Rolex 24 @ Daytona

[RP-Motorsports]

Is it just me or did two things bother you too about the Rolex 24.

1) a cookie cutter Pontiac dominated DP car is BORING BORING BORING compared to the years past Ferrari 333SP, Dyson Ford, Porsche GT1 etc etc

2) Why did Speed Channel cover 23 3/4 hours specifically on the DP class and spend about 15 min covering IMO the "real" sportscars in GT class?

 

[92 white 0650]

Safety question. How come the GT cars have "windows down" with nets, as we've always required/preached but yet the DP cars run with "windows up"? Even though the DP bodies are carbon fiber or something different than sheet metal, it would seem the safety issue should essentially be the same for both. What am I missing?

 

[RP-Motorsports]

I am not sure what each sanctioning body has i.e. Grand Am, but a lot of events that I do either say all the way up, or all the way down. I have personally rolled a car at about 120mph, and every window shattered out EXCEPT the door windows that were all the way up. They are ridiculously strong.

 

[NSXrunner]

Never could figure out the whole Daytona Prototype thing when it first came out a few years back. The cars look waaaay too much like each other. The good thing about the sportscar classes is you can identify the cars and cheer for your favs. At the moment the DP scene reminds me of another series with identical looking cars....NASCAR!! YIKES!!

Ed

 

[DocL]

...At the moment the DP scene reminds me of another series with identical looking cars....NASCAR!! YIKES!!

Ed

Did you notice the reference and on-screen information box referring to the "Nascar Nine" drivers in the DP cars. I have no idea why the Speed Channel had to turn the coverage into a NASCRAP race. Especially when there were so many former F1 and Le Mans winners in the field.

 

[len3.8]

Did you notice the reference and on-screen information box referring to the "Nascar Nine" drivers in the DP cars. I have no idea why the Speed Channel had to turn the coverage into a NASCRAP race. Especially when there were so many former F1 and Le Mans winners in the field.

Because Mr. Franz (sp) wants them to. He is the one controlling it all. every little sound that comes from the track. Glad I did not make my yearly mecca.

 

[Tom Larkins]

Because Mr. Franz (sp) wants them to. He is the one controlling it all. every little sound that comes from the track. Glad I did not make my yearly mecca.

Can't add much too that, their hope would be parity in DP w/NASCAR as the model. We'll see how the model holds in the short distanced events. As far as the other classes, the big problem is the lack of Corp. and/or Manuf. participation and differing rules. What else is new w/road racing in America The C6, Audi & Cadillac are in the ALMS, Ferarri doesn't provide factory support, and SCCA (TransAm) well...........

 

[Andrie Hartanto]

Did you notice the reference and on-screen information box referring to the "Nascar Nine" drivers in the DP cars. I have no idea why the Speed Channel had to turn the coverage into a NASCRAP race. Especially when there were so many former F1 and Le Mans winners in the field.

Because we are in America for US TV.

I think it is good marketing. This way they are trying to lure some of NASCAR fans to road racing. Those who watch NACAR before can tell some of those drivers have cult like fan base.

Don't knock NASCAR. Even though it is not my cup of tea, one trip to the bank oval at CA speedway really open my eye. It does take skill (different set) and lots of balls to race in oval.

 

[len3.8]

Can't add much too that, their hope would be parity in DP w/NASCAR as the model. We'll see how the model holds in the short distanced events. As far as the other classes, the big problem is the lack of Corp. and/or Manuf. participation and differing rules. What else is new w/road racing in America The C6, Audi & Cadillac are in the ALMS, Ferarri doesn't provide factory support, and SCCA (TransAm) well...........

Right as well Tom. I has been said that the Corps and Manuf. are not interested due to them not getting a large enough return on their investments. The vendors that were there, the last time I went, were really upset with what they had to pay to be there. So the prices were high and their sales were lower. Some of the "Loyals" were really considering not coming anymore. He has to let the event rebuild a following all around, Participants, Television, Magazines, and Fans. Let them enjoy it in the format that they loved and followed for years. Instead of this NASCAR blend that he is doing. I don't mind the drivers, but the international feel is no longer there.

 

[DocL]

...I don't mind the drivers, but the international feel is no longer there.

I agree 100% with that observation and it is the reason why I haven't gone back. I guess I'll have to plan a trip to LeMans in the future.

 

[Bryan]

I'll post a dissenting opinion. I was at the 24 Hours this year (and every 24 since 1974.) There was more buzz at the track than I have ever seen in the past. Even the drivers seemed to be impressed with the breadth and quality of the driving talent. The infield sold out before the start of the race and was closed to new spectators.

It's true the cars are a little more homogenized than some of the exotic prototypes of the past, but it is a trade-off. I miss the exotic technical flavor, but more equal cars means better competition and more participation by top drivers from other series. For example, I doubt Paul Tracy or Sebastien Bourdais would have driven if they didn't feel like they had a chance at the podium. The NASCAR drivers obviously got some publicity, but there were impressive drivers from OWS and IRL too.

The race was competive. The 7th place car was on the lead lap and within 39 seconds of the leader after 8-9 hours of racing! (and not because of a recent caution.) The second place car was within 20 seconds of the lead when it broke at 22 hours. The number of competitive cars forced everyone to run pretty hard for most of the race.

The rap from many (usually ALMS) fans is that the DP cars are slow and too easy to drive. I was surprised to see the amount of variation in handling when they were pushing hard. You could usually tell who was quick and who was not just by watching a corner or two. They are definitely not just point and shoot cars. Even the best cars had a fair amount of transition from understeer to oversteer over the course of a stint.

I obviously didn't watch the Speed coverage, so I can't comment on that. I usually find it frustrating to watch sports car racing on TV... most of the interesting side stories are ignored or given too little attention. They never focus on what I want to see

I can understand that some people don't/won't like the DP formula, but I think it has a great chance to revitalize sports car racing in the US and the 24 Hours in particular. I'm particularly excited to see it attract some of the best drivers from other series. We haven't seen much of that for a long time.

bryan