Comments on: Le Mans Series: interesting developments for the near future? http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/ The latest Le Mans, Sportscar and GT racing news! Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:17:09 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: ALMS Guy http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/comment-page-1/#comment-2609 ALMS Guy Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:59:31 +0000 http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/#comment-2609 "The top teams are already flat out from 1st lap until the end, so effect on racing isn’t much." I think it's childish to think that they run "flat out", I mean really flat out, even in 6 hour race, not to mention whole 24 hours. There always pacing, unfortunately. “The top teams are already flat out from 1st lap until the end, so effect on racing isn’t much.”

I think it’s childish to think that they run “flat out”, I mean really flat out, even in 6 hour race, not to mention whole 24 hours. There always pacing, unfortunately.

]]> By: Brake Check http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/comment-page-1/#comment-2608 Brake Check Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:50:38 +0000 http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/#comment-2608 1. The LMS shouldn't have any international races unless A) they get paid A LOT of money to bring the series there, or B) there is an existing xLMS series that they attach a point-paying LMS race too. Of course, the only option for "B" right now is ALMS so if they really want an international event, pay points for the top LMS regulars at the 12 Hours of Sebring or the Petit Le Mans. 2. The longer races are fantastic to me as a spectator, but I'm willing to concede a little bit for TV. Having just been at the Road America 500, 4 hours is still long enough for a great endurance event. Of course, avoid at all costs the 2 hours format that contributed to the disinterest of Group C. I guess not all races have to be 1000K, but for tradition and the fact the tracks can handle it (demand it? :-)) definitly Spa and probably Monza should remain at 1000K. Sorry 1000K at Barcelona just doesn't stir the soul like those classic circuits. 3) One tire gun per pit stop? Who came up with that one? Reject it, immediately! 1. The LMS shouldn’t have any international races unless A) they get paid A LOT of money to bring the series there, or B) there is an existing xLMS series that they attach a point-paying LMS race too. Of course, the only option for “B” right now is ALMS so if they really want an international event, pay points for the top LMS regulars at the 12 Hours of Sebring or the Petit Le Mans.

2. The longer races are fantastic to me as a spectator, but I’m willing to concede a little bit for TV. Having just been at the Road America 500, 4 hours is still long enough for a great endurance event. Of course, avoid at all costs the 2 hours format that contributed to the disinterest of Group C. I guess not all races have to be 1000K, but for tradition and the fact the tracks can handle it (demand it? :-) ) definitly Spa and probably Monza should remain at 1000K. Sorry 1000K at Barcelona just doesn’t stir the soul like those classic circuits.

3) One tire gun per pit stop? Who came up with that one? Reject it, immediately!

]]> By: Ant http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/comment-page-1/#comment-2586 Ant Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:57:15 +0000 http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/#comment-2586 2 races before LM, 4 after, a total of 6 weekends. Preferably all in Europe or 1 fly-away at the end of the season (with LM entry for class winners), but I'm sceptical about it. 1000km is traditional and a great format, should be kept at least on some venues. I agree that 4h doesn't improve the TV coverage. It would save some costs, though. The top teams are already flat out from 1st lap until the end, so effect on racing isn't much. The idea about two races should be forgotten quickly... Collision with both FIA and ALMS calendars should be avoided. What about 1 10h or 12h race in the end of the season and inviting the US teams there? Restricting the amount of tyres would cut costs. Reducing the number of wheel guns makes the series just look less professional with longer stops. Should the teams sell the existing extra wheelguns to collect the 2009 budget? 2 races before LM, 4 after, a total of 6 weekends. Preferably all in Europe or 1 fly-away at the end of the season (with LM entry for class winners), but I’m sceptical about it.

1000km is traditional and a great format, should be kept at least on some venues. I agree that 4h doesn’t improve the TV coverage. It would save some costs, though. The top teams are already flat out from 1st lap until the end, so effect on racing isn’t much. The idea about two races should be forgotten quickly…

Collision with both FIA and ALMS calendars should be avoided.

What about 1 10h or 12h race in the end of the season and inviting the US teams there?

Restricting the amount of tyres would cut costs. Reducing the number of wheel guns makes the series just look less professional with longer stops. Should the teams sell the existing extra wheelguns to collect the 2009 budget?

]]> By: Kiki http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/comment-page-1/#comment-2581 Kiki Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:37:30 +0000 http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/#comment-2581 RSC: There's no way Penske's Spyders and Acura's ARX01bs will keep up with Pug's blistering pace on the flowing road courses of the LMS. I do agree with the idea of having more LMS cars compete at Petit as Creation and Barazi Epzilon have been doing and Pug is planning, but also perhaps a mid-September LMS big race where ALMS teams could go to as well. One motive for LMS teams come to Petit is simple - to gain a chance at automatic entries for LM24. HD: the ALMS has to compete in a land where NASCAR reigns mightily. Hell, even the single-seaters here race ovals. The coverage and promotion of ALMS has finally come to acceptable levels, and even then only Sebring in Hi-Def. I think Honda's participation this year has done wonders for the racing as well as the series. Now you can expect any of 8 different cars to win overall, compared to last year's 4. (Though only the Highcroft Acura has done so, which considering Sharp's pace is an amazing testament to Brab's ability) America's shaky history with road racing doesn't afford the series with strong private entries and big sponsors, though of Grand AM screws up their GT class as badly as it sounds, we might be seeing more teams come to ALMS which would be great. RSC: There’s no way Penske’s Spyders and Acura’s ARX01bs will keep up with Pug’s blistering pace on the flowing road courses of the LMS. I do agree with the idea of having more LMS cars compete at Petit as Creation and Barazi Epzilon have been doing and Pug is planning, but also perhaps a mid-September LMS big race where ALMS teams could go to as well. One motive for LMS teams come to Petit is simple – to gain a chance at automatic entries for LM24.

HD: the ALMS has to compete in a land where NASCAR reigns mightily. Hell, even the single-seaters here race ovals. The coverage and promotion of ALMS has finally come to acceptable levels, and even then only Sebring in Hi-Def. I think Honda’s participation this year has done wonders for the racing as well as the series. Now you can expect any of 8 different cars to win overall, compared to last year’s 4. (Though only the Highcroft Acura has done so, which considering Sharp’s pace is an amazing testament to Brab’s ability) America’s shaky history with road racing doesn’t afford the series with strong private entries and big sponsors, though of Grand AM screws up their GT class as badly as it sounds, we might be seeing more teams come to ALMS which would be great.

]]> By: Rick http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/comment-page-1/#comment-2563 Rick Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:32:08 +0000 http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/#comment-2563 1,000 km or nothing. Number of tires should not be reduced. I hope Pirelli and Yokohama return to the LMS. The LMS needs to be taken to the next level. 1,000 km or nothing. Number of tires should not be reduced. I hope Pirelli and Yokohama return to the LMS. The LMS needs to be taken to the next level.

]]> By: Downforce http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/comment-page-1/#comment-2562 Downforce Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:18:31 +0000 http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/#comment-2562 Yeah, the ALMS is a far healthier championship in terms of exposure, quality of racing, manufacturer interest, spectator interest etc. The LMS has a tough decision to make. Do they try and become the mirror image of the ALMS and risk losing all of their small independent teams in hopes that more heavily funded works and semi-works teams join? Or do they maintain their place as the series that continues to support the smaller independent teams? As far as I can see the ALMS has established itself as the manufacturer playing ground and on the European racing scene it is far more important to play to the small independent teams anyways. I'd like to see the classic 1000km races be maintained. 1000km Monza, 1000km Spa, 1000km Nurburgring, 1000km Hockenheim, 1000km Silverstone... If you want to attract the American teams you need to keep the championship around five races, play up the historic aspect of the 1000km races, and find ways to really give incentive to the teams making the expensive trip across to Europe. I've always had the dream that the American Le Mans Series would have a more classical schedule incorporating the European races, but the concept is risky. Here is my ideal schedule: 12 Hours of Sebring 1000km Monza 1000km Spa 24 Hours of Le Mans 1000km Watkins Glen 1000km Mosport 500km Lime Rock 500mile Road America 500km Mid-Ohio 1000km Silverstone 500mile Laguna Seca 1000mile Road Atlanta Yeah, the ALMS is a far healthier championship in terms of exposure, quality of racing, manufacturer interest, spectator interest etc. The LMS has a tough decision to make. Do they try and become the mirror image of the ALMS and risk losing all of their small independent teams in hopes that more heavily funded works and semi-works teams join? Or do they maintain their place as the series that continues to support the smaller independent teams? As far as I can see the ALMS has established itself as the manufacturer playing ground and on the European racing scene it is far more important to play to the small independent teams anyways. I’d like to see the classic 1000km races be maintained. 1000km Monza, 1000km Spa, 1000km Nurburgring, 1000km Hockenheim, 1000km Silverstone… If you want to attract the American teams you need to keep the championship around five races, play up the historic aspect of the 1000km races, and find ways to really give incentive to the teams making the expensive trip across to Europe.

I’ve always had the dream that the American Le Mans Series would have a more classical schedule incorporating the European races, but the concept is risky. Here is my ideal schedule:

12 Hours of Sebring
1000km Monza
1000km Spa
24 Hours of Le Mans
1000km Watkins Glen
1000km Mosport
500km Lime Rock
500mile Road America
500km Mid-Ohio
1000km Silverstone
500mile Laguna Seca
1000mile Road Atlanta

]]> By: Tim http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/comment-page-1/#comment-2559 Tim Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:05:59 +0000 http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/#comment-2559 HD: ALMS not healthy series? Of course if you look at P1 and GT1 grids. P2 is amazing. Quality over quantity for me. And even P1 situation might change quite soon... (Acura). HD: ALMS not healthy series? Of course if you look at P1 and GT1 grids. P2 is amazing. Quality over quantity for me.

And even P1 situation might change quite soon… (Acura).

]]> By: Nick http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/comment-page-1/#comment-2556 Nick Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:49:40 +0000 http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/#comment-2556 This is an endurance series so keep it at 1000kms. Six races around Europe during the season with perhaps an inclusion of Brno would be good IMO. As for TV, the FIA GT cut to two hours to get full live TV so I can't see cutting from 1000 kms would have any benefit especially as MOTORS TV generally covers the entire race anyway. Get Peugeot and Audi to sell customer cars. This is an endurance series so keep it at 1000kms.

Six races around Europe during the season with perhaps an inclusion of Brno would be good IMO.

As for TV, the FIA GT cut to two hours to get full live TV so I can’t see cutting from 1000 kms would have any benefit especially as MOTORS TV generally covers the entire race anyway.

Get Peugeot and Audi to sell customer cars.

]]> By: HD http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/comment-page-1/#comment-2554 HD Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:25:08 +0000 http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/#comment-2554 @ Mark K. Credits to Mr. Peter. Bye bye Mr Ratel???? Don't you know that SRO is constantly listening ot all their competitors? But you can't make everybody happy, Van Merksteijn is dropping out, Rollcentre also... @ everybody The FIA GT shortened their races too, with succes. But I think that this will not be the case concerning LMES. This is a healthy championship, the ALMS ( shorter and more races ) isn't. It's correct that Patrick Peter and Stephane Ratel should avoid clashes in the calendar. This shouldn't be a big problem, knowing that they already worked together in the past. @ Mark K.
Credits to Mr. Peter. Bye bye Mr Ratel????
Don’t you know that SRO is constantly listening ot all their competitors? But you can’t make everybody happy, Van Merksteijn is dropping out, Rollcentre also…
@ everybody
The FIA GT shortened their races too, with succes. But I think that this will not be the case concerning LMES. This is a healthy championship, the ALMS ( shorter and more races ) isn’t.
It’s correct that Patrick Peter and Stephane Ratel should avoid clashes in the calendar. This shouldn’t be a big problem, knowing that they already worked together in the past.

]]> By: Subaru WRX http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/comment-page-1/#comment-2547 Subaru WRX Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:44:31 +0000 http://www.planetlemans.com/2008/08/15/le-mans-series-interesting-developments-for-the-near-future/#comment-2547 another thing the ACO/Peter must really work hard with FIA/SRO to avoid clashes in the calendar, what a shame to see Gimmi Bruni unable to won the LMS GT2 title !! another thing the ACO/Peter must really work hard with FIA/SRO to avoid clashes in the calendar, what a shame to see Gimmi Bruni unable to won the LMS GT2 title !!

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