Murphy was just killin’ time here waiting for the Rolex start, doin’ nuttin’ much, and realized he’s been doin’ nuttin’ much for like a long time. Of course, wit da Braselburgers doin nuttin much lately, he’s gotten a little bored with the whole scene.
He’s been thinkin, how much can you rip the gang that can’t shoot straight before it’s just same ol’ same ol’? Which it has been for a long time. When The Bear launched this thing – way back in 2005 – he was documenting exciting and fun stuff. That started fading about three years later, and the whole damn thing’s turned pretty dark. Which Murphy doesn’t really like. At all.
Good News
Anyway, here’ some good news. Ah…ah…geez…The Bear’s thinkin’…ahah! That’s it! Dyson will be back racing against Greg! Like last year. And there will be some P2 guys – no one really knows how many – but it might include the Payday Lender King. Well, perhaps not King, but Chief, since he’s “gone native (American).”
GT will be cool, though there are way too many indications that’s headed for a slip, too. But all the more reason to enjoy it when you can. The Bear still isn’t sure whether the Texas car dealer will be back with his Ferrari(s) (that “s” is pretty unlikely, for sure). That will leave the Mexican cactus squeezers in charge of Ferrari’s prospects – and they haven’t had a lot of luck cracking the top 5 – ever. Not likely to change.
Where were we? Oh, yeah. Good News. There will be a handful of spec. LMP’s and another handful of spec. Porsches on the ALMS grids. If that turns your crank, then by all means go for it. Brewskis and brats (with an “a,” you know who you are way over there “down under,”) – and stronger stuff – with friends at the track hasn’t changed, regardless of the rest of it, right? That part of sports car endurance racing is a big part of its uniqueness, something that the stocker guys and OW guys (and girls) really have trouble understanding while sitting on their tushes in grandstands, heads on swivels like a rotating perversion of the crowd at Wimbledon.
Watchin’ the Rolex
Anyway, back to racin’ Like it or not, the Rolex is racin’ and the Bear’s going to settle in to watch in a couple of hours. Last year he was in Daytona Beach and even spent some time at the track. A disaster, though he met some really cool people. This time it’s his comfy rocker and his telebision. Ain’t it great not to have to screw this the streaming crap? (And crap it is.) Hey, ‘burgers, where the hell is Roku? Too busy? You have to be fricken kidding.
Good Ole Georgia Boys, New York Lawyers, and a Formerly FIA Frog in Volusia County Court
And Don, ol boy, suing a poor graphic artist known for poster of ocean liners? (and a girl at that)? The Bear ain’t much of a speller, but he sure kin’ git a person’s name spelt right, specially on a lawsuit. Will it get tossed for the mis-spell do ya think? Jus more paperwork keepin’ the New York lawyer busy, I spose. Anyway, does the new Grand Am tech guru Gabriel Cadringher know too many secrets? Did you have a contract wit him? More busy-work. No wonder there’s no time to open a Roku channel of yer racin’.
The 50th and the 60th
The 50th Rolex at Daytona. The whole world knows it’s the 50th, what with the gnomes of International Speedway Boulevard telling a story-a-day for a couple of months it seems, making sure everybody knows that great history. While who knows that Sebring is the 60th? (The Bear’s got a Sebring 50th commemorative bottle of The Don’s red – he and J. had some back 10 years ago at your Chateau at the safety pin, pretty good stuff, but this one is staying firmly corked and in the Bear’s cellar, where it’s been for the past decade.) What’s your PR department doin’ to tell the folks about the big race in March? Other than the new book (cool) by Sebring’s PR boss Ken Breslauer, all we’ve heard so far is the Frogs ain’t showin’ up wit their diesel. That should make it a one-marque race up front – again. (Murphy still thinks that Audi truck looks like a platypus.) Still, Sebring is the best party on the planet, and for Le Mans-style racin’, bein’ the only WEC round, the only ALMS race worth going to – except for the hard-core partiers, of course, who can have a good time at all but the dumb-ass street courses. (Have ya’ll figured out The Bear really does not like street courses?)
Where Were We?
Ok, the Rolex. Here are Murphy’s famous “Top 5” picks of the classes. He’s been pretty good at this. You can look it up.
Daytona Prototypes (new or old), the Top 5 finishers, in no particular order:
10 Angelelli/Briscoe/Taylor SunTrust Racing Corvette DP
02 Dixon/Franchitti/McMurray/Montoya Chip Ganassi Racing BMW Riley
90 Garcia/Gavin/Magnussen/Westbrook Spirit of Daytona Corvette DP
5 Donohue/Fittipaldi/Law Action Express Racing Corvette DP
01 Hand/Pruett/Rahal/Rojas Chip Ganassi Racing BMW Riley
The Bear’s not enamored of the pole-sitter. DP’s become a pro driver’s class. Peter’s got some nice drivers goin’, -check out the two Scots and the German guy, but he’s had to sell too many seats, so the three that could win it all are carrying a pair of weak sisters. Is this the year that Bob can break through and bring GAINSCO the big win? Daytona’s not been kind to the insurance maggot. So Murphy can’t make them a favorite, either. Spirit of Daytona has a really nice driver line-up, but has France cash converted this team from a couple of guys in a Daytona garage to a real race team? Sun Trust always has a shot, and while the World’s Greatest Race Car Driver (hello to the family at home) will start at the rear, Chip’s Grand Am regulars will be back in the hunt soon enough.
In GT, Porsche’s got the numbers. (24 Porsches in the field of 60 sort of overwhelms the whole damn event, doesn’t it? Pretty soon we’ll not be able to tell the difference from ALMS until we read out ticket.) Ferrar’s got a new car. Murphy’s not a Mazda fan, but they won in 2010, and McDreamy and company climbed the podium last year. The Camaros have struggled in practice and qualifying. Will they find the pace in the race?
Again, the Bear doesn’t like the pole winner to come through on top, for pretty much the same reason as above for Daytona Prototypes. He likes the Lizards a lot, even with the owner aboard – that doesn’t hurt nearly as much in this field as it does in the ALMS GTE field – and Seth is experience even if not fast. That should help a lot on a tough, crowded track. The Ferrari’s may be new, but they look good, and the Grand Am configuration isn’t a “high stress” kind of thing subject to the teething issues the GTE cars are.
45 Bergmeister/Long/Neiman/Rockenfeller Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche GT3
63 Beretta/Bertolini/Vilander Risi Competizione Ferrari 458
93 Auberlen/Dalla Lana/Marsa/Muller/Werner Turner Motorsport BMW M3
67 Bertheau/Bleekemolen/Goossens/Henzler/Pumpelly TRG Porsche GT3
23 Collard/Holzer/Leitzinger/MacNeil Alex Job Racing Porsche GT3
Rumors
What? No rumors? Maybe next time.
Tags: Action Express Racing, Alex Job Racing, ALMS, Chip Ganassi Racing, Flying Lizard Motorsports, Gabriel Cadringher, Grand Am, Ken Breslauer, Peter Baron, Peugeot, Risi Competizione, Roku, Rolex 24 at Daytona, Sebring, Seth Neiman, Spirit of Daytona, Sun Trust Racing, TRG, Turner Motorsport, WEC, World's Greatest Race Car Driver
Turner struggled in their first year at Daytona with the BMW. I expect the same from the Ferraris.
I agree that Seth isn’t a big liability, but with this field I think it is enough to keep the Lizards from the top step.
Btw, I thought this post wasn’t going to come out.
Welcome back Murph! Well, while Ive not been able to find the ALMS races on the net in any way (although posts here have indicated its not that difficult) I am watching live steaming on my Ipad as I message you on my PC….so easy to get the broadcast here. Also listening to Radio LeMans broadcast on line. Is it true that they (RLM) is not broadcasting the ALMS this year? Im one of those fanatics who listened to the broadcasts I couldnt see live!
Also agree with the dropped opportunity at Sebring; their 60th will be my 15th.
And while following Daytona, I avent attended since IMSA departed.
So what does the bear make of that rumor of Starworks getting an LMP2-car?
Do you have any additional info on Ken Breslauer’s book? This is the first I heard of it.
Saw no mention, back in the kitchen?
Good race, it got really interesting with McNish in the lead with 2 hours to go.
I think I remember this post a few years ago was to show how predictable the Grand Am series was. Now it seems that the race is a lot more “nascar” with a number of entries capable of winning. Murphy pulled an 0-fer this time. I iwsh the ALMS was more like that (multiple cars capable of winning, not a spec field.)
GTC in the ALMS would be so much better if they let more than just Porsches race, like the Grand Am GT class.
Here’s Ken’s post last week on his Facebook page:
Thanks! It will make a good memento from the race this year.
@ wrestlerrob
“GTC in the ALMS would be so much better if they let more than just Porsches race, like the Grand Am GT class.”
My comment simply is Apples with Apples compare ALMS GT with GA GT it is closer than you might think. So in ALMS you get a possible 4 different style of cars that can win any given race (BMW, Ferrari, Corvette, and Porsche.) and in GA 3 at best of different style cars that will win at any given race (Porsche, Mazda, and BMW). Both fields have part time showings for cars and teams some can be winners like the Risi Ferrari if they race again in GA or maybe ESM but most likely will not be a competitive Ferrari team in GA for the full season. As an outside chance a Camaro team could win but I think that most of them fall in the GA field filler class like the R8 teams and the Viper that will mostly give car count than an actual threat for win. ALMS also has teams that will come and go and are more likely to add to the car count and diversity of field that doesn’t truly offer a threat for wins aka Jag and Panoz and Ford GT. Granted teams like Robertson fight for podiums and have an outside chance to pull off a win but has not happened yet so I would not hold your breath and that’s if they race this season. But due to the additions and available GT Diverse fields both have about the same of different styles of cars. Just the difference is the car count, quality of different teams, and tracks that are raced on. Personally I will say that ALMS and GA have some what equal GT car count and tracks are about equal comparison (granted GA has a better spread out series and two more races in comparison to ALMS Lemans break) but I think that the quality of teams and drivers puts ALMS at the advantage in the GT area out of three areas. The GTC diversity statement I think will be less seen more than those teams stepping up to GT or LMP2. For the teams in the possibility of becoming GT teams that don’t have an all pro car and having enough the ALMS having the demand GT-AM class could be a legit thing for the ALMS. That again could add more cars and different styles to the ALMS field also.
For GA the interesting thing to see is how many GT teams race a full season rather than just being part of what is called “50 years of North Americas most prestigious sports car race” quoted from Daytona’s website.
These of course are a theory’s and have no backing of hard info behind them mostly just my opinon.
The Camaro was actually very competitive in Grand Am GT last year. Missed out on the championship by only a couple of points and won 3 or 4 races.
Whelen’s Corvette also won one, so the Chevrolets are by no means field fillers in GA.
@sebburg I mostly agree, but I failed to differentiate my to points in the prior post.
1. It would be nice if ALMS could have more cars with a chance of winning the overall.
2.GTC in ALMS is a spec entry, it sucks that only Porsches are allowed to enter. Open the class up!
Where we may disagree is I much prefer ALMS GT over GA GT. Like Murphy, I hate the tube frames (except DTM).
I just read the WEC and Le Mans entry lists. If this really takes off, I think the WEC will kill off the ALMS and ELMS. I think that will probably be a good thing.
wrestlerrob says I just read the WEC and Le Mans entry lists. If this really takes off, I think the WEC will kill off the ALMS and ELMS. I think that will probably be a good thing.
Noooooooooo, gawd bless your little heart, sir. Here we are in blighty hoping for a few crums from your big yankee table in the form of some civilised racing on the old streaming machine….yes your bearship after a long day of chimney sweeping and saying cor blimey sir there is nothing better to go wiv me stewed cockroaches but a bit of yer ALMS. Gaaaaawd bless yu, in it.
Yu see the ACO cant organise a bun fight and the FIA well they cant breave unless they get permission from the little dark lord so it will end in tears withun two years…gawd there you go even some poetry for ya. It did in the 90′s FIA GT’s and just last year GT1 champs, they just dont av the instinct for endurance. As for he frogs well the last time thae took a scorpion across a river just look what happened, sunk without trace, its in its nature it purred, glug glug glug….
cant stay, nice to parley with yu, its time for ice hockey on the streamer, there it is again fur face. keep putting the cream on those necks and keep the faith. ALMS is a great American institution……..
Must agree that there’s nothing positive about losing the ALMS.
I will make sure I am clear on my opinion of GA vs. ALMS. I think that for the most part racing should evolve some sort of trickle of technology from the racing to the cars that we drive. So with that said I think that in some part as major racing goes F1, IRL, WRC, and ALMS/ELMS/WEC(in no order of importance and I’m sure I’m not including all) all provide a proving ground for new ways of thinking and tech development that can reflect what the manufacture produces for the consumers. I do not see this reflection as a goal from the racing in GA.
The other than that my other beef is GA biggest race is obviously the 24 hours of “North Americas most prestigious sports car race” that it seems that anyone with a big enough check book can go and race and possibly win. Unlike Le Mans where it actually requires more than I can fathom of tech and organization to attempt to win and heck to make the first part matter you have to get a entry into the race to make any attempt to race. Granted Le Mans is not a part directly of the ALMS but has links. Even at that Sebring is such a great event and the meaning in the past of if the car will stay together and if you can win you are more prepared for Le Mans and a favorite to win.
I am only 33 and will say this I have never missed a Petit and have been going for the last 10 years to Sebring and do not have a reason to stop going. I have gone to the 24 hours of “North Americas most prestigious sports car race” once and that was in 2000 when the Viper won and have been tempted at that time of the year to go again as Sebring’s draws closer to satisfy the racing itch but watch it on TV and usually glad that I wait till Sebring to satisfy the urge.
To end, in my opinion if GA ended I would not loose any sleep at night (unless I was celebrating). But If ALMS went away it would be a life changer for me I look forward to the races that I attend with my father and friends it seems all year round and I start over as soon as we leave an event. Also it is entertaining to try and keep up with the tech and info that makes it all more interesting. Also enjoy watching the coverage in any form I can get it streaming or delayed on ESPN 2 and/or both.
Thanks Murphy for the topics, rumors, and info that give all of us the want to discuss and thanks for all of the general info shared by all that post here.
Sebburg- Stop by Sponge Bob, turn 9, at Sebring and have a drink with us.
Has anyone heard anything about the “Unlimited RAcing Championship” which the ALMS announced in Septemeber?
Vaarrrum, is that an open invite?
Sacktrack- open to all. Come and eat the cherries.
vaarrrum: will be stopping by. Usually spend most of the time circulating around the entire track, but spend a few hours toward evening at turn 10, so Ill be stopping by.
1 Month to go!
Sacktrack-Oh, so you hang with those turn 10ers. Well maybe you should just….bring a bunch of them down with you. I’d say Jerri, Sandy, Kim. Anne..
Actually, I’m a loner don’t know any of the regulars….this will only be my 5th race of the 21st century.
Will be crewing for friend in the vintage events of the weekend.
Sacktrack- which vintage car? I’m shooting the vintage for a magazine.
Datsun B-210;don’t the #
What’s up Murph? You have been very quite lately. Will you be attending Sebring?
The Bear is working on a pre-Sebring Poop. In the meantime, he recommends you re-read the first two paragraphs above.
Murphy, everybody…. THE DELTA WING TURNS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQOXiRU4orc
I will admit that does look a tad slow for the corner shown, but not by too much from what knowledge I have. Though that said, I don’t recognize the corner(nor the track, that didn’t appear to be Sebring), so I don’t have a decent point of comparison.
We are lucky in these times to even have a race to go to. At least we get to see real race cars at Sebring and not those embarrassing DP’s. Keep your chin up Bear and dig for some good news. I love reading your stuff and look forward to your next post. If you make it to Sebring, swing by the start/finish line and say hello.
Murph!
I’m doing my part to help!
What do you need help with?
Since you never made it to Daytona, are you going to visit at Sebring? I had to do all of this just so we could have a lunch! Still scrambling waiting for boxes!
Vaaarrum:
Will be looking for you fri/sat
Hey Murphy sorry to make your page a social meeting place for at the track but look forward to trying to meet up with everyone if possable. I will get there on friday about mid day and will try and stop by that afternoon and see you all at turn nine Vaaarum. Red headed fellow some what hard to miss I guess lol. Have fun at Night practice this year it will be the first that I have missed since 2005.
Sorry to hear the Bear’s so bummed. Must be a honey pot somewhere he can raid.
What ever happened to Clay and his Team(Team ROI).
12 Hour at Sebring was the best I have seen in the 8 times I have gone.
Murph Love reading your blog and geting your tweets!Keep it up.
@awnx68
Here is the short answer. Our financial partners want an all-American program. Therefore we will have a new chassis and engine combo. Program will begin in 2013 and will be WEC only. Both of our partners are large American companies with a strong international presence and they believe that is the way too go. Their money, their decision.
So, Clay — that must mean your guys are stumping up for the Riley LMP with the Roush Ford in LMP2, right? Sincere good luck, but given the competitiveness of the WEC LMP2 field at Sebring (let’s leave Evel 5 out of this), you’re choosing a tough row to hoe…
@theDA
I did not say a word about the Riley or Rouse Yates. There are three chassis options and two engine suppliers.
You are right. The American teams looked pretty sad alongside the WEC teams. The different level of professionalism was apparent.
I think the American Starworks team winning P2 and 3rd overall was pretty bad ass.. and the Rahal American ALMS GT pro winning GT.
I meant a tough row to hoe in terms of technology if Clay’s crew are bringing a new chassis and engine package to the WEC — nothing to do with it being American or not.
Peter Baron and Starworks did a terrific job on preparation, set-up, and strategy (having two plantinum drivers didn’t hurt either) and the HPD engine is a joint US-Japanese project after all…
I meant a tough row to hoe in terms of technology if Clay’s crew are bringing a new chassis and engine package to the WEC — nothing to do with it being American or not.
Peter Baron and Starworks did a terrific job on preparation, set-up, and strategy (having two platinum drivers didn’t hurt either) and the HPD engine is a joint US-Japanese project after all…
@the DA
I could not agree more. It is a huge undertaking and has been on going for about 4 months now. We are fortunate to have the financial backing to put this package together.
We are extremely lucky to have some very good people that have significant experience in bringing a new car through development and getting it ready to race. Also a strong assist from the good folks at NASA has certinly helped as well with new materials and the use of some of their computers.
Clay:
Interesting to hear you have some help from NASA. Very impressive people — I know a couple of them myself. Just be careful you don’t get them in trouble with that thug Darrell Issa, who seems to have it in for the agency…
Murphy:
No Sebring wisdom or whimsy, pre-, on-, post-, or otherwise… are you lost in the woods or something?
@ the DA
We believe the amount of technology available and the fact we are based on the Space Coast will be invaluable. Several companies have offered their assistance in a number of ways. Some of the technology and materials that we have seen is beyond anything currently being used in motorsports. It may help us down the road.
Issa is an idoit. That man has no clue.
Any sightings of the bear?
It would be truly strange if the only “world class” sports car race in North America was held in the baking sun on a new Tilke F1 track outside of Austin, Texas. But change is the only certain thing in life, so bring it on.
Two unpleasant news items:
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-nightmare-of-the-european-auto-industry-2012-3
http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/elms-zolder-round-canceled/
As my old boss used to say, “Brace for change”. The word consolidation comes to mind, for some reason.
Well, at least the ALMS will have a factory-supported Viper or two in the mix later in the year. That’s a plus for American race fans.