To Keep the Ball Rolling - ALMS at Mid-Ohio

The ALMS page says it is freshly repaved, so I assume it will be a fast track with lots of grip. Does that give the P1s a chance now versus the P2s, or does it play into the P2 hands?

Is it a handling track, or a HP track?

I assume the F430s will be quickest in GT2 again. I just haven't seen anything which indicates the GT3RSRs have what it takes to run with the F430s in short-sprint races (versus 24 hours).

And the question on everyone's lips...which vette will win GT1? lol

 

The yellow one.

 

Ok, rumor time. A viper run by woodhouse performance will run in GT2 (yes GT2) at mid-ohio, and an oreca saleen S7R will run at Laguna Seca (I assume in GT1).

I hope these rumors are true!

 

If it's the same viper that ran earlier this season - then it's just another backmarker. Saleen is definitely GT1 - I also suspect an Aston at Petit and most likely Laguna too.

Carol

 

backmarker?

 

Yes, backmarker.
* Laptimes are acquired with a calendar
* Slower than the second coming of Christ

 

lol - how do you slow down a car that normally runs in GT1 so that it is even uncompetitive in GT2?

 

I believe it is a Viper Competition Coupe. It is the model run in SCCA WC as well. Carol could possibly know for sure...

 

Absolutely correct Joe - it's one of the two of Woodhouse that run in the Speed World Challenge. They placed 11 & 14 at Toronto . . . not the one I was thinking about that ran one or two ALMS races (it was a Panoz in Sebring - definitely a backmarker). I don't think (but could be wrong) that the Viper will stand a change with the 430's or Porsches at Mid-Ohio. I hope the Viper drivers don't cause problems for the fantastic racing in the GT2 class that will take place at Mid-Ohio - the DC and Class Championship is getting really good. There's 12 entries in the GT2 class - again the largest ALMS class.

The last WC race I watched with much interest was at Mosport last year when the Volvo won! The best duel in the WC has to be with the Acura drivers - lots of banging of cars at Salt Lake City as I recall.

Great description of a backmarker!

Carol

 

How do you reduce the displacement of an existing engine? Someone mentioned the 430s have to have displacement reduced below 4 liters to race in GT2. I can think of a few ways to do it, but I would guess there is one way that far better than the rest.

 

Mid-Ohio's kind of a mixed bag. Turn 1's a high speed sweeper into the Keyhole, an endless off camber bi#*h into the back straight which most cars would reach their top speed. 180+ for the P1/P2 guys. Then the esses, tight and twisty with elevation changes enough to free the engines. Down Thunder Valley to the Carousel to the front straight to turn 1.

Last year was the first overall win for the P2 Penske P cars and most thought it a fluke as the R10 Audi had won Sebring on their first outing and returned to Germany to prepare for LeMans. The Audi running was the gas R8 car pulled out of storage. I guess the P2 P cars have proved themselves on any type of circuit since, although some claim they belong in P1. OK, call them a P1 and they still have been winning on all kinds of tracks.

I love sound and feel of racing engines and the ALMS is the best series if you enjoy. So many different sounds. I will miss the Astons. That being said, the Audi R10 coming at you at 185 mph is silent. Hard on the brakes, dropping gears, still silent. Going away on the gas, still silent. Amazing car.

There is no wall to the pit lane and access is like none other. Treat yourself somewhere to the best racing in the US. I'll be at Mid-Ohio, but I always have been. See you in Atlanta Carol.

 

I will probably be there.

If i do go i will put up pictures in the Racing section.


Hopefully the F430's will finish ahead of the Porsches!

 

+1, Ill be there 1 week from today...

 

I'd be at Mid-Ohio except for the fact the following week we are headed to Belgium for the FIA-GT Total 24 at Spa. But then one should never say never!

See you at Atlanta Michael!

Carol

 

For me - #62 Ferrari ahead of the others.

Carol

 

I am hoping the Lizards can pull one out, but I don't think they can fly fast enough.

Here's hoping for another finish like Sebring!

 

If i go ill be there on thursday night.

 

I am going!!


Go Ferrari!!!!!

 

Hey Michael - air fares non-cooperative for Mid-Ohio so won't be coming . .instead booked for Detroit for 2 September race . . .you going to that one? No cars allowed on Belle Isle, will be running shuttles from various parking locations in Detroit. Tickets cheap - $126.50 for John & I - paddock pass/general admission.

Mid-Ohio should be interesting based on the latest IMSA Competitor Memo - After Tomas' unnecessary adventures (3 separate avoidable contacts) last weekend at Lime Rock, he's on probation for the remainder of the 2007 season. If I were Guiseppe I would send Petersen White Lightning the repair bills for #61 & #62 after that fiasco.

Two Vette drivers, Mika, Jaime and Marino will be in the TOTAL Spa 24 Hours the following weekend. Mika and Jamie as opponents rather than team mates. Two Vette guys will be in an Aston and Marino in an MC-12.

Maybe Mid-Ohio next year. I'd much rather support the real tracks than the street courses (except for Houston because of it's nearness).

Carol

 

This is a test day so no crowd, but I always park here. In the esses by the Honda bridge. Stop and say hi.

Carol, these people I live with are dragging me to Mexico and Manhatten between now and Road Atlanta. But I'll look at Belle Isle and schedules.

All these folks talking about street courses need to get out more. Natural terrain tracks is where it's at. I'd like to see ALMS schedule Barber as it is one I have not been to.
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Do enjoy Mexico and NYC - Detroit is a lot closer to you than it is to us!!

I'd love to see Long Beach dumped from the 08 sked (there's already Laguna Seca) and replaced with a natural terrain track as you mentioned - Barber would be good, VIR is another one the comes to mind. There's already much speculation to the 08 sked on the other forum.

for Adrift: for the Total 24 hours of Spa the 26-29 of this month go to www.fiagt.com and for the computer live timing for practice, qualifying, race go to www.mstworld.com -> FIA-GT Championship -> 2007 -> then the race

for this weekend's ALMS race go to www.imsaracing.net for live timing and globecast radio with Hindy (I minimize radio le mans and have the time timing full screen - works great!) the race is also covered live on XM - our XM systems are mounted in our trucks . . .I guess I could always take my laptop out and sit in the truck for the race.

Carol

 

Ill make sure to stop by


Is it supposed to rain at all?

 

+1

Road Atlanta, Brands Hatch, Spa etc etc.

 

Slight chance of rain Friday morn, then 79-80 and sunny the rest of the weekend. Perfect!

 

Road America, Laguna. My 1st trip to Road Atlanta was last fall. Great course, you don't see the elevation change on TV.