Audi out of the ALMS
12-05-2008, 11:46 AM
#17
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Not to do the I told you so again, but when everyone was bashing Grand Am and questioning why it exists......
09-04-2008, 07:25 PM
(Thread was locked, so I wasn't able to quote directly)
05-13-2008, 03:43 PM
09-04-2008, 07:25 PM
Originally Posted by MTosi
While as of 2008 I FULLY agree with you, what happens in 2009 and 2010, if Acura squeezes out Penske (looks to me like thats going to happen) then Audi in P1, and we are stuck with another one make series (in the top class) for 6 years?
05-13-2008, 03:43 PM
Whats with the Grand Am hatred?????????????
Have we all forgotten the 2000-2006, Audi parade?????????? ALMS, Lemans, ACO were pretty much a joke all those years (at least in my opinion), Just because we have the Audi/Porsche/Acura battle doesn't mean its going to last forever......If ACO keeps F*^&ing with the rules to suit their cause, sportscar racing will always be on the edge of another huge slump. There are TWO major manufacturers in P1, Audi v Peuguot, and everyone is making a big hoopla about it. WHO CARES????????????????if I wanted to watch diesels, I'll go sit next to the interstate and watch the 18 wheelers draft each other up hills. In 1998 there was Porsche, Mercedes, Toyota, Nissan, Mclaren, Ferrari, and BMW all in the the top classes. Until ACO or the FIA can get their act together and have a consistant set of rules with four commited manufactuers in the top class, I don't want them with a monopoly over sportscar racing in America.
I happen to prefer ALMS at this moment in time, but I'm not short sighted and realize that at any moment it could descend back into another slump. I like to have something to fall back on when, Audi gets sick of getting beat by Porsche, so they pull out. Then Porsche pulls out due to the bias in the rules towards P1 cars, which allows privateer P1 cars to beat them. Acura having no one to race pulls out we are left with no competition, and are back at square one.
Have we all forgotten the 2000-2006, Audi parade?????????? ALMS, Lemans, ACO were pretty much a joke all those years (at least in my opinion), Just because we have the Audi/Porsche/Acura battle doesn't mean its going to last forever......If ACO keeps F*^&ing with the rules to suit their cause, sportscar racing will always be on the edge of another huge slump. There are TWO major manufacturers in P1, Audi v Peuguot, and everyone is making a big hoopla about it. WHO CARES????????????????if I wanted to watch diesels, I'll go sit next to the interstate and watch the 18 wheelers draft each other up hills. In 1998 there was Porsche, Mercedes, Toyota, Nissan, Mclaren, Ferrari, and BMW all in the the top classes. Until ACO or the FIA can get their act together and have a consistant set of rules with four commited manufactuers in the top class, I don't want them with a monopoly over sportscar racing in America.
I happen to prefer ALMS at this moment in time, but I'm not short sighted and realize that at any moment it could descend back into another slump. I like to have something to fall back on when, Audi gets sick of getting beat by Porsche, so they pull out. Then Porsche pulls out due to the bias in the rules towards P1 cars, which allows privateer P1 cars to beat them. Acura having no one to race pulls out we are left with no competition, and are back at square one.
Last edited by MTosi; 12-05-2008 at 12:09 PM.
12-05-2008, 12:05 PM
#19
Race Director
I think 2009 is going to be tough motorsports year.
2010 could be no better. I do expect some series to collapse/merge. Not sure which ones yet, but it would not suprise me in the least.
Road racing is expecially hard. It was funded by smaller level sponsor and by well funded private individuals. Those smaller companies are going to have a hard time parting with money in 2009 and the same will before well funded drivers. Many won't have the extra $$$$$$$ to blow on being "Pro" racer.
Combine that with key manufacturers looking to cut costs and I see thing being very hard.
It will recover in time, but it is not clear when.
2010 could be no better. I do expect some series to collapse/merge. Not sure which ones yet, but it would not suprise me in the least.
Road racing is expecially hard. It was funded by smaller level sponsor and by well funded private individuals. Those smaller companies are going to have a hard time parting with money in 2009 and the same will before well funded drivers. Many won't have the extra $$$$$$$ to blow on being "Pro" racer.
Combine that with key manufacturers looking to cut costs and I see thing being very hard.
It will recover in time, but it is not clear when.
12-05-2008, 12:47 PM
#20
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ALMS is priced out of this world. The only thing that GrandAm would get by combining with ALMS would most likely be higher running costs which is exactly what they don't want right now.
In just prototypes since the end of last season ALMS has lost BK Motorsports, Penske and now Audi.
What big names has GrandAm lost? I know they've gained Penske plus there is a new Crawford chassis that will be running next year with Andy Wallace driving last I heard. Level5 is stepping up to DP as well.
12-05-2008, 01:04 PM
#21
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This sucks. I went to my first 12 hours last year and walked around in awe all four days I was there camping at the track so up close and personal to the Spyders and Audi's. I hardly drank at all. Now I don't have anything to look forward to for Sebring 2009 so I will probably be falling down drunk alot. 
12-05-2008, 01:49 PM
#22
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This sucks. I went to my first 12 hours last year and walked around in awe all four days I was there camping at the track so up close and personal to the Spyders and Audi's. I hardly drank at all. Now I don't have anything to look forward to for Sebring 2009 so I will probably be falling down drunk alot.
12-05-2008, 03:16 PM
#24
Rennlist Member
I love ALMS and will miss Audi in LMP1 but am more stoked to see the R8s even in non-factory form show up. One prototype class and 2 GT classes is the way to go IMO.
In general the circus that is motor racing could use with a refocusing and downsizing overall (see Honda withdrawal from F1).
In general the circus that is motor racing could use with a refocusing and downsizing overall (see Honda withdrawal from F1).
12-05-2008, 03:46 PM
#25
Rennlist Member
With both Audi and BMW coming into the GT classes this year I was looking forward to the series again.
12-05-2008, 04:14 PM
#26
Instructor
Glad I went to sebring last year and 05 and 06 . Its kind of sad to see this happen but I guess it was bound to happen. How about the daytona 24 back in the early and mid 90's It used to be so great back then. I miss the good old days when money was no object . I guess thats what got us into this mess.
12-05-2008, 05:03 PM
#27
Ugh, DTM is so boring too... I watched most of the DTM races this year (the ones that were broadcast in english, that is) and it was like watching paint dry. It's bad enough to lose Audi factory support from ALMS, but to have a refocus on DTM as one of the reasons why is a real bummer.
12-05-2008, 05:36 PM
#28
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12-05-2008, 06:11 PM
#29
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12-05-2008, 10:24 PM
#30
Drifting
A true but sad sign of the times.... The world wide economic crisis is having a far reaching impact.... It's affecting all forms of motorsports. I'm sure the CR's and DE's in 09 will have fewer entries as well.
Fuel is down but so is the value of everything else. Who would have thought back in August that gas would be $1.70 a gallon in December?
Cash is King......
Fuel is down but so is the value of everything else. Who would have thought back in August that gas would be $1.70 a gallon in December?
Cash is King......