2017 Sportscar/Endurance Racing Thread
11-15-2016, 12:42 PM
#1
Thread Starter
2017 Sportscar/Endurance Racing Thread
2016 thread can be found here: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/auto-rac...-mans-1112926/
My goal is always to get more people interested in this type of racing. It can be difficult to go through the different classes and keep up with the cars on track but steps have been and are being taken to make it more fan friendly. If there is a stop on the calender near you, I urge you to check it out. Each IMSA race allows paddock access and grid walks before the main events. Not to mention driver signings and etc. It really is a time you won't forget. If you have any questions feel free to ask here or PM. So far i've attended Road Atlanta, Daytona and Sebring multiple times.
Follow the series!
IMSA
WEC
News and Useful Links
My goal is always to get more people interested in this type of racing. It can be difficult to go through the different classes and keep up with the cars on track but steps have been and are being taken to make it more fan friendly. If there is a stop on the calender near you, I urge you to check it out. Each IMSA race allows paddock access and grid walks before the main events. Not to mention driver signings and etc. It really is a time you won't forget. If you have any questions feel free to ask here or PM. So far i've attended Road Atlanta, Daytona and Sebring multiple times.
Follow the series!
IMSA
- IMSA app available on the app store (Windows, Android, iOS. Free). Live streaming of races for outside of USA, qualifying is shown live on the app. Provides Radio Le Mans coverage to all.
- Mobile Apps IMSA
- https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSportsCar
WEC
- WEC app available in the app store or through the website via PC. The app gives live timing and scoring, news, and schedule of events.You can also purchase a WEC pass. It gives live streaming of the race and now they are allowing replay of the races for up to 3 weeks afterwards.
- FIA World Endurance Championship − Official Website
- https://www.youtube.com/user/FIAWEC
News and Useful Links
11-15-2016, 12:42 PM
#2
Thread Starter
2017 Weathertech Sportscar Championship
IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Weathertech Sportscar Class Breakdown
2017 brings an exciting all new look to the Prototype class. Gone are the Deltawing, Daytona Prototype and <2016 LMP2. They are replaced with 2017, Spec LMP2's, and IMSA specific Daytona Prototype international (DPi). See below.
Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup
This is essentially a championship within a championship. It covers the longest 4 rounds (Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen and Road Atlanta). At different race lengths, points are awarded to the leaders. Last year we saw ESM (Prototype entry) compete only in those rounds. May see more teams do that next year.
IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Weathertech Sportscar Class Breakdown
2017 brings an exciting all new look to the Prototype class. Gone are the Deltawing, Daytona Prototype and <2016 LMP2. They are replaced with 2017, Spec LMP2's, and IMSA specific Daytona Prototype international (DPi). See below.
- Prototype (P) - Red number plates - All new for 2017. The Prototype class will consist of spec LMP2 cars and the same LMP2 cars slightly modified by a major auto manufacturer and fitted with that manufacturers engine.
- Prototype Challenge (PC) - Green number plates - A spec class carried over directly from the American Le Mans Series, featuring Le Mans Prototype Challenge cars built by Oreca with engines supplied by Chevrolet and tires from Continental. 2017 is the last year for this class.
- GT Le Mans (GTLM) - Red number plates - A continuation of the ALMS GT class, consisting of cars matching the Automobile Club de l'Ouest's GTE specification.
- GT Daytona (GTD) - Green number plates - Cars built to FIA GT3 specifications
Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup
This is essentially a championship within a championship. It covers the longest 4 rounds (Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen and Road Atlanta). At different race lengths, points are awarded to the leaders. Last year we saw ESM (Prototype entry) compete only in those rounds. May see more teams do that next year.
Last edited by AE_Racer; 01-25-2017 at 04:07 PM.
11-15-2016, 12:42 PM
#3
Thread Starter
2017 FIA World Endurance Championship
(2016 Photo)
WEC Class breakdown
(2016 Photo)
WEC Class breakdown
- LMP1 - Red number plates - Hybrid LeMans Prototypes with Energy Recover Systems from major manufaturers. Change for 2015 makes LMP1, one class to include privateers without hybrid power.
- LMP2 - Blue number plates - 2017 brings spec only LMP2 cars, unlike IMSA which also uses DPi.
- LMGTE-Pro - Green number plates - Same class as GTLM in Tudor
- LMGTE-AM - Orange number plates - See above with the exception that a bronze driver must be used
Last edited by AE_Racer; 11-15-2016 at 01:00 PM.
11-15-2016, 01:02 PM
#4
Thread Starter
What's a DPi?
The Daytona Prototype international (DPi) will make its competition debut in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona next January. All DPi cars will use the same chassis, suspension and many other components as LM P2 cars competing in championships governed by Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) technical regulations, such as the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) World Endurance Championship.
Below are answers to a number of frequently asked questions regarding the differences and common elements of the DPi and LM P2 specifications, car eligibility and technical details:
Q. What is exactly an IMSA DPi car?
A. A 2017 IMSA DPi car is a standard ACO/FIA homologated 2017 LM P2 Prototype chassis from one of the four approved constructors (Dallara, Onroak Automotive, ORECA or Riley/Multimatic) fitted with IMSA-homologated, manufacturer-designed and branded bodywork and engines. Each participating DPi manufacturer must partner with one of the four approved constructors and commit to a bodywork and engine package.
Q. How is this different from the standard 2017 LM P2 car?
A. The standard ACO/FIA homologated 2017 LM P2 car must use each constructor’s specific bodywork (and at Le Mans, the “low downforce” bodywork kit version is required) with no modifications and a Gibson V8 engine with a standard-specification Cosworth electronics package controlling car systems and engine management.
For DPi cars, IMSA has defined specific areas of the bodywork regulations to allow manufacturers design and stylistic freedom to create recognition of their specific brands. These areas include the nose and sidepod areas, rear-wheel arch and rear valance. Manufacturers will use this stylized package in conjunction with their eligible specific engine and electronic systems. However, the expanded bodywork freedom will not create a situation of confusion in identification between DPi cars and GT cars.
Q. What cars are eligible in the 2017 WeatherTech Championship Prototype class?
A. DPi cars, 2017 LM P2 cars and closed-cockpit 2016 LM P2 cars with IMSA-homologated engines will be eligible. After the 2017 season, 2016 LM P2 cars no longer will be eligible.
Q. Will customer versions of the DPi car be permitted?
A. Manufacturers have the freedom to run factory teams or make their car available to customers as they desire.
Q. What fuel and tires will be used?
A. In the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, all cars competing in the Prototype class will use Continental tires and E20 fuel provided by VP Racing Fuels.
Q. How will IMSA balance the differences in the two versions of the 2017 car?
A. All DPi and LM P2 cars will undergo comprehensive wind-tunnel testing programs to ensure competitive balance from an aerodynamic perspective. Teams fielding DPi cars and LM P2 cars will have the ability to use some approved aerodynamic add-ons, enabling them to tune their cars to each track. This will promote diversity in car setup and stimulate competition.
Each engine also will undergo IMSA’s standard engine testing and verification. The target power level is 600 bhp and a comparable level of power and torque will be determined for each option.
Q. Have there been changes made to the DPi or LM P2 platform since the four chassis constructors were selected and announced by IMSA, the ACO and the FIA last year?
A. Shortly after the selection of the four approved chassis constructors last summer, IMSA received feedback from interested manufacturers that resulted in a need to make a slight alteration to the car dimensions in order to accommodate engines of a certain length. IMSA has worked closely with the ACO and the FIA to confirm the required dimensions. In addition, prospective DPi manufacturers have revealed a desire to use their own electronics providers rather than using the “spec” Cosworth ECU and related electronics that will be used in the Gibson-powered LM P2 cars.
Q. When will the DPi regulations be finalized?
A. IMSA expects the technical regulations for both DPi and LM P2 to be finalized this month to enable constructors and manufacturers the ability to move forward with the project and meet established deadlines. These cars will make their competition debut next January in the 55th Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Q. The ACO has voiced concerns in the media that, in their opinion, the IMSA DPi platform has moved too far away from the global LM P2 platform. Do you agree with that perspective?
A. IMSA, the ACO and the FIA have worked very closely together throughout this process and we will continue to do so as the last details of the technical regulations and related elements are finalized. All three organizations have raised concerns over different aspects of the project at different times. It’s all in the spirit of collaboration.
From the start, it has been understood and acknowledged that IMSA’s business goals and objectives for its top Prototype class differ from the goals of the FIA and ACO for a class that is not the top Prototype category for them. The IMSA DPi is intended to attract and involve top-level manufacturer involvement with professional teams and drivers – as is the case with the ACO’s top category - LM P1. The ACO LM P2 category prohibits manufacturer involvement and is a tightly restricted pro/am class.
Throughout this very complex process, multiple interested manufacturers have provided feedback and guidance that has resulted in an evolution of the technical details. As a result, some technical details are different from the original plan. However, the primary objective of using the same chassis – the same core car - and have cars (DPi and LM P2) that could truly compete with each other in ACO and IMSA competition has absolutely been retained. IMSA and its partners at the FIA and ACO remain closely aligned on the overall objectives of delivering a competitive, cost-effective prototype that can be used for different applications across multiple championships.
The Daytona Prototype international (DPi) will make its competition debut in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona next January. All DPi cars will use the same chassis, suspension and many other components as LM P2 cars competing in championships governed by Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) technical regulations, such as the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) World Endurance Championship.
Below are answers to a number of frequently asked questions regarding the differences and common elements of the DPi and LM P2 specifications, car eligibility and technical details:
Q. What is exactly an IMSA DPi car?
A. A 2017 IMSA DPi car is a standard ACO/FIA homologated 2017 LM P2 Prototype chassis from one of the four approved constructors (Dallara, Onroak Automotive, ORECA or Riley/Multimatic) fitted with IMSA-homologated, manufacturer-designed and branded bodywork and engines. Each participating DPi manufacturer must partner with one of the four approved constructors and commit to a bodywork and engine package.
Q. How is this different from the standard 2017 LM P2 car?
A. The standard ACO/FIA homologated 2017 LM P2 car must use each constructor’s specific bodywork (and at Le Mans, the “low downforce” bodywork kit version is required) with no modifications and a Gibson V8 engine with a standard-specification Cosworth electronics package controlling car systems and engine management.
For DPi cars, IMSA has defined specific areas of the bodywork regulations to allow manufacturers design and stylistic freedom to create recognition of their specific brands. These areas include the nose and sidepod areas, rear-wheel arch and rear valance. Manufacturers will use this stylized package in conjunction with their eligible specific engine and electronic systems. However, the expanded bodywork freedom will not create a situation of confusion in identification between DPi cars and GT cars.
Q. What cars are eligible in the 2017 WeatherTech Championship Prototype class?
A. DPi cars, 2017 LM P2 cars and closed-cockpit 2016 LM P2 cars with IMSA-homologated engines will be eligible. After the 2017 season, 2016 LM P2 cars no longer will be eligible.
Q. Will customer versions of the DPi car be permitted?
A. Manufacturers have the freedom to run factory teams or make their car available to customers as they desire.
Q. What fuel and tires will be used?
A. In the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, all cars competing in the Prototype class will use Continental tires and E20 fuel provided by VP Racing Fuels.
Q. How will IMSA balance the differences in the two versions of the 2017 car?
A. All DPi and LM P2 cars will undergo comprehensive wind-tunnel testing programs to ensure competitive balance from an aerodynamic perspective. Teams fielding DPi cars and LM P2 cars will have the ability to use some approved aerodynamic add-ons, enabling them to tune their cars to each track. This will promote diversity in car setup and stimulate competition.
Each engine also will undergo IMSA’s standard engine testing and verification. The target power level is 600 bhp and a comparable level of power and torque will be determined for each option.
Q. Have there been changes made to the DPi or LM P2 platform since the four chassis constructors were selected and announced by IMSA, the ACO and the FIA last year?
A. Shortly after the selection of the four approved chassis constructors last summer, IMSA received feedback from interested manufacturers that resulted in a need to make a slight alteration to the car dimensions in order to accommodate engines of a certain length. IMSA has worked closely with the ACO and the FIA to confirm the required dimensions. In addition, prospective DPi manufacturers have revealed a desire to use their own electronics providers rather than using the “spec” Cosworth ECU and related electronics that will be used in the Gibson-powered LM P2 cars.
Q. When will the DPi regulations be finalized?
A. IMSA expects the technical regulations for both DPi and LM P2 to be finalized this month to enable constructors and manufacturers the ability to move forward with the project and meet established deadlines. These cars will make their competition debut next January in the 55th Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Q. The ACO has voiced concerns in the media that, in their opinion, the IMSA DPi platform has moved too far away from the global LM P2 platform. Do you agree with that perspective?
A. IMSA, the ACO and the FIA have worked very closely together throughout this process and we will continue to do so as the last details of the technical regulations and related elements are finalized. All three organizations have raised concerns over different aspects of the project at different times. It’s all in the spirit of collaboration.
From the start, it has been understood and acknowledged that IMSA’s business goals and objectives for its top Prototype class differ from the goals of the FIA and ACO for a class that is not the top Prototype category for them. The IMSA DPi is intended to attract and involve top-level manufacturer involvement with professional teams and drivers – as is the case with the ACO’s top category - LM P1. The ACO LM P2 category prohibits manufacturer involvement and is a tightly restricted pro/am class.
Throughout this very complex process, multiple interested manufacturers have provided feedback and guidance that has resulted in an evolution of the technical details. As a result, some technical details are different from the original plan. However, the primary objective of using the same chassis – the same core car - and have cars (DPi and LM P2) that could truly compete with each other in ACO and IMSA competition has absolutely been retained. IMSA and its partners at the FIA and ACO remain closely aligned on the overall objectives of delivering a competitive, cost-effective prototype that can be used for different applications across multiple championships.
11-15-2016, 01:14 PM
#5
Thread Starter
Some recent news..
IMSA
IMSA
- While most of the 2017 spec LMP2 cars have been revealed, we are yet to see a DPi. This should change tomorrow with Mazda revealing theirs at the LA Auto Show.
- More on the DPi's. So far Nissan is the only one with official confirmation.. However Mazda revealing theirs is confirmation enough. Cadillac are also expected to have a DPi.
- Porsche has been working on an all new 911 RSR for GTE/GTLM. It is expected to be mid-rear engined vs rear engine. This is partly to make use of the 2016 regulation change which allow huge rear diffusers. Expect to see this tomorrow from the LA Auto Show.
- Acura will be racing 2 all new NSX GT3 in IMSA's GTD class. Michael Shank Racing will be taking care of the cars with Acura/HPD involvement.
- Lexus will have 2 new RC-F GT3's also for the GTD class. These will be run by 3GT Racing.
- Mercedes, having a GT3 car for a number of years have just now been entered into IMSA. Weathertech Racing, Ben Keating (known for racing Vipers in the previous years) and SunEnergy1 are the 3 confirmed teams with an AMG GT3 so far.
- Audi are leaving the top class (LMP1) at the end of the 2016 season.
- Rebellion are also leaving LMP1, although they run the non hybrid class. This only leaves one entry in the non-hybrid LMP1 class (CLM - Bykolles) for next year. Rebellion have purchased 2 2017 Oreca LMP2 chassis. Its possible to see them move over to IMSA.
Last edited by AE_Racer; 11-15-2016 at 01:27 PM.
11-15-2016, 03:56 PM
#6
Thread Starter
***Michael Shank Racing will run the Nos. 86 and 93 next year, signifying the first year of Acura (1986) and the year Honda Performance Development was launched (1993).
Last edited by AE_Racer; 11-15-2016 at 05:05 PM.
Trending Topics
11-20-2016, 04:28 AM
#9
Thread Starter
An emotional race in Bahrain yesterday..
2018 was supposed to see new LMP1-HY regulations, to include 10MJ, 3 ERS and revised seating positions. Instead, FIA have frozen the current regulations through 2019. They are hoping to gain more manufacturers before complicating the cars more.
2018 was supposed to see new LMP1-HY regulations, to include 10MJ, 3 ERS and revised seating positions. Instead, FIA have frozen the current regulations through 2019. They are hoping to gain more manufacturers before complicating the cars more.
Last edited by AE_Racer; 11-20-2016 at 04:31 AM.
