Green Savoree LLC bought Mid-Ohio. The Bear doesn’t expect much change, but he’s not cheering, either. Mid-Ohio has seemed in the decade or so he’s been going there to be in good repair and have good crowds at events Murphy’s a fan of – principally the American Le Mans Series. It’s in more or less essential geography for that series and for IndyCar, being about equidistant between Cleveland and Columbus and not much further from Detroit. It wouldn’t be hard to drive there from Pittsburgh, and Murphy’s left there and taken his sweet time driving to Chicago, but he suspects the Chicago Cross-Roads Corvette Club could make the trip in less than the 6 hours Google estimate. 

It’s been mentioned here before that Mid-Ohio was for sale – has been for a couple of years. It would become a much bigger problem if it didn’t sell than if it did; there’s nothing worse than management that wants to get out. The Bear isn’t as sanguine as some about Green Savoree management however. Neither Toronto nor at St. Pete can yet be called an unequivocal success for this group. Both events are with us – for now – but any missteps could be fatal.

Aston Martin

As a fan, Murphy appreciates that Aston Martin’s sunk a pile of dough into a ground-up prototype. From a sporting perspective, at least, one of the Bear’s friends in the business  says AMR gets “nothing but respect.” Murphy can’t disagree, but he’s said all along an iconic sports car builder like Aston Martin needs to be racing one of its sports cars, and the AMR One is not that.

It’s not that they did – or did not – build it from the ground up, though there are doubts out there. A pretty wide swath of the racing fraternity thinks there’s a lot of BMW in that turbo in-line 6. Some see other fingers in the design if not in the build. Murphy wonders at the magnitude of a complete design-build between September and February in parallel with Prodrive’s BMW Mini project.

But put that aside. As much as the fan in Murphy loves it, does this prototype make business sense for a company that has no idea how it will find the resources to replace the aging Ford-designed VH platform on which its sports cars are based? A company that will soon produce an SUV out of Mercedes “M” parts bin? That will build Merc’s Maybach, then use the same underpinnings and drive train for its own Lagonda? Is the AMR One so good an idea that it’s worth the end of Aston Martin? The Bear hopes the managing director’s ego doesn’t so over-reach the resources of Aston Martin as to endanger this great automotive icon.

DHL Didn’t Disappear

Our tendency a couple of years ago was to chalk up DHL’s withdrawal of support from Penske Racing, Porsche, and the ALMS to the company’s obvious North American struggles. It would seem now there was more to that decision, as DHL in back in racing with both feet, as primary sponsor on one Andretti IndyCar and associate on another.

Highcroft Builds Excitement

Or maybe that was Pontiac. Anyway, when Paul Ryan, Highcroft’s PR guy sent out a press release about press releases this past Sunday, Murphy just couldn’t resist. It helped that Paul is one of the best in the business, his curriculum vitae including real newspaper journalism, a nascent driving career, commentary for Bathurst and for F1 in Australia, PR for the Don’s Adelaide Race of 1000 Years, Panoz Motorsports Group, and Multimatic amongst other good gigs. After all, there’s no humor in poking fun at a stiff, but neither Paul nor Highcroft are anything like stiffs.

So the Bear was “off and running.” Exciting? Exciting? Murphy may be on the web, but web sites are NOT “exciting.” David Brabham driving for Highcroft. That was exciting – a half decade ago. The Scotsman newlywed? Murphy thinks Holly is, and to some Pink Floyd’s drummer is, but to us bears, not so much. Today, all about the new HPD ARX-01e LMP1 chassis, and tomorrow the third driver for Sebring will be announced.

What Murphy really wants is an announcement of a full ALMS season for Highcroft. He doesn’t think that’s imminent, but he hears they’re busting their collective butts up in Connecticut trying to promote the team and generate funding to do the job properly. A friend told the Bear, “One thing you can bet on with Duncan – he doesn’t do much of anything by halves.  – he’s not about to turn Highcroft into a rental car shop by bringing in blokes just because they have the cash.” Murphy’s friend also pointed out all the teams – de Ferran, Fernandez, Penske, Champion, Andretti – that Highcroft has raced against and have closed their sports car operations. Touché.

So maybe a “press release about press releases” is ok in a nearly desperate time for sports car racing.

Thunderbolt Bankruptcy

New Jersey Motorsports Park filed bankruptcy last week. PR stuff aside, the Bear’s not always gotten glowing reports about the facility and the manner of its operation. But the question here is whether this action will endanger Virginia International Raceway. Why? A partner at Thunderbolt is also an owner at VIR.

Portland under Pressure

The “Noise Control Board” (is that government gone amuck, or what?) is going to vote to extend Portland International Raceway’s noise variance for another three seasons. The Bear’s readers can help race fans in the Pacific Northwest by emailing the Board’s Chairman, paul.vanorden@portlandoregon.gov 

Green Shock

The American Le Mans Series announced its Michelin Green X Challenge formula will include in-race consumption in 2011, admitting it did not last season. (EDIT: The Bear heard from one of his most trusted sources, and John Dagys has also issued a correction. Fuel consumption was a part of the formula in previous seasons.) I guess Murphy should have suspected something when Lord Drayson’s (remember him?) team won both the race and the challenge at Road America by – wait for it – running full rich and taking on extra fuel. Does anyone else see hypocrisy by the Lord (who claims he’s “racing for the planet,”) Michelin, or the American Le Mans Series, which, in spite of its incessant “green rant,” fails to embrace real green racing breakthroughs at every turn, from the Corsa and Porsche hybrids to the delayed acceptance of Dyson Racing’s use of ethylbutanol fuel (which probably should win the Green X Challenge every time out…pond scum…think about it)?

Announcements have been written but not released while the last details of an agreement are completed. However, Murphy is pretty sure Dyson Racing (but not its current two drivers) to be on hand at Montreal, and yes, the Bear knows full well that’s on the same weekend as Mosport. Dyson Racing will wrap up the 2010 season involved in both ALMS and Grand Am, as they have before.

Dyson’s been struggling this season – hell, the past three or four haven’t been anything to write home about. So perhaps a little change of scenery is in order. Plus, maybe you’ve noticed, prototype racing, after a pretty cool 2007 and 2008, well, the only way to put it is…it sucks. Big time. So, why not take on something different? The ALMS thing is sure no fun. (According to sources who have talked to both, Chris is circumspect about all this, Dad less so.)

Anyway, along comes John and Karen McCutchen’s Godstone Ranch Racing, participants in this past Rolex 24 with Davy Jones in Leighton Reese’s new Corvette. John’s been driving in Continental since. The Bear thinks McCutchen will drive the prototype and Davy Jones will join him.

Dyson Racing will participate as the team of record and with team staff and infrastructure and such. Lola will deliver a car, and Rousch-Yates will do the Ford engine. The effort – as at Daytona – will carry Godstone’s imprimatur and benefit Texas Heart Institute. According to Murphy’s sources will be Lola factory-supported. (You didn’t really expect Lola to carry on with Krohn after the names they called each other in Delaware’s Chancery Court, did you? I mean, they wanted Krohn to sell cars and win races, and he’s done neither.)

All the participants are contributing some amount of support to this party…no one is carrying the whole burden, and it seems no one is “just getting a check.” For Montreal and Utah this year, anyway, it looks like this one is pretty much set.

No one will say for sure that there is – or isn’t, for that matter – a 2011 plan. But Murphy thinks this is a bit of that “team building”; if the kids all get along, and they can work out some numbers (from Dyson’s standpoint, with Mazda and BP not coming through as expected this season, almost anything will be an improvement) they’ll continue with a full season in 2011.

Back to Mexico in a Huff

Murphy thought, along with others, that the Gonzalez boys were mad at IMSA for the ride height penalty, got mad and left. Now Murphy’s been told that wasn’t the deal at all. Seems Gonzalez got it in his head that instead of just buying a ride (or renting a team), he was buying a team, or at least part of one. Then Alex (or was it Holly?) sat down and had a little heart-to-heart. No, Alex Job Racing was still – and would remain – Alex Job’s team, lock, stock, and barrel. They must do business differently in Mexico, because ol’ Mission tortilla chips up and left, went back the Monterrey (anyone with any sense is going the other direction from that drug gang cesspool). That’s what the Bear heard at Lime Rock, anyway . And Murphy likes Tostitos better, anyway.

Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course

Murphy was told just this morning that a sale of Mid-Ohio is imminent. He’s written more than once that it was on the block, most recently this June 10 entry:

“The American Le Mans Series could lose its Mid-Ohio round next season. Murphy previously heard the sale of the track is possible – there have been discussions, and a  price has been named…” (Paddock Poop 168.)

Now he’s heard the sale is just about wrapped, up and will be announced soon. Ominously, this source says, “New owners not big ALMS fans.”

2011

If there are enough teams, where will they race? Uncle Scott still prattles on about 11 events, but the Bear can’t find many in the paddock who believe that. Rumors are flying about the addition of Baltimore (that seems pretty certain) and Oklahoma City (less so), but what about the 9 on this year’s calendar? Who will be back, and who won’t. Murphy doesn’t know, of course, but there are lots of rumors about, and a little speculation, so here is your 2011 season:

Sebring, Mosport, Road Atlanta. They are the “house brands,” so they’ll be along for the ride no matter what…except of course, when the Don can get “residential real estate value” for the 700 acres of Road Atlanta. Mercifully, with today’s real estate market, that won’t likely be any time soon. Mosport will stay a sprint race as long as the Tundra Monkeys keep turning up in profitable numbers for a sprint. The party goes on at Sebring (and the land isn’t worth much, anyway).

Long Beach. ALMS is still in the midst of a contract that – according to rumor – hugely benefits the promoters. The series is obligated to (1) pay and (2) show up. Long Beach isn’t going to let this fish off the hook.

Monterey. A fairly successful event, colder than hell the past two years, especially where wind-exposed. Attendance has dropped both of the past two years, more this year, after the date was changed. Changing an event date, not just from one week to the next, but from fall to spring, is never good, but Laguna Seca will be back in 2011.

Utah. Nobody – and Murphy means literally nobody – shows up for this one. Rumors have been rampant it would be gone in 2011, but there are just as many rumors that it will become the next 6-hour enduro. Teams don’t like it, fans don’t like it. What the hell are you going to do with yourself in this sun-baked wasteland for six hours?

Sonoma. The rumors have gone quiet. Best guess is it’s off.

Lime Rock. Attendance is mediocre, and few are happy with the butchering that was done to this track under the guise of an upgrade. No real rumors that it’s gone, though, perhaps since it’s the series only foothold in the Northeast.

Mid-Ohio. The date has to move to make way for Baltimore, but It’s not clear where there’s room. Could it go before the Le Mans break? There are recurring rumors that Mid-Ohio will be off the schedule. A sale if continuing rumors are correct, will almost certainly remove the track from the 2011 schedule.

Baltimore. A good source says Baltimore is a slam-dunk for the ALMS. The promoters want the series, and the series wants to be there. The same source says the contract was in the hands of the series, and the promoters were anxious to see it signed and announced.

Oklahoma City. Murphy hears it’s on, Murphy hears it’s off. That reflects the reality. 50-50.

Road America. Gone. The Bear’s sources on the ground say the Nationwide race drew the largest crowd seen Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine country in years, perhaps in decades. That’s enough, with ISC’s AMA Super Bike, for the track to get rid of the money-losing sports cars. George won’t care, he’s happy with his new NASCAR friends. Though he would jump at a good open wheel weekend if one came along, he’ll accept a Grand Am date to keep Nationwide and the Super Bikes.

New Jersey. Often rumored, but just wishful thinking. In the ISC pocket, no chance for the ALMS.

Houston. Promoters want to re-launch this one. If they do, it will be with IRL, and  likely without the American Le Mans Series.

Go Git Em, Johnny

Others have done so (Montagny) but the Bear was warmed all over that Johnny O’Connell treated the fans like adults and told them what they already know: Lime Rock does not suit the American Le Mans Series. That’s particularly true after the butchering of the recent “upgrade.” Another place where they are lying to you when they say love being there: Miller Motorsports Park.

Murphy’s “Quote of the Week”

This gem comes from the PR release of one of the ALMS teams after Saturday’s qualifying at Lime Rock.

“As usual at Lime Rock, the rain came earlier than expected.”

Follow Murphy on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Murphythebear

Bad luck? Hardly. According to the Bear’s sources, the Keystone Kops routine was on display all week, from an embarrassing rented transporter that ultimately had to be covered up, to an empty hospitality suite for Jaguar executives and their guests  – no furniture, not even a cup of coffee.

Even the mainstream press had serious doubts about the program continuing once they saw it at Le Mans. The Daily Telegraph, UK’s largest circulation broadsheet newspaper, noted Jaguar’s “approval (of RSR’s official support) became rather strained” at Le Mans. Twenty years after the Tony Dowe-managed XJR-12 win, the Gentilozzi Jag went just 18 minutes 30 seconds into the 24-hour race before expiring. Murphy hears now that Jaguar will likely end its support for the RSR program before the American Le Mans Series gets to Miller. Will Jaguar continue with some other arrangement? Perhaps, but not immediately. Meanwhile, some suggest that since it’s been largely a privateer effort anyway, Gentilozzi may try to continue.

Bavarians aren’t thrilled, either

Jaguar wasn’t the only famous make that had a troubled Le Mans. insiders admit Schnitzer was an embarrassment to BMW, too. The betting is that the Bavarians will – or have – express their unhappiness, but won’t “changing horses.” For now Schnitzer will continue as BMW’s most important racing partner.

Porsche wins Le Mans GT2 – maybe

Le Mans GT2 winners – or not? What could possibly be in doubt about the winning Porsche’s motor that would take until “early next month” to sort out. Some wag wondered if the timing was dependent on “the check clearing.” Meanwhile, any marketing value in having won Le Mans is frittering away – except, of course, Porsche has been happy to claim its 98th class win anyway. Since the runner up Ferrari is also under review, perhaps Porsche feels secure because the third place car is another Porker?

A Dane Sprints – and Likes it

Jan Magnussen had his Sprint Cup series debut and loved it. He called it “fantastic; unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”
“They go two wide and three wide. That’ll never happen in ALMS…here (in NASCAR), they allow you to race and to be two and three wide. Fantastic.”  Yuppers, Jan, the ALMS will pull you into the pits for “avoidable contact.”

Kevin to “Start and Park”

Given the instruction by cash-strapped Kevin Buckler’s TRG to “start and park,” 2000 Cup champion Bobby Labonte decided to walk. Andy Lally will get the opportunity to try to make the field, then park for the cash. That’s good for Andy, who gets a chance to show his skills to the Cup paddock.

Murphy told you about Buckler’s plans for new digs at New Jersey – and his sponsorship troubles – last August. Any chance Buckler’s fancy new shop will progress beyond this photo appears to be fading fast.

Mid-Ohio still “on” for IRL

Murphy’s been sorting through the comments on the 2011 schedule by IndyCar VP Terry Angstadt. Of most import to ALMS fans is his confirmation that Mid-Ohio will remain on the IRL schedule, albeit on a different date, the current one having now been committed to the new-in-2011 Baltimore street race.

With Baltimore and Loudon added, two current events will necessarily be dumped to achieve the series’ preferred 17 events. There could be more, but two seem certain according to Angstadt’s latest comments. Also implied in his remarks to the Elmira (NY) Star Gazette is that any “drops” will be within the events that occur before August on this year’s schedule. Since Long Beach is sacrosanct, it seems certain the only impact on the American Le Mans Series is the changed date for Mid-Ohio. Still to be answered, of course, is whether the ALMS will “follow” the IRL to the new date.

Prototypes Prospects

Expect Highcroft to return as Honda’s “Semi-Official Foot-in-the-Door” entry in Le Mans-style sports car racing. Although there have been statements of interest in an LMP1 engine under the new rules (since that would be a 3.4 liter NA designed-for-racing V8 they actually already have one, don’t they?) what they do will be determined by analysis of the final 2011 IMSA rules (if it and the ACO ever actually get around to publishing those). There’s no way there will be enough prototype entries for the series to restore its LMP1/LMP2 structure, so that class distinction is irrelevant and whichever engine appears to have the best chance to win will be the way this goes.

Murphy similarly thinks you can count on Dyson Racing to return, even though both Mazda money (cut this season) and BP petrodollars (other obligations to worry about) are “problematic” at best. Will Dyson stick to the so-called “little four-banger?” Yes, if the redesigned-for-2010 engine proves to be good over the remainder of this season, and the feeling on the team is it’s off to a pretty good start. As with HPD and Highcroft, the idea of a Dyson “class change” is moot as long as IMSA stays with a single LMP class – which it will do if it isn’t planning seppuku (though it does seem to be working on that).

Autocon’s LMP1 entry depends on Bryan Willman’s largess. He loves to race, but sooner or later will “hit the wall” (see Tom Weickardt). How does the Le Mans disappointment figure in that? Will the team be able to replace Shrek if it needs to? The Bear will score a 2011 return as “probably not.”

Intersport likewise needs one or more Sugar Daddies. Futility got old for Richard Berry, and the new Beverly Hills mark (er, driver) has hardly turned a wheel with a third of the season already gone. It’s a crap shoot to predict a top-class LMP entry for this team the rest of this year, say nothing of next, though the Bear expects continuation of its LMPC and IMSA Lites programs.

There’s some speculation that rule changes could end Cytosport’s Porsche run. Some of that appears to be rooted in an idea that a Porsche LMP1 (not just a modification of the RS Spyder) is imminent. Murphy doesn’t believe it is. So, will Cytosport continue? The team is not (like Highcroft or Dyson) an  ALMS competitor of many years. Greg Pickett is “getting on in years” (his lap times show it). Porsche doesn’t seem eager to support the Spyder (though they will continue to do so if adequately paid). Murphy thinks there’s no more than an “even chance” Pickett and his team will return.

Will Audi return? Yes and no. The “no” first. The R18 is about as substantial as any other video game, meaning it hasn’t made it off the hard drive of the design computer, and won’t until Audi’s board says “jawohl.” 

If it does, Murphy expects to see the new prototype in the Intercontinental Cup events and nowhere else. Herr Doktor Ulrich told a respected radio personality earlier in the spring  that a GT program in the American Le Mans Series is probably the way to go. Murphy would be disappointed if an Audi GT effort was wasted on a GTC entry, but it’s not clear which of those directions (GTC or GT), if any, Audi will finally take.

Everything the Bear hears about Corsa/ARES screams “dead on arrival.” Even the most recent team Facebook update couldn’t find anything more positive to say than “we are in a bit of a holding pattern,” and though they “want to race this year,” the “main concern” is 2011. Murphy puts the odds of even that happening about equal to those he gives to full seasons from Creation and ECO Racing. Both of those are slim and none, hoping in vain for one (or more) of those “sugar daddies,” so much in short supply. It’s a measure of the dearth of interest in racing in the American Le Mans Series that beyond ARES and ECO, Murphy can’t even find a good rumor about 2011 prototype entrants.

Drayson Racing is the one entrant for whom prospects for next season (and this one) have actually improved, due to Labour’s UK election loss. That left Lord Drayson “unemployed,” but now free to take on partners and sponsors. His current Judd V10 will be obsolete by the rules in 2011, and his enthusiasm for losing will be tested at some point (See Bryan Willman), but for now the Bear expect’s the Lord to return.

Unless there’s something out there completely under the radar, the American Le Mans Series top class will include no more than the six entries on this year’s grids with “bumps” in the two Intercontinental Cup races at Sebring and Road Atlanta.

LMP2 Kit Car

Kit car builder Bailey Edwards Cars claims it has six people working on a new-rules LMP2 to be built entirely in South Africa. Nearly two years into the project, there’s nothing to show but Greg Bailey’s chatter about testing in October and some artists drawings. To the Bear it looks like a small-scale US F1. Speaking of whom, they auctioned off US F1’s assets the other day, getting about a million dollars for tools, desks, parts and pieces, the largest of which, one tub, brought a mere $8,000. The You Tube guy, who’s turned out to be more big mouth than big money, seems perfectly happy to let his employees get stiffed on the pay due them. Class.

Peugeot’s Plan

Peugeot’s plan to participate in Petit – or in any of the remaining Intercontinental Cup and Le Mans Series races remains in some doubt. At the start of the season, it was Sebring oui, and PLM non. Then they said PLM ( and China) ouah! (Murphy dutifully booked his trip.) Following the Le Mans debacle, though, reports spread that it was now ah non Petit! (At least.) “Directly from the boss,” wrote one of the Bear’s trusted sources. Whatever. Girls and Frogs reserve the right to change their minds – often. As long as Paddy’s is open, Murphy will be happy.

Where’s T-Mobile?

 An article appearing in “Wall Street 24/7” lists the “10 Brands Most Likely to Disappear” T-Mobile, Kia, BP, Blockbuster, RadioShack, Moody’s, Merrill Lynch. Murphy had to laugh when he saw T-Mobile on that list. The chuckleheads ripping the poor Bear lately are the same ones who were touting VICI Racing’s Porsche T-Mobile sponsorship as “all set for 2010.” Murphy’s still looking for it…maybe later? Hey, corporate budget cycles don’t work like that – approving 2010 money in early 2009. What you saw in 2009 was all that was committed. 2010 was just hope – or hooey. The Bear told you as much.

Abruzzi

Le Mans was something short of a complete success for Don, Danny and the rest of the Braselburg gang. The Abruzzi made it across the Atlantic, but worries it might not make it around cancelled its scheduled demo laps. After a run up and down a nearby airport runway revealed a little problem or two (including wrong-length pushrods – “hey, we were in a hurry”), the Italian-inspired automotive sculpture became a static display at Le Mans, and remains in Europe. Parts packages are headed to Winchester, Virginia, so it’s now up to Tom Milner to see if he can build a racer. According to an observer, “It’s 75-1 on making PLM…against.”

Will Mid-Ohio be history?

The American Le Mans Series could lose its Mid-Ohio round next season. Murphy previously heard the sale of the track is possible – there have been discussions, and a  price has been named – and recently when directly asked, the IRL’s boss was non-committal about a return. That might mean the Honda company picnic is headed for the dustbin. If so, will a Mid-Ohio management that’s paying close attention to its balance sheet and P&L risk the rather large ALMS sanction fee absent the open wheel guys and the built-in Honda crowd?

Grand Am goes to Indy

Meanwhile, it seems certain that Grand Am is going to Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2011. So was the chatter around the Lime Rock paddock, anyway.

Corvette to get some love

In keeping with its “rolling rule revisions” policy (greasing the latest squeaky wheel), expect a bulletin giving a little love to the Corvettes as early as tomorrow (June 10). So far, the machinations of the Grand Am rule mill have left America’s sports car right where it started the season, while Porsche’s gotten major breaks, including a whole new motor. (That hasn’t brought the Porkers back, though, has it?) Mazda’s “support has been appreciated.”

Are the gnomes pissed off, or what?

The gnomes who inhabit the overstuffed chairs at de l’Automobile Club de l’Ouest seem to like Bavarians not better more than they did Count von Bismarck and Erich Ludendorff, and for sure Dietrich von Choltitz is a comparative favorite, especially in Paris. When the Bimmers showed up, the frogs hit them with a restrictor reduction. That seems to have put the designated German fall-guys 6 seconds off the GT2 pole (so far) instead of just 4. Our frog friends never have gotten over being jilted in 2001, have they? Besides, if you’re “appreciative of the support” of  the other two Deutsche builders, national pride requires you beat up on  ‘the other Boche”.

This morning the Bear woke up

To the end of GT1 (finally, it’s been “dead man walking” for years). Then there’s the much awaited ”other” GT class. The ACO has added a Used Car Class. Same as GT2, with one year old (and older) cars, and old drivers – well, amateur drivers who tend to be old, anyway, having made a pile of cash (too often in various ponze schemes, and in the the agricultural importing business). Great, another class that adds no new cars (without building a GT first, and waiting a year, a make can’t have a GT-amateur entry), and that’s entirely head-scratching for spectators (who cares about them anyway). Is IMSA going to follow this nonsense? Meanwhile, the market for GT1 cars is now exactly four.

How about an Excalibur? (Abruzzi II)

Well, now you’ve seen the Abruzzi. Murphy gave you the dirty little secret in Paddock Poop 167 – that it’s the ultimate (well, not really that good) kit car, built on an old Esperante GTLM chassis developed in Toronto, not Georgia. Throw on new body panels (bang on them ‘til they fit), and presto. The problem is, there’s nothing about this car that can be certified by US DOT, so make it “exclusive,” and maybe some sand box sheikdom with more oil money than good sense will buy a few. Well, at least Tom Milner (if he gets the race work) will recognize the chassis, won’t he? A prominent race engineer asked the Bear, “Can you imagine a wing on that thing?” Murphy would much rather have an Excalibur SS if he has to have a kit car – or maybe a faux 550 Spyder on a VW.

Farewell to the oil burners

There’s a good chance this is not just the end of the line for the 908 and the R15, but for diesel prototypes, and any prototypes from Peugeot or Audi. That rumble is so load it’s a roar.

Prognostications

A snake says anyone could do Murphy’s predictions in the ALMS. Probably true, but that’s a pretty sad commentary on the state of that series, isn’t it? Of course his point is that that LMPC and GT Challenge aren’t so predictable. That’s true, too…but neither is Nord Stern’s “Last Fling” at Brainerd. That doesn’t turn the Bear’s crank, either.

Here’s what Murphy thinks will happen at the little track in Le Sarthe:

A diesel will win LMP1.

Something with an HPD motor will win LMP2.

Murphy doesn’t care what wins GT1.

A Ferrari will win GT2.

Yearbook Awards, Class of 2010

Most likely to succeed: Peugeot, of course.

Most likely to be “first out”: Tie, JLOC Lambo and RSR Jag. (Dis)honorable Mention: Spyker Squadron

Fast Driver, LMP: Simon Pagenaud

Fast Driver, GT2: Jaime Melo

Slow Driver, LMP: Someone in a Norma (Shrek, you’re off the hook.)

Slow Driver, GT2: Way too many candidates, including at least one in a Ferrari, and a few in Porsches, a Spyker pilot. (This is a real contest!)

Worst Team Name (non-descriptive category): Young Driver AMR

I missed the Mid-Ohio race, but I am primed and ready for my favorite series to return home to the World Center of Racing. It is going to be awesome, with Grand-Am and the Cup cars running on the same day!

Mid-Ohio was another fantastically officiated race.  All the team owners I talked with last week were absolutely thrilled with the event, and hopefully next year spectators will be allowed.  Although the entry list has been steadily shrinking to ALMS levels, the close competition gave me goose bumps! I don’t know about you, but that race made me want to go out and buy a Rolex and get a car loan at Sun Trust!  Not so sure about Kevin’s wine, however.

There’s no doubt this year is going great. I just saw a NASCAR press release that confirmed the Grand-Am Series is growing by leaps and bounds.  I was very impressed to see Grand-Am merchandise sales up 41%.  I think Wayne Taylor buying those 10 t-shirts at New Jersey might have had something to do with that.

While Grand-Am’s Riley Rolex Series is booming, all you hear out of Braselton are words like ‘homologation” (isn’t that what certain people do in San Francisco?), “green racing” and “relevance.” 

I almost feel sorry for the ALMS. Once NASCAR officially took over my beloved Rolex Series, game over. The experts at Daytona are proving NASCAR will indeed rule the road racing world. Jim F. and Roger E. have penciled in Sebring and Road Atlanta on the 2010 Rolex schedule (which will be Grand-Am’s first races with spectators!). Of course, Petit Le Mans will have to change its name to Petit Daytona. And the DIS Security Department will have to go to Sebring to straighten out those Green Park people (I’ve been told the fine folks at DIS Security have been watching videos of the Iranian police’s suppression of protesters as a model for crowd control).

The transition from ALMS to Grand-Am should be relatively painless for ALMS fans. Other than the NASCAR loyalty oath, a ban on all technology developed in the last 20 years, and mystery debris yellow flags, they probably won’t notice anything different other than bigger fields of Porsche Cup cars and those beautiful DPs!

And yes, Le Mans was another yawner this year. Until Peugeot and Audi prove they can beat Rileys, Coyotes and Crawfish, they haven’t proven anything.

In closing, I can’t wait for the season-ending banquet after Homestead.  I have heard the entertainment lineup will again include Kevin Buckler doing his mime routine again, Mark Raffauf’s band “Mark and the Scale Calibrators,” plus special guest Tony George will join Roger E. in an emotional tribute to Michael Jackson.

A.C.

Alfie, the Alpine Field Mouse, resides in Switzerland. Murphy hadn’t thought much about his old friend in a long time, when along came a note. It seems ol’ Alfie’s right in the middle of the F1 tif. Actually, it was quite a bit more than just a note.

On Tuesday, June 16, the boys from FOTA (based in Geneva, where Alfie hangs out) sent along a three-page letter to Bernie and Max (that’s exactly the salutation, too, “Dear Max and Bernie,”). A nice personal touch, Murphy thinks, in the middle of a Mexican standoff (apologies to our south-of-the-boarder buddies, substitute Polish parliament, if you like). Attached to the letter was a newly revised Concorde agreement, ostensibly language proposed for the FIA, but just as easily a document on which the FOTA teams might structure their cooperation with each other in a new venture.

As usual, the media (these days the web, at hyperspeed) has been buzzing – and it really is fascinating how wrong most of that buzz is, full of words like “posturing,” and “fault.” That quite misses the point. A few out there do seem to understand that this is about governance. (Satorian, for instance, over on the ten-tenths motorsport forum.)

In that sense, this little fight is very, very relevant to sports car fans, but not for the reason you might think. If there is a break-away “F1” it won’t lead to a sports car launch by Ferrari or anyone else, but it just might begin to unravel the business model of motorsport, which nearly alone amongst professional sports maintains an administrative structure that’s a profit center in competition with its participants. American football and baseball are examples of the alternative, in which the league structures are creatures of the owners, who provide a budget for those functions but do not allow them to independently compete for funding. That doesn’t mean those “governing bodies” don’t wield a great deal of power – they do. But it’s at the leasure of owners, who cede that “self policing” function, much as that new Concorde agreement would. (The Bear won’t get into FIFA, which appears to operate much as does the FIA in regard to F1, and, not surprisingly, has been tainted by acusations of financial impropriety.)

Anyway, this has nothing to do with “cost caps,” with television coverage, or with “the fan experience.” It has to do with returning the sport to the control of its participants, while ending the “rake off” of hundreds of millions by a powerful competing entity.

Almost as an afterthought, FOTA’s letter offers to extend negotiations by pushing the deadline for setting the 2010 grid from June 19 to July 1. Murphy’s correspondents won’t make book on whether that will happen, but about this they are certain: the eight signatories of FOTA’s letter of the 16th are ready, able, and willing to launch a racing series of their own in 2010, and that includes a substantial enough “war chest” to operate through the 2010 season and beyond.

Max is sending proposals to five FOTA members he thinks are “wavering.” The Bear’s sources say that’s a mistake. Tuesday’s letter was signed – John Hankockian bold – by all eight active FOTA members, Brawn, McLaren, Toyota, Ferrari, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Renault, and BMW Sauber.  They’re ready to go.

Lola presser

Lola announced the withdrawal of its F1 application. Lola’s press release, according to the Bear’s best sources, supports Alfie’s understanding. Lola withdrew because it has agreements with the FOTA Eight – with whom it expects to participate in 2010 – and doesn’t want to appear on the list of accepted entries that Max is likely to publish Friday.

Panoz LMP something

Well, that damn dumb idea is back again. Murphy reported on this mucking around (fiddling while Rome burns?) months ago, and thought the whole goofy idea was mercifully dead and buried (May 13th) with the virtual shutdown of Elan Motorsports Technologies. The Bear has been told this is not a “new design” to be raced by the Winchester, Virginia team, but rather the old Panoz with the roof put back on by the same guys who campaign the current Esperante. (Reynard –> Esperante GTR-1 coupe –> Panoz LMP 1 Roadster S –> Panoz LMP 1 coupe?) Those old chassis bones are getting a bit worn, aren’t they? Since EMT no longer has the capability to build a Radio Flyer, say nothing of an LMP, this is the only route available. (Or did Carl “pass” after his “due diligence?” That would hardly be an endorsement, would it?)

While the entire series is in serious financial straits, one has to be pretty clueless to take this kind of  irrelevant adventure as good news. Murphy’s asked this before: “Is this the best use of funds?”

Murmurs and Rumbles

So far it’s more a murmur than a rumble, but ALMS teams are talking about longer (not shorter, as at Road America) races. It’s pretty certain they know little about this inside the walls of the Braselton castle, they’d have to come outside and ask, right?

On the rumble side the algarve planters might not be very happy either. It seems they like their little Porsche series so much that they’re working to adopt it and find it a new home.

Another one circulating – it seems to have lept the Atlantic after fading here – is a Muscle Milk branded RS Spyder. Now the UK’s leading publisher of rumor (Murphy long since threw in the towel on keeping up with rumor mongering champ) writes that a “new” LMP2 will debut at Mid-Ohio. The Bear suggests a simple tests for such stuff. If the first race to be contested is not the next race on the schedule for a rumored entry, make its probablity 50-50; if it’s two races after the next, make it 30-70, three, 10-90 against. You get the idea.

Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood (or The Smiling Optimist). ALMS’ supremo was circulating at Le Mans with a consistant message: “the worst is behind us.” What? Meanwhile, the Don was on hand, but staying out of sight. When’s the last time that’s happened?

Did you notice that Road America’s slashed its advance raceday ticket price from $75 to $50? Sales a little slow? Wonder why the Brian Redman is cheaper, even though it’s claimed attendance is higher? Wonder who picked the “feature photo” for the Road America promotional mailer, the one that features D Sports Racers that look like Malibu Grand Prix cars? That will bring them in, won’t it? Anybody been able to find a photo of an ALMS prototype or GT car anywhere on the Road America site? (Murphy finally found an AGR Acura.) Want to know why Road America can’t draw fans? Check out their 2009 promotional video, here. Go-karts, ATV’s, golf cart scavenger hunts (?), good grief.

OK, class, that’s Kat’s view, and Murphy’s sure you’ve got your own “best.” But first, there’s one more item in our “Events 101” course syllabus, the Bear’s very own “Best North American Road Racing Events,” below.

1. The 72 Hours of Sebring.

Sebring is simply the biggest party and biggest race in North America for those bears, beavers, mooses, and other wildlife not enamored of roundy-round racin’. A hundred-thousand nice folks behaving badly (but not too badly), gates open straight through, babes (likely including Kat) winning beads, good food at the track and elsewhere.

Sebring has the required classic and historic race bar in Chicane’s, plus a few other good nightlife and good grub possibilities, including The Watering Hole, home of Bully, the serial killer alligator. Oh, and near the end of that 72 hours of high-octane flat-out fun, is the best twelve hours of sports car racing on the planet.

2. The Monterey New and Old Sports Car Championships

Murphy’s pulling the same trick that the hot Kat did. Illegally combining two events separated by two months on the calendar. Oh, you could decide to “stay over” from the Monterey Historic Races, but you’d be broke as The General by the time you got to the Monterey Sports Car Championships.

From the famed Corkscrew at Laguna Seca, to popping a cork with Dirty Harry at the piano bar in his Carmel restaurant, there aren’t many places like The Peninsula. Race bar? Well, the bar at the Sardine Factory (which Murphy once listed as his business address) will have to do. For the Brit-heavy American Le Mans Series crowd, there’s a plethora of genuine pubs, too.

3. The Circus at Montreal

Nope, it’s not a sports car event. It’s Formula 1. Get over it. Montreal is Monaco for the rest of us. Park on the outskirts of the city, take the Metro, walk across the bridge to the island for the race, maybe do the casino before you Metro back to Montreal and party. Sidewalk restaurants, car shows, street bands, great food, fine wines, and designer beers. Race bar? How about the whole damn downtown?

4. Le Mans in the Blue Ridge (foothills, anyway)

More often called the Petit Le Mans, Murphy thinks the name’s a bit of a stretch. After all, Sebring will always be the crown jewel of Le Mans-style sports car events in North America. But Petit Le Mans was the first to make the official tie-up with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, preceding the Series by a few months, and class wins do earn auto-invites to the French Classic (as if that’s necessary – winners at Road Atlanta in October aren’t likely to be passed over for Le Sarthe, anyway).

The track is one of the best on the continent, hilly terrain within a lovely woodsy setting. Camping, partying, and cruising are nearly as much a part of this nouveau-classique event as they are at Sebring. No doubt this is the best 1,000 miles of sports car racing in North America (forget ten hours, it’ll never last that long).

Like the Petit, race bar Paddy’s at Chateau Elan is itself a bit of an “instant classic.” Its ambience and race crowd put it comfortably in the company of those other great watering holes, however.

5. The Honda Motor Company, Ltd. Employee Picnic

Once a year, they come flooding into the Mid-Ohio Sport Car Course (now that’s a proper name for a race track) from plants over around Marysville. Whether anyone actually has to buy a ticket is a matter of some debate, but it really doesn’t make any difference. They fill this picturesque venue in the middle of Ohio (hence the name, in case you were wondering).

This is just the best show in racing. Non-stop action, and nary a Formula BMW in sight. Speed World Challenge (both flavors) Indy Lights (or whatever the Indy training thing is now), ALMS, the IndyCar Series, it’s hard to catch your breath. The food at the track isn’t wonderful, but they do sell Jack Daniel’s cocktails – beat that! Nearby is Bucks, a real racing bar with some real history, though it’s gone a bit NASCAR –like everything else – lately. Who knows why? The local track’s got nothing to do with the taxicabs.

6. The Lac qui Parle County Fair IMCA Late Model Stock Car Races.

The half-mile dirt oval was one of the gems of the IMCA schedule in the 1950s and 60s, a week before the big event in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Dick Hutcherson, Ernie Derr, and Ramo Stott battled wheel-to-wheel in Sunday’s Late Model feature, but not before the Pie Race preliminary wound up the crowd. Stott’s black Ford had “500 HP” painted in white on the hood, and Derr was the “white hat” perenial champion. Hutcherson would race at Le Mans one day – not that we had any idea what that was. Combined with Friday’s Tractor Pull, and the Hell Drivers of Joie Chitwood Thrill Show on Saturday, it was a motorsport feast.

Food? The Faith Lutheran Church Ladies Aid slapped down a plate of the best Beef Commercial on the planet, if you weren’t already stuffed with corn dogs and cotton candy, The Jaycees’ had a Beer Garden down by the Livestock Barn, and if you wanted to seriously get into your cups, there was the American Legion Club in the basement of the Post Office.

That was an event that lives only in memory -  the track has been cut to a 1/4 mile to accommodate the local stock car racing that fills summer weekends across the nation. If you’ve never done one of these events, get out there. It’s a necessary part of your education.

7. The Road America 500 Something.

As George once famously said, “It’s 500 something.” The Bear hasn’t been able to figure out what. At least now it’s a minimal enduro of four hours, and if it took the love of Champ Car to get that done – then fine, fine. Great piece of timing, though, wasn’t it? One and done. Murphy’s happy with that. The American Le Mans Series got the race it wants and the weekend to itself. (No one’s taking the Sunday show seriously.)

Anyway you look at it, this is a track of superlatives: Best road racing track in North America. Best food at a track in North America. Among the most beautiful track settings in North America. Nearby Siebken’s is one of the truly great classic race bars. To hobnob with the Cheeseheads, (and deal with the “morning after”) go on up to tropical Neenah and drop in at the Commercial Break (1348 S Commercial St.) for one of the world’s great Bloody Marys, served anytime after six ay em. (More about the Commercial Break here.) 

Another good Neenah destinations is Zacateca’s Mexican Restaurant.

With a whole roster of junior-grade open wheel races surrounding the American Le Mans Generac 500-something, there’s some ways to go for the famous track to recapture the tradition of sports car endurance racing to which it was born. At least it’s finally headed in that direction.

8. The Cannuckistani Mobile Grand Prix.

Mosport, a lovely and wickedly fast track up the Queen’s Highway from Toronto is a Panoz Motorsports Group property whose recent mission has been to be the floater race – the one that can me moved around a weekend or two in order to accommodate other races – the most recent being Roger Penske’s weekend at home in Detroit.

Defying the dictum that a stable date is a significant component of success, the American Le Mans Series event at Mosport has been one of the series’ best-attended races. So far, the Canadian event has remained both a sprint race and stand-alone event, and is by far the most successful of events of that type.

Murphy hasn’t found a true race bar, but there are a couple places he likes, Fazio’s for fine dining – popular with teams and scribes, but a little too high class to be a true racing hangout. Straight from the track, looking for a beer and some grub, we’d head over Harry Keester’s in Whitby.

9. The F1, er…F5000, er…CART, er…Champ Car, er…IndyCar Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Proving that an event can overshadow its race(s), the Bear offers exhibit number 1, the Grand Prix of Long Beach. The race on the harbor gets points for tradition and for off-track ambiance. You’ve probably figured out those are Murphy’s primary criteria anyway. Racing is nice, but…

Anyway, Long Beach is one of those events you should experience at least once. Watch the cars go by for a while, then head for The Pike, an entertainment complex adjoining the track that houses the Auld Dubliner Irish Pub (naturally a Murphy kind of place) or head out the front gate to Pine Street’s restaurant row – just a few steps away. There’s Hooters – always a hoot – plus the Mariposa Salza Club, and on the Promenade a half block off Pine, the Blue Cafe. On Second Street is Shannon’s (once voted Playboy’s College Bar of the month).  That’s just about everything you’d want except a place for a quiet drink or a romantic dinner. Head across the causeway to the Queen Mary for that.

10. The 24 Hours at the World Center of Racing.

Murphy’s hesitant to put any race that features Daytona Prototypes anywhere on this list. If anything can kill the charm, sense of history, wonder of the automotive art – the entire raison d’etre of sports car endurance racing – it’s the slow, ugly, squashed-down NASCAR guppies. Let’s face it, to say the Rolex is an afterthought at the World Center is an understatement. Say “The 24” within shouting distance of the DIS start-finish line and someone will nod and say, “Jeff Gordon.” Then the bear had a revelation – he doesn’t actually have to go to the race! Not that he hasn’t given the Sun Bank, Rolex…whatever…his heart and soul – many of Murphy’s friends were regulars in the Daytona infield for nearly two decades.

As for race bars, there are “favorites” to please just about anyone, though most are NASCAR or biker-oriented. That’s the territory you’re in, isn’t it? Head to Ponce Inlet for Down the Hatch, and the Bear’s favorite, the Lighthouse Restaurant & Raw Bar, where his friends – egrets, squirrels, pelicans – inhabit the deck with the people. Back toward Daytona Beach from there is “The North Turn,” an honest to gawd race bar with an honest to gawd race crowd – even during the Rolex – right on the beach. If Murphy had to pick his “classic race bar,” that would be it. Of course, there’s Hooters, right across from the World Center of Racing. You’d be almost at the race, then…without actually having to expose yourself to a DP.

We all know that through the past few years, the ALMS has been a bit “GT heavy,” or should the Bear say “prototype light.” We’ve had – still have actually, looking at the Lime Rock entry – as few as three regulars in LMP-1. And that sorry count was preceded by years in which the LM-P2 count was just as bad. (If you counted at the end of races, rather than at the beginning, that LM-P2 count was worse than awful – certainly not awesome, eh?)

Then along came Porsche, and it all started to change. The prototype count at Lime Rock will be 12, at Mid-Ohio, about 14. GT at Lime Rock, 16, and perhaps 18 at Mid-Ohio. Then it gets interesting.

Cytosport returns, and Intersport fields two cars, increasing the LM-P1 entry at Road America, and it’s now possible that a Zytek makes the grid there – certainly soon thereafter. Who? Not the usual suspects. The team will be near a great North American lake, and the drivers on hand have relevant (useful, even) American Le Mans Series prototype experience.

In fact, there are other possible new prototypes as we go through the remainder of the season, but increases to the GT grid are improbable. Put Road America down for 17 prototypes and 18 GT entries. All the trends are for the “tipping point” (when prototype entries equal GT entries, and thereafter exceed them) soon after that, certainly at Petit Le Mans (and not just temporarily because of a European invasion). In GT, we’ve lost a Ferrari – that’s likely to stay that way.

The Bear is still hearing that Road America will remain off the IRL schedule in 2009. With only minor league racing on Sunday, can North America’s best race track build on the success of last season’s shared event? Murphy certainly hopes so. (He’s planning his time at Siebken’s Stop-Inn Tavern, Neenah’s Commercial Break, Appleton’s Outback, and other favorite bear haunts. Say hi.) The Bear’s still looking for a drop-in kind of pub near Lime Rock – a place where friends can gather after a thirsty day at the track.

Houston won’t be back – for anyone. Sebring and Long Beach are “fixed” on the calendar – that’s a good thing. Will there be a 12th race? If there is, Murphy thinks it should be before Le Mans. Where? A friend of the Bear’s was at Millville this past week, and there was still talk at the members-only event of an ALMS visit in 2009. On the other hand, this place has strong ties to Grand Am through one of its investor-owners, and already has a Guppie race on the 2008 calendar. Would it work before Le Mans? Yup. (Murphy checked his Almanac and New Jersey’s just as warm as Utah in May.)

Is the Lime Rock entry good enough to make it a show? On a 1.5 mile track? Are you kidding? 28 entries (or 26, given that PrimeTime has hinted its “under the gun to make it,” and Black Swan isn’t all that certain either) (Murphy adds, “I just heard that PrimeTime is certain for Lime Rock, car is set, and barring some complete disaster, count on them for the remainder of the season…that makes the Bear very happy.) will keep the field and the fans occupied on the short and narrow course. Hope that the racing takes place “for position” and not just for the hell of it. Drivers challenging cars laps ahead has ruined races before.

Where does that leave Road America? With an event that looks like this year’s American Le Mans headliner. If you sports car fans want that Saturday enduro to continue in 2009, make sure you’re in the Kettle Moraine country in August.

Cold Day in Houston

It will be a cold day in Houston (ain’t many of those, are there?) before it hosts another big league race. ALMS isn’t planning on Edmonton, either.

That’s Twelfth Race, Shakespeare

If they do, where will the sports cars add a twelfth race? Murphy thinks New Jersey makes sense. May weather averages a couple degrees warmer than does Utah, though the chance of precipitation is about double. Four inches is typical for the month. (It’s not the desert, you see.) It’s a market argument the series can easily make, and early and mid-May races – both on natural terrain road courses – fit American Le Mans Series scheduling better than crowding Houston into April ever did.

Is Canuckistani Urban Festival History?

Interest in a certain monster deal was pretty much built around rights to a Canuckistani event. But that circus, like most urban festivals, was big time upside down – about $2 million worth – and in need of deep pockets, corporate or government. With no significant corporate cash in the offing – Tukeo Fukui’s company passed, and the monster deal is for 2009 – the would-be promoter turned to government. There they’ve gotten some Loonies (not nearly enough) and extended the decision deadline to the ides of May. It’s all complicated with a location 14 kilometers from downtown in play, and some pushing (without much notice) to get Mosport into the mix. What it means is the driver won’t sign and the race will fade into history.

Auf Wiedersehen R10

From the get-go, Audi told the IMSA guys the R10 was planned as a three year deal. So a decision now is no surprise in Braselton. One option might have been to extend, but there’s this Peugeot, and though the four rings bunch should be 2-1 rather than 1-2 (you see, there’s this radio thingie to talk to your driver…aw,fughedaboutit!) the R10 is still about a second and a half adrift of the Frog diesel. The Acura LMP1 is on the way, perhaps one from the horse farm, too. So, what to do? Murphy thinks Ingolstadt has two options (they know damn well what the rules will be – close enough, anyway) 1. stay in LMP1, probably with a coupe, but certainly with a new chassis, or 2. field the R8 in GT1, as a diesel. But they run the risk of being without competition in GT1, you say? That’s ever bothered the Ingolstadt boys, how?

The Bear’s also heard more, ah, devious reasoning. If the R8 diesel was developed from the R10 TDI diesel, but can be homologated as a road car motor, why not put it – unstressed – in that coupe (rules are you can “upgrade” it a bit), get the more generous restrictor, and… Glittering generalities will be revealed…soon.

Murphy’s Top Ten Reasons to be a Field Filler

Murphy has always known he can’t drive for spit, so it never occurred to him to go racin’. Then he looked at the entry for top-shelf sports car racing, and said “whoa! Drivin’ ain’t no requirement!” He’d be a back marker; a field filler. But he got to thinking that might not be so bad, since he quickly came up with the

Top Ten Reasons to be a Field Filler

10. You can’t take it with you, anyway.

9. The radio web guys will talk about how fast you are before you crash.

8. You don’t have to buy a race ticket.

7. You’re an optimist – you think you’ll get better.

6. You can get the notice of the crowd with a “Sunday drive” down pit lane.

5. You really, really love to sign autographs.


4. You like the cool-looking helmet. Is Chuck Barris still alive?

3. At Hooters, the answer to “What do you do?” is “I’m a race car driver.” (the response, unfortunately, will be, “NASCAR?”)

2. You’d be great on Dancing With the Stars.

1. You’re sure you’ll get a hug and a kiss from a Kumho Girl.