[Tim Northcutt]

I agree, danhx, but for another reason...

Maybe Dyson wants to "race"...

Pesonally...I'd like to see Grand Am, and any other sports car series succeed...but the people in cahrge can't turn Grand Am into Nazz-Caw-Wuhr on road courses...

and this whole DP foolishness about linking the Ford multimatic to a Focus is even more stupid...

The Multimatic chassis looks about as much like a Focus as I look like Tom Cruise (and I ain't even close, folks!)

[danhx]

I understand Ford's reasons for trying to pull some good out of the program since racing is essentially just marketing from the manufacturer's standpoint. Although you'd think that they would want to attach their name to a car that didn't make you a little nauseas to look at.

That said, i think you're right about Dyson wanting to race. They've taken up the challenge of proving that the 675 cars can indeed keep the 900s honest. So now they've taken up the task of making the cars reliable so that they can contend for overall victory in the longer races. They want to turn that pocket rocket into a true race car, and i guess they decided they couldn't do that - or they just couldn't get the same thrill - with a potato on wheels (DP).

[paul-collins]

Originally posted by MaxSport
DPs cost no more to buy and run than GT Ferraris or the 911 GT3RS so why do they have to be faster?

Well, what does the P stand for? Tell me who, as a designer, aims to build "Prototypes" that are only as fast as a 911GT3-RS?

Originally posted by danhx
...you'd think that they would want to attach their name to a car that didn't make you a little nauseas to look at.

That was basically mandated by Grand-Am. The cars had to have production headlights and tail lights from one of their cars. (Later interpreted to allow mix 'n' match for the BMW) Ford was in on the car's development from the start. (Aside - do you think the Fabcar's rear end looks a bit like the 911 GT1 by coincidence?)

You should see how the Focus DP's tail lights are, um, integrated into the design.