Audi out of the ALMS
12-06-2008 | 11:51 AM
#31
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From: Nassau, Bahamas and Duluth, Ga.
Sub- $1.70 in Atlanta- we were lining up and paying nearly $4 (due to the post hurricane shortage for those that don't know) less than 3 mos ago. Crazy world we live in.
Volatility- get used to it.
Still, at the height of the shortage (and resulting high price) the Petit LeMans at RA in Oct had a record draw in the 11 years they've been holding it.
Even Audi drops out I recon next year will be larger draw still- even with the economy. I'm dying to see the R8s.
Volatility- get used to it.
Still, at the height of the shortage (and resulting high price) the Petit LeMans at RA in Oct had a record draw in the 11 years they've been holding it.
Even Audi drops out I recon next year will be larger draw still- even with the economy. I'm dying to see the R8s.
12-06-2008 | 10:44 PM
#32
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the R8 is not coming stateside as a GT2 car. it is a gt3 car and there is no way that porsche RSR and audi R8 will run against each other in the same category...it wouldn't make sense for
Porsche/Audi/VW/ gmbh ing wtf
it's all about the benjamins and if they race head to head, someone loses their schoolyard rep. if they race in different classes, then we're looking at good face for both of them.
Porsche/Audi/VW/ gmbh ing wtf
it's all about the benjamins and if they race head to head, someone loses their schoolyard rep. if they race in different classes, then we're looking at good face for both of them.
12-07-2008 | 01:38 AM
#33
Formula One Spin Doctor
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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.
.. Sportscar racing died with IMSA's camel GT and the FIA group C of the 80's.... Watching these emasculated prototypes droning around Sebring today is barely entertaining, yet we watch. The 12 hrs will survive , as in the past , privateers will jump in with lesser machines and it will be even more entertaining............
12-07-2008 | 09:02 AM
#35
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From: With A Manual Transmission
12-07-2008 | 10:22 AM
#36
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the R8 is not coming stateside as a GT2 car. it is a gt3 car and there is no way that porsche RSR and audi R8 will run against each other in the same category...it wouldn't make sense for
Porsche/Audi/VW/ gmbh ing wtf
it's all about the benjamins and if they race head to head, someone loses their schoolyard rep. if they race in different classes, then we're looking at good face for both of them.
Porsche/Audi/VW/ gmbh ing wtf
it's all about the benjamins and if they race head to head, someone loses their schoolyard rep. if they race in different classes, then we're looking at good face for both of them.
12-08-2008 | 12:13 AM
#37
Burning Brakes
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http://www.imsachallenge.com/newgt3t...ws/gt3news.cfm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjWo8VdMb8I
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.
2009 is looking good for Firestone Indy Lights with the return of Forsythe Racing, entrance of Genoa Racing and HVM Racing, formation of Guthrie Meyer Racing (Meyer the technical director for Firestone Indy Lights for the past six seasons) and Michele Bumgarner entering the series.
http://www.michelebumgarnerracing.co...x?articleid=86
Also, the Star Mazda series has sponsorship by Goodyear through 2013. Oval races will make a return to the schedule with two of them. Juncos Racing will enter the series with a new three car effort.
It might cost less to race in the Atlantics next year with zero races on street circuits as compared to 2007 when it was run with Champ Car (brick wall = money for spare parts).
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/3...di-R8-LMS.html
12-08-2008 | 11:05 AM
#38
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From: Melbourne, FL
I'm surprised that no one has said this yet -- CJ sort of touched on it with the RSR vs R8 comment--but here goes..
It's a fairly safe assumption that Porsche and Audi will not go head-to-head in P1 and that Porsche is developing a P1 car. What are the odds that Audi's pullout has nothing to do with costs and all to do with making way for Porsche to field a P1 car in '09?
It's a fairly safe assumption that Porsche and Audi will not go head-to-head in P1 and that Porsche is developing a P1 car. What are the odds that Audi's pullout has nothing to do with costs and all to do with making way for Porsche to field a P1 car in '09?
12-08-2008 | 12:21 PM
#40
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From: With A Manual Transmission
I'm surprised that no one has said this yet -- CJ sort of touched on it with the RSR vs R8 comment--but here goes..
It's a fairly safe assumption that Porsche and Audi will not go head-to-head in P1 and that Porsche is developing a P1 car. What are the odds that Audi's pullout has nothing to do with costs and all to do with making way for Porsche to field a P1 car in '09?
It's a fairly safe assumption that Porsche and Audi will not go head-to-head in P1 and that Porsche is developing a P1 car. What are the odds that Audi's pullout has nothing to do with costs and all to do with making way for Porsche to field a P1 car in '09?
I sure hope Porsche isnt insecure enough to sabotage any racing for Audi if a Porsche is competing. They would diminish the Audi brand name and bring shame to themselves in doing so. Of course I dont expect to see factory efforts for Audi and Porsche popping up all over the place, but those Audi's are a huge part of ALMS and LeMans history.
