2011 Sebring tv coverage, or lack thereof

Well, over here (the Netherlands) we're indeed limited to an internet stream. No ESPN3 on this side of the pond. Previous years we had tv coverage by Motors TV, but no more.

 

It wasn't a choice. They can't afford SPEED or even Vs.

 

I had always thought that the ALMS was financially more healthy than Grand Am, or at least it was when the two series were first implemented. What changed? I have never been a fan of Grand Am and their 'roach box motel' of a prototype class. If Grand Am wins the tug of war between the two series does that spell the ultimate doom of any hopes of seeing Le Mans prototypes on this side of the pond?

---edited to add that I might have just remembered that NASCAR and its money may have gotten involved with Grand Am at some point perhaps?

 

What happened is that NASCAR bought Grand Am. NASCAR can afford to (shortsightedly, IMHO) promote GA and keep a split between road racing series alive in order to further their stock car racing agenda. ALMS is only alive because of LMS.

That said, the GA junior series (continental, nee koni, challenge) is quite good IMHO. ALMS has nothing like that.

 

Would you be so kind to link me the site where the stream is located? I've nothing found yet...

Cheers, Jens

 

Yeah I was complaining about that in the 12HR thread and it is complete crap!!! ABC will be airing a 1.5hr summary on Sunday.

 

at least there's live timing available and Radio LeMans

Carol

 

Grand Am is more like the old IMSA where they tried to keep costs somewhat low , at least until Nissan had 400 people working on thier GTP program , then it all went downhill , from attendance to how many entries came in.High end technology is great when there is enough factory support for it , but even Indy can't attract that level of investment , only F1 and ALMS is really cool , but tough to market , at least in the US.

 

to watch the full race, just go here

http://espn.go.com/espn3/index?id=148472

 

Yes - ESPN3 works great!

 

Thanks Isaac. I'm only an hour and a half away and can't go.

 

http://americanlemans.com/primary1.php?cat=live

Here is an link for those who don't get the espn....good racing so far

 

And no commercials!!! I'm good with it.

 

Things only get better, keep up with your live timing
http://scoring.americanlemans.com/scoring.php

 

Wow, thanks guys ...you made my day as ESPN doesn't run in Germany

Enjoy the race now

Cheers, Jens

 

Not well publicized, but......
http://www.prototypelites.com/

 

Went to the Sebring Raceway site and tried to find info this morning. One of the links brings you to FAQ's,etc on why the did what they did (deal with ABC/ESPN). Anyway, one fo the justifications was that the combo of ABC/ESPN/Internet reaches more people vs SPEED channel....

IMO, so what... Those options may (via demographics) reach more people but its harder for the end user to find and certainly a whole lot less comfortable sittign at my desk watching a computer monitor than on my comfy couch with some snacks and a drink.

ALMS was losing me as a fan anyway, and this move just solidified it.

 

The people that should be protesting most are the car sponsors that will not have the exposure that is lost due to this change. I am sure they did not know to take this into consideration when they made their deals with the teams. I will write off the ALMS as I have NASCAR.

 

I gotta admit I wasnt sure if I'd like this new ESPN3 format or not but its actually pretty nice to watch. Almost like when SPEED used to do live flag-to-flag coverage. Anyone have pics from the race?

 

We have Cablevision here in CT and ESPN3 is not available.

ALMS must be really struggling because the coverage available on the internet has got to be a small fraction of what they could get on television.

It's too bad as I much prefer it to Grand Am racing even though the prototype field can barely muster 8 entries sometimes.