[LM24] NASCAR returns to Circuit de la Sarthe...

[joeb]

I forget the rules for G56, are they allowed to qualify and start where they would on the grid? or are they forced to start at the rear?

[AstonGeoff]

Originally Posted by joeb

I forget the rules for G56, are they allowed to qualify and start where they would on the grid? or are they forced to start at the rear?

I think it starts where it qualifies, I remember that being the case for the last G56 entry, although that was a modified P2 car for disabled drivers.

Although I would imagine the ACO have the option to put it to the back if it feels it would be an issue at the start were it to qualify well up the GTE-AM field.

[skycafe]

Originally Posted by joeb

I forget the rules for G56, are they allowed to qualify and start where they would on the grid? or are they forced to start at the rear?

The Deltawing qualified and started 29th, with the slower LMP2 cars.

[Mike E]

The qually rules have changed because of hyperpole. If they make it through to the top 8 in general qualifying that would be a) surprising and b) very welcome. I'm sure everyone would love that.

In the race they have the only all pro line up in the non-hypercar classes. Interesting to see how that plays out...

[RL17]

Aiming at GTE pace or just under - thought GTEs had more aero than GT3 so hopefully will be quick on straights and quicker than GTE AM and slower on the curvy bits?

[joeb]

Originally Posted by Mike E

The qually rules have changed because of hyperpole. If they make it through to the top 8 in general qualifying that would be a) surprising and b) very welcome. I'm sure everyone would love that.

In the race they have the only all pro line up in the non-hypercar classes. Interesting to see how that plays out...

I'm actually really interested to see how the 3 drivers get on in the car. I'm completely confident Rocky will be fastest, but Jenson is a real wild card. JJ I have no clue on, will a couple of years on road courses in Indy be any help here? or will his vast stock car experience be there to lean on? In indy he was known to loop the car nearly every session, so hope that doesn't carry over.

[Mike E]

Originally Posted by Mike E

The qually rules have changed because of hyperpole. If they make it through to the top 8 in general qualifying that would be a) surprising and b) very welcome. I'm sure everyone would love that.

... assuming they are grouped with GTE for hyperpole purposes. Otherwise they will just start in the GTE pack somewhere, I guess.

[S griffin]

The team admit there is work to do:

https://www.autosport.com/le-mans/ne...ebut/10427311/

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by Mike E

... assuming they are grouped with GTE for hyperpole purposes. Otherwise they will just start in the GTE pack somewhere, I guess.

Would they let them run in the Hyperhype session, just for TV coverage purposes.....?

[skycafe]

Why in the world is BoP involved? The car is the sole car in category, what are they balanced with?

[JT240Z]

Originally Posted by skycafe

Why in the world is BoP involved? The car is the sole car in category, what are they balanced with?

Doesn't make sense to me either. The whole BOP thing is over used IMHO. Let the teams milk their cars for the best performance they can achieve withing the class restrictions. Class restrictions should be designed to provide limits and guidelines for design.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by skycafe

Why in the world is BoP involved? The car is the sole car in category, what are they balanced with?

Were they accidentally admitting that the ACO told them to be slower than GTE? Or would it even be possible for them to be that fast? Kind of a confusing statement about bop in that article. Because you are right, what is the point of this category if you aren't allowed to be outside of the rules? Perhaps this garage 56 entry is solely about marketing?

[S griffin]

I see no reason for BOP either. They've got nothing to compare to so far. Let them do their own thing. They are unlikely to dominate early anyway

[Aysedasi]

I think we're all pretty much agreed on this.....

[RL17]

Originally Posted by joeb

Were they accidentally admitting that the ACO told them to be slower than GTE? Or would it even be possible for them to be that fast? Kind of a confusing statement about bop in that article. Because you are right, what is the point of this category if you aren't allowed to be outside of the rules? Perhaps this garage 56 entry is solely about marketing?

Does kind of rule out the innovative hybrid option of big V8 plus nitrous rocket engine for the straightaways.

[Adam43]

I think the comment in the article about BoP refers to where the other classes are BoPped to. Where will the ACO set the level for the GTs can change. They are trying to improve the performance of this NASCAR derivative, but they have no control over where the ACO position the performance of the other classes.

[tux]

Could Jenson Button be any less enthusiastic? I’m sure he’s really excited but those quotes weren’t selling it

[joeb]

Originally Posted by tux

Could Jenson Button be any less enthusiastic? I’m sure he’s really excited but those quotes weren’t selling it

This accounting by Jenson makes him sound way more in to it:

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...car-garage-56/

[skycafe]

“This is a really exciting project and won’t go to Le Mans and be slow."

Awesome! Roll Thunder over the french countryside!

[Lutzvic]

Originally Posted by skycafe

“This is a really exciting project and won’t go to Le Mans and be slow."

Awesome! Roll Thunder over the french countryside!

[RL17]

Best way to keep them out of GTE AM battles is to allow them be much quicker on the straights and 2 or 3 seconds a lap quicker.

I fear they may not be allowed to cruise past the Porsche/Aston/Ferrari trains on the straights though as it highlights that those cars are restricted and slower than need be or just slow.

[Mike E]

It's a tricky one, isn't it? With Hypercar limited to 670hp, a standard NASCAR engine would be the most powerful on the grid...

[broadrun96]

Originally Posted by Mike E

It's a tricky one, isn't it? With Hypercar limited to 670hp, a standard NASCAR engine would be the most powerful on the grid...

They would be tied, Cup engines are running at 670 hp as well. Would be surprised if they wind this up any more as it needs to last 4-5x the longest Cup race.

Generally assumed capable of 750-800s when wide open but I'm sure Toyota and Glickenhaus can open theirs up a bit more as well.

[AstonGeoff]

Originally Posted by Mike E

It's a tricky one, isn't it? With Hypercar limited to 670hp, a standard NASCAR engine would be the most powerful on the grid...

It may end up the most powerful but could have the same aero as a house brick!

However I'm guessing the power will be dialed back in the name of some sort of reliability and economy, they've already said a standard NASCAR engine has never run for 24 hours without a rebuild, even over a number of sessions let alone continually.

[RL17]

They’ll weigh 50% more than LMH/GTP and are pretty slippery as no need for loads of downforce for corners. don’t think Gen 7 have been aero designed for left hand turns. Pretty stable when close and do they have own tyre specs that won’t overheat.

Running 5 to 10mm behind the GTEs in front should also reduce drag.