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2021 US Sports Car Racing Catch-All (ft. IMSA Sporty McSportscar Championship)


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#1 paulb

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Posted 14 December 2020 - 16:58

Gather around fans, it has been a very active off-season already with lots of changes in all categories.

 

After running only two races in 2020, Pfaff is back for the full IMSA GTD schedule. Big news is they added Porsche factory driver, GTLM refugee Laurens Vanthoor to their lineup. They will be tough to beat, Vanthoor Joins Pfaff in Full Season Porsche GTD Effort – Sportscar365



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#2 Kev00

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Posted 14 December 2020 - 19:09

I haven’t followed the GTD class that much but Robichon is a fast am driver isn’t he? And I don’t think you’ll find a faster pro on the grid than Vanthoor. So they should be right at the front. Meanwhile I think Earl’s guy is pretty slow so I can’t see too much wheel to wheel BAMTHOR action this season

#3 FLB

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Posted 14 December 2020 - 19:26

I haven’t followed the GTD class that much but Robichon is a fast am driver isn’t he? 

Robichon is one of those (i.e. a Sneaky Silver).



#4 juicy sushi

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Posted 14 December 2020 - 19:45

Will there be a 992 GT3 car ready for Daytona, or are they stuck with last year's model again?  I ask because they just showed off the Cup car.



#5 Kev00

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Posted 14 December 2020 - 19:55

I don’t think there is a new Porsche GT3 car for next year anyway. I certainly haven’t heard that they’ve developed a new GT3 race car.

#6 juicy sushi

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Posted 14 December 2020 - 19:59

Well, the 992 GT3 Cup car is on sale now, and is debuting next year, so I can't imagine the full fat GT3 R is far away:  https://newsroom.por...iere-23150.html



#7 boomn

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Posted 16 December 2020 - 21:27

Fehan Let Go by Corvette After 25 Years

 

This sounds like a sad day for the Corvette program and the whole paddock.  I hope that they can continue on with the same level of success and continue to deserve all the respect they have earned



#8 boomn

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Posted 16 December 2020 - 21:28

Well, the 992 GT3 Cup car is on sale now, and is debuting next year, so I can't imagine the full fat GT3 R is far away:  https://newsroom.por...iere-23150.html

I think the next GT3 R will debut in 2022



#9 FLB

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Posted 16 December 2020 - 22:13

Fehan Let Go by Corvette After 25 Years

 

This sounds like a sad day for the Corvette program and the whole paddock.  I hope that they can continue on with the same level of success and continue to deserve all the respect they have earned

Probably has to do with this:

 

Pratt & Miller Sold to Oshkosh Corp in $115 Million Deal – Sportscar365

 

But at this stage, I'd say the program's days, and therefore GTLM's, are numbered.



#10 boomn

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Posted 16 December 2020 - 22:19

Probably has to do with this:

 

Pratt & Miller Sold to Oshkosh Corp in $115 Million Deal – Sportscar365

 

But at this stage, I'd say the program's days, and therefore GTLM's, are numbered.

Yes, certainly could be.  Otherwise that is quite a coincidence.  But still, Doug was a GM employee not a Pratt & Miller employee, and the Pratt & Miller Corvette program is continuing on for at least another year.  I think there must be more going on here



#11 juicy sushi

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Posted 19 December 2020 - 12:04

Could just be time. 25 years is a long slog, and anyone can need a break. The last year before transition to GT3 makes sense.

#12 red stick

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Posted 19 December 2020 - 12:43

NASCAR star who won something or other recently to join AXR for Daytona.   :smoking:

 

https://racer.com/20...xr-for-daytona/

 

 

I either had not realized or forgotten they had Mike Conway too.  Pretty stout lineup!


Edited by red stick, 19 December 2020 - 13:00.


#13 FLB

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Posted 19 December 2020 - 15:20

In this week's The Week In Sports Cars, Graham Goodwin mentions the base for the Audi LMDh will likely come from Multimatic, which IMHO means two things:

 

 

1. Mazda will be DONE after this generation of DPi. The finances are not great: Mazda has asked for $2.8 billion in loans | Car News | Auto123.

2. Harry Tincknell will likely be one of the Audi drivers (Allan McNish is his agent and Tincknell is very well-liked at Multimatic from what I understand).


Edited by FLB, 19 December 2020 - 15:25.


#14 FLB

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Posted 19 December 2020 - 15:36

The other thing I gathered from the way Marshall Pruett and Goodwin were talking about the Fehan affaire is that that whole team in a bit of a scramble right now. MP didn't say it in so many words, but from what I understood was implied, that whole program seems in doubt for the long term.


Edited by FLB, 19 December 2020 - 15:37.


#15 ARTGP

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Posted 19 December 2020 - 16:38

In this week's The Week In Sports Cars, Graham Goodwin mentions the base for the Audi LMDh will likely come from Multimatic, which IMHO means two things:

 

 

1. Mazda will be DONE after this generation of DPi. The finances are not great: Mazda has asked for $2.8 billion in loans | Car News | Auto123.

2. Harry Tincknell will likely be one of the Audi drivers (Allan McNish is his agent and Tincknell is very well-liked at Multimatic from what I understand).

 

I will be surprised if Mazda leave after the investment so far. It's really not much to make it over the line to the next generation.  Mazda has to return to Le Mans.

 

Applying for loans does not automatically make the racing program redundant. After all, racing is a part of the business of selling brand image and cars. It's like a commercial. Car manufacturers don't stop airing commercials even when they are bailed out by government or asking for loans. Commercials are a necessary part of the business model.  You would not have thought Renault would stay in F1 after the fallout from COVID, yet here we are, rebanded to Alpine, to develop Alpine's brand image and ultimately help sell cars.


Edited by ARTGP, 19 December 2020 - 16:40.


#16 red stick

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Posted 19 December 2020 - 17:44

The other thing I gathered from the way Marshall Pruett and Goodwin were talking about the Fehan affaire is that that whole team in a bit of a scramble right now. MP didn't say it in so many words, but from what I understood was implied, that whole program seems in doubt for the long term.

 

That was my impression as well.   :(



#17 red stick

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Posted 19 December 2020 - 17:46

I will be surprised if Mazda leave after the investment so far. It's really not much to make it over the line to the next generation.  Mazda has to return to Le Mans.

 

Applying for loans does not automatically make the racing program redundant. After all, racing is a part of the business of selling brand image and cars. It's like a commercial. Car manufacturers don't stop airing commercials even when they are bailed out by government or asking for loans. Commercials are a necessary part of the business model.  You would not have thought Renault would stay in F1 after the fallout from COVID, yet here we are, rebanded to Alpine, to develop Alpine's brand image and ultimately help sell cars.

 

Renault's a much larger company.  And as long as there are series centered on or involving the Miata, does IMSA really help them move more cars?


Edited by red stick, 19 December 2020 - 17:46.


#18 ARTGP

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Posted 21 December 2020 - 12:18

Renault's a much larger company.  And as long as there are series centered on or involving the Miata, does IMSA really help them move more cars?

 

They seem to have felt so for the last decade and more that Miata racing wasn't enough.

 

Is a bit worrying they will only have 1 car next season though.


Edited by ARTGP, 21 December 2020 - 12:20.


#19 FLB

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Posted 21 December 2020 - 12:22

They seem to have felt so for the last decade and more that Miata racing wasn't enough.

 

Is a bit worrying they will only have 1 car next season though.

 

That, in large part, was due to John Doonan. A racer's racer. And the Zoom! Zoom! campaign, which is longer being used.

 

PRUETT: New IMSA boss a racer to the core | RACER



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#20 red stick

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Posted 21 December 2020 - 13:48

They seem to have felt so for the last decade and more that Miata racing wasn't enough.
 
Is a bit worrying they will only have 1 car next season though.

Pre-Covid racing economy and the post-Covid racing economy.

#21 red stick

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Posted 22 December 2020 - 17:54

Rinus VeeKay and Ben Hanley join Dragonspeed for Daytona 24.

 



#22 paulb

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Posted 23 December 2020 - 15:55

More great news for the Rolex, Risi is back in GTLM, Risi to Make Rolex 24 Return – Sportscar365



#23 red stick

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Posted 29 December 2020 - 13:14

Too few pit stalls at some races?

 

https://racer.com/20...rototype-field/



#24 paulb

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Posted 29 December 2020 - 14:16

Too few pit stalls at some races?

https://racer.com/20...rototype-field/

Whoda thunk IMSA would have to think about that problem?

#25 red stick

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Posted 31 December 2020 - 13:55

RIP Oscar Koveleski.  A true gentleman, a great racer, and easily one of the most fan-friendly at any vintage race.

 

https://racer.com/20...scar-koveleski/



#26 Dan333SP

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Posted 31 December 2020 - 14:54

John Paul Jr. passed a couple days ago as well  :cry:

 

https://racer.com/20...-jr-dies-at-60/



#27 FLB

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Posted 31 December 2020 - 17:14

Austin Dillon added to Eurasia effort for the Rolex:

 

Daytona 500 And Le Mans Winners Added To RWR Eurasia LMP2 Effort – dailysportscar.com



#28 FLB

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Posted 02 January 2021 - 03:09

Not IMSA, but...

 

Christina Nielsen has found a drive!  :up: And it's with Pippa Mann...

 

 

Christina Nielsen And Pippa Mann Join ‘Girls Only’ Nürburgring GT4 Effort – dailysportscar.com


Edited by FLB, 02 January 2021 - 03:10.


#29 paulb

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Posted 02 January 2021 - 12:27

Not IMSA, but...

Christina Nielsen has found a drive! :up: And it's with Pippa Mann...


Christina Nielsen And Pippa Mann Join ‘Girls Only’ Nürburgring GT4 Effort – dailysportscar.com

Great news! Too bad the class is a step down from where she has been. Also not quite as visible for her American fans. Best of luck to her and I hope Pippa finds speed.

#30 jonpollak

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Posted 02 January 2021 - 12:57

Thank for the good news FLB
I was getting worried TheChristina was gonna blow off racing and just play with her dog at home.

Jp

#31 red stick

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Posted 06 January 2021 - 12:26

VEACH!!!

 

https://racer.com/20...-imsa-gtd-ride/



#32 FLB

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Posted 06 January 2021 - 12:39

Vasser-Sullivan for Veach... Interesting. Wonder if that means he has a shot at a car for Indy (at least)?



#33 red stick

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Posted 06 January 2021 - 14:05

That would depend on funding for a third Coyne car, no?  Don't know if Veach has that kind of pull.



#34 juicy sushi

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Posted 06 January 2021 - 14:57

That would depend on funding for a third Coyne car, no?  Don't know if Veach has that kind of pull.

Likely not anymore, after Gainsbridge departed, but his ability to even find that kind of sponsor in the first place is a pretty good endorsement of his soft skills, which would definitely help Vasser-Sullivan.



#35 Kev00

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Posted 06 January 2021 - 17:26

http://www.dailyspor...msa-season.html

WeatherTech and Proton partnering for a full season Porsche GTLM program. Cooper MacNeil will be one of the drivers. Estre, Bruni and Leitz joining him for Daytona.

#36 boomn

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Posted 06 January 2021 - 18:56

http://www.dailyspor...msa-season.html

WeatherTech and Proton partnering for a full season Porsche GTLM program. Cooper MacNeil will be one of the drivers. Estre, Bruni and Leitz joining him for Daytona.

Maybe I'm just feeling cynical when I should be glad to hear of another GTLM program..... but it looks to me like Cooper sees the depleted field as an easy chance for podiums.  If there are only two GTLM Corvettes then even last place is still a podium


Edited by boomn, 06 January 2021 - 18:57.


#37 paulb

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Posted 07 January 2021 - 00:16

Maybe I'm just feeling cynical when I should be glad to hear of another GTLM program..... but it looks to me like Cooper sees the depleted field as an easy chance for podiums. If there are only two GTLM Corvettes then even last place is still a podium

Still better than last years LMP2 class which typically had two cars at a race.

#38 ARTGP

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Posted 07 January 2021 - 00:24

As it is, this is serving no one. Corvette doesn't want to run around in a class of their own. They'd rather race against Porsche and Ferrari from the WEC but not to the point of a full season.  Let the WEC cars come to Daytona, Sebring, and Petit. Let the IMSA cars come over for Spa and Le Mans.


Edited by ARTGP, 07 January 2021 - 00:25.


#39 red stick

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Posted 07 January 2021 - 13:11

Veach finds . . . Inner Peace.

Wonder if he's consulted

with Master Shifu?

 

https://racer.com/20...of-imsa-switch/



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#40 Dan333SP

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Posted 07 January 2021 - 14:37

Maybe I'm just feeling cynical when I should be glad to hear of another GTLM program..... but it looks to me like Cooper sees the depleted field as an easy chance for podiums.  If there are only two GTLM Corvettes then even last place is still a podium

 

What's wrong with that, though? A full season entry with a great looking and great sounding car, and Cooper is actually a quick driver. Not at the level of the Corvette full-time pros, but he's quick enough and if the BoP is favorable and his co-driver(s) are top shelf, they can be a real thorn in the side of Corvette. I wish another GTD team would pick up a Porsche or Aston or Ferrari and switch to GTLM for a chance at podiums as well. 



#41 red stick

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Posted 08 January 2021 - 13:28

No IMSA schedule changes.  Yet.  It certainly helps that distancing at Daytona should not be a problem. 

 

https://racer.com/20...s-as-scheduled/



#42 Branislav

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Posted 09 January 2021 - 12:37

I heard BMW might be calling off GTLM programme after Rolex 24 (or even before)



#43 red stick

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Posted 09 January 2021 - 13:51

Herta back with BMW.

 

https://racer.com/20...400th-bmw-race/



#44 Branislav

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Posted 09 January 2021 - 13:59

Herta back with BMW.

 

https://racer.com/20...400th-bmw-race/

 

But in GTD class



#45 Kev00

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Posted 09 January 2021 - 16:15

Is there any news on BMW in GTLM? I heard ages ago they were looking at doing the endurance rounds but I haven’t heard anything since.

#46 paulb

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Posted 09 January 2021 - 21:32

But in GTD class

GTD is going to be epic with all the talent flowing in.

FWIW, my application to work the ROAR weekend has been accepted.

#47 FLB

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Posted 14 January 2021 - 00:45

50 car entry list to the Roar:

 

https://www.imsa.com...-Entry-List.pdf



#48 ARTGP

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Posted 14 January 2021 - 02:31

BMW on the entry list. Interesting.



#49 jonpollak

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Posted 14 January 2021 - 09:18

GTD is going to be epic with all the talent flowing in.

FWIW, my application to work the ROAR weekend has been accepted.

You-are-TheMan pb.
Looking forward to the years first ManOnTheGround report and maybe some grabbed snaps as the season kicks off.
What’s the Roar date again?... must be right around the corner!!!
Jp

#50 paulb

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Posted 14 January 2021 - 12:59

^It is coming up, Jan 22-24! I hope there is non-team garage access. 

 

It's going to be a big field with 50 cars registered for the ROAR, Bumper field readying for Rolex 24 | RACER. Adding the LMP3 class helps, of course.

 

I think it could be one for the safety crews, however. Adding slower prototypes with potentially less experienced drivers is a recipe for yellows. I hope I am proven wrong.