Murphy’s gotten an early look at proposed 2010 ALMS entry fees. If you plan to field a single-race (without paying the “full season entry fee”) LMP1, Sebring will cost you a cool $13,000, more than a 70% increase from 2009’s $7,500. On the other hand, if you commit (cash) to the whole shebang, the entry goes up just 300 bucks, to $6,500 from the discounted “member’s fee.” No word on the member dues for that full season club. It was $25,000. (more…)
Archive for September, 2009
140. Two Proto (related?) Programs, F1 and Sports Cars – Leave one, Join the other?
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009139. Tony to chuck it? NASCAR exec “loses it.” Silly supercar. Stupid Rules – again. Scurrilous Schedule.
Thursday, September 17th, 2009Though Audi’s return to the ALMS in 2010 remains very much in doubt, the company’s active engagement with the ACO over 2011 rules indicates a continuing commitment to (or at least an interest in) the sport. Does that mean a full ALMS program in 2010? Not with any certainty, since it depends on whether “commitment” or “interest” is the right descriptor. (more…)
Tumbling Dice
Saturday, September 12th, 2009By A.C. Guillermo
I missed Montreal in favor of a trip to Vegas, where I spent a good part of my three-day junket at the craps table. I’m still trying to recoup from the Zogaib debacle, and I thought Vegas could provide some financial relief. Well, it didn’t.
And this whole racing thing has become a crap shoot. Six months ago I thought the Grand-Am Rolex Series was on the verge of dominating the road racing world … I could envision spec DPs racing at Sebring and Le Mans … and now I wonder if the series will even be around in 2011? (more…)
138. The petite field. White smoke “getting old?” The big split. Anemic television.
Thursday, September 3rd, 2009Ka Boom
A manufacturer has been watching its engine program hit the wall lately. If the Orville Redenbacher sponsorship doesn’t work out, they’ll need to look for a change in the focus, management, and perhaps even the participants. Orville likes the popping sound and white smoke, but it isn’t a very good image for a race engine (ask the James Bond car guys). Murphy’s been told that whatever else they do, a look at the in-house ten-cent engine control system should be the first order of business. (more…)