IMSA vs PWC GT3 Cup Series
03-12-2017, 10:28 PM
#2
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I agree, but I also know that street races have an unacceptable risk/benefit ratio for quite a few...
03-13-2017, 11:12 AM
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Tom, the entry/mid level pro feeder and support series from two different sanctioning bodies compete for the same entrant pool.
In this case, I think Nizer is drawing a comparison between the IMSA and World Challenge Vision's (now sanctioned by a competitor, USAC) competing series.
WCV is now relatively closely aligned with Stephane Ratel's SRO organization, which offers an international spec for GT3 and GT4 (FIA spec cars). This year, they've had to offer some entrants exemptions from specifications in order to gain entries.
IMSA has finally adopted a more internationally accepted standard of car spec, fueling entrants and manufacturers interest. Witness the "GT4" phenomena in Continental!
The purpose of two competing bodies offering a place to race is twofold. The manufacturers like it becuase identical or nearly identical cars can compete in a variety of series, broadening their market. The sanctioning bodies like it because they feel if there is a "critical mass" of cars, they want that group of "like" cars to come Race at their events.
The caveat is that the stakes are so high for street circuits, like St. Pete, Trois Rivieres and Long Beach, that a lot of entrants skip those events, so I think it will take a little while to see how this shakes out.
IMSA, over the last few years, and especially with the uncertainty of the formative years after the combination of Grand-Am and IMSA, along with the NASCAR influence (IMSA is owned by NASCAR), is FINALLY getting their act together and stemming some of the loss that fueled WCV's explosive growth the last three years. So it's much more competitive.
Hope this didn't create more questions than answers!
In this case, I think Nizer is drawing a comparison between the IMSA and World Challenge Vision's (now sanctioned by a competitor, USAC) competing series.
WCV is now relatively closely aligned with Stephane Ratel's SRO organization, which offers an international spec for GT3 and GT4 (FIA spec cars). This year, they've had to offer some entrants exemptions from specifications in order to gain entries.
IMSA has finally adopted a more internationally accepted standard of car spec, fueling entrants and manufacturers interest. Witness the "GT4" phenomena in Continental!
The purpose of two competing bodies offering a place to race is twofold. The manufacturers like it becuase identical or nearly identical cars can compete in a variety of series, broadening their market. The sanctioning bodies like it because they feel if there is a "critical mass" of cars, they want that group of "like" cars to come Race at their events.
The caveat is that the stakes are so high for street circuits, like St. Pete, Trois Rivieres and Long Beach, that a lot of entrants skip those events, so I think it will take a little while to see how this shakes out.
IMSA, over the last few years, and especially with the uncertainty of the formative years after the combination of Grand-Am and IMSA, along with the NASCAR influence (IMSA is owned by NASCAR), is FINALLY getting their act together and stemming some of the loss that fueled WCV's explosive growth the last three years. So it's much more competitive.
Hope this didn't create more questions than answers!
03-13-2017, 11:28 AM
#5
Burning Brakes
Are you talking about IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge vs the PWC GT Cup class? If so, even besides this weekends lack of PWC GT Cup entries, IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge destroys it in terms of depth of field and talent levels. There's normally 1 or 2 quick guys in PWC GT Cup, but IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge is much tougher and probably a better investment if you are simply wanting to improve -- much more track time and you aren't always being attacked by full Pros in faster GT3 cars. :-)
But if you want to race in bigger events and experience/learn multi-class racing, PWC GT Cup is a good option. Personally, I hope they remove the class though.
-mike
But if you want to race in bigger events and experience/learn multi-class racing, PWC GT Cup is a good option. Personally, I hope they remove the class though.
-mike
03-13-2017, 02:39 PM
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So what you are saying is that the limited amount of Porsche GT3 Cup car entrants thus far in the PWC multi manufacture GT Cup class is a sign that it is not going to be as comparable competition to the successful IMSA GT3 Cup?
From what I understand, the PWC GT Cup runs Porsche Cup cars, Lambo Super Trofeo and Ferrari 458 challenge cars in a seperate class. Interesting home for these cars outside of IMSA. However, they run along side of all the other PWC GT3 spec cars during an event.
So many places to race nowadays! It is confusing. lol.
From what I understand, the PWC GT Cup runs Porsche Cup cars, Lambo Super Trofeo and Ferrari 458 challenge cars in a seperate class. Interesting home for these cars outside of IMSA. However, they run along side of all the other PWC GT3 spec cars during an event.
So many places to race nowadays! It is confusing. lol.
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03-13-2017, 02:40 PM
#8
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Are you talking about IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge vs the PWC GT Cup class? If so, even besides this weekends lack of PWC GT Cup entries, IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge destroys it in terms of depth of field and talent levels. There's normally 1 or 2 quick guys in PWC GT Cup, but IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge is much tougher and probably a better investment if you are simply wanting to improve -- much more track time and you aren't always being attacked by full Pros in faster GT3 cars. :-)
But if you want to race in bigger events and experience/learn multi-class racing, PWC GT Cup is a good option. Personally, I hope they remove the class though.
-mike
But if you want to race in bigger events and experience/learn multi-class racing, PWC GT Cup is a good option. Personally, I hope they remove the class though.
-mike
03-14-2017, 01:54 PM
#11
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And damage... Street races for WC and that mess at WGI for GT3 Cup last year or the year before...
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03-14-2017, 02:13 PM
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Yup. $150k-$200k for a 6-8 weekend series is not unreasonable given the exposure and driver development upside but the lack of heads-up or plain yahoo driving in these series can blow the budget right out of the water.
By example both of these incidents were avoidable IMO:
By example both of these incidents were avoidable IMO:
Last edited by Nizer; 03-14-2017 at 03:11 PM.
03-14-2017, 03:01 PM
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Yep, both unnecessary...
03-14-2017, 04:16 PM
#14
Yup. $150k-$200k for a 6-8 weekend series is not unreasonable given the exposure and driver development upside but the lack of heads-up or plain yahoo driving in these series can blow the budget right out of the water.
By example both of these incidents were avoidable IMO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPxA4APh-LY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJkJsRrJza0
By example both of these incidents were avoidable IMO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPxA4APh-LY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJkJsRrJza0
03-14-2017, 04:33 PM
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With the speed potential of these cars,bad $#it happens VERY fast...