The new ILMC schedule drops Petit. Murphy’s sources said immediately that Petit is NOT “in contention” for the vacant October round. Some now think it there might in fact be a “date squeeze” in which the ALMS is asked to change its PLM date a second time. Most however – including those best placed to know – believe that PLM is truly dead as an Intercontinental Le Mans Cup stop in 2011. Was it a dispute over TV rights? (That’s not certain given the story about the new TV schedule below.) Does the ACO want a monster sanction fee, beyond what’s in the current ACO/ALMS contract? Something else? (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘Porsche’
174. No Audi, No Surprise. Crickets. State of the Series.
Saturday, September 25th, 2010Crickets
The Bear’s hearing precious few rumors – and that’s a worry. It’s a worry because this is usually the time of year when stuff is happening. Hearing good news (or not so good) from sponsors, putting together budgets, talking to drivers, suppliers, engine and car builders. But there’s little of that going on, and little has gone on over the summer. To borrow a rather overused term, there’s not much “buzz.” (more…)
173. Caddy on the Way…but where? Corvette Confirmed through 2013. Cats and Lizards to Return.
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010The General is Busy
Pratt & Miller is in pre-build engineering a Caddy for GM. What effect on other GM programs, if any? Seemingly nothing for ALMS fans, since Murphy’s been told that Corvette Racing (the Pratt & Miller American Le Mans Series program in its entirety, he believes) has been approved/funded by GM to race through the 2013 season. (more…)
172. Spa Malaise. Porsche Proto Kaput. ALMS to Abandon Speed.
Monday, August 9th, 2010“There was a weird feeling in the air at Spa,” said one of Murphy’s correspondents. He and others described a widespread malaise in the sport. People in the paddock and in media rooms are worried, and talking about it. (more…)
170. NASCAR-DTM Alliance, Todt at Daytona, R18 waits for the ACO, Shopping for an R8 (maybe not).
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010Grand Am Throws a Party
Grand Am had a team owner’s meeting and cocktail reception on the 8th floor of the new ISC/NASCAR digs on International Speedway Boulevard last Thursday afternoonand evening. It’s probably where A.C. saw FIA chief Jean Todt accompanied by fiancé Bond Girl (Wai Lin, Tomorrow Never Dies) Michelle Yeow (right, at Cannes, credit Georges Baird). Todt is heading an FIA delegation, including American Nick Craw, on a “good will” tour – shoring up support amongst racing series and motoring club after AAA’s recent resignation.
With Bernie’s payments for F1 rights about to end with 89 years of exclusivity left (what dumbo wrote that contract?) the Frogs are facing a big ($35 million) hole in the budget. If others follow AAA out the door, things will be dire indeed. (more…)