Alms/Rolex merger, getting thinner?

strupgolf · 08-18-2013, 06:37 AM

Greg Pickett of Muscle milk fame, longtme driverowner said last week hes looking at Indy car racing because the state of US road racing is being "dumbed down" in america. He, s pissed because of no LMP 1 cars next year in the new series. It would be a big blow to the new series to loose his team. I for one, am looking forward to seeing a few races. What do you think, is he right or wrong. Anyone hear of any new teams to come in next year?

gorthar · 08-18-2013, 08:15 AM

I am really trying to hope that this merged series will be something I'm interested in, trying to take a "wait and see attitude", but I have serious doubts. I was a huge fan of the ALMS even though they have had their struggles. For me top level sports car/endurance racing has always been about technology and pushing the envelope. A sports prototype needs to have a certain "wow factor" IMO, and Daytona Prototypes don't do the trick and I see any LMPs being dumbed down to insignificance.
I know the Grand-Am has their fans because of the close racing but to me it reeks of the artificiality of NASCAR. A quote from Mike Shank:

United SportsCar Racing will face challenges in first year - Autoweek Racing ALMS/Grand-Am news - Autoweek

Quote:

“In America we want to see the crew chiefs fight,” he said. “We've got to play to our strengths. I worry that we'll get away from the bump and run. Races without cautions are a travesty that would have (NASCAR founder) Bill France turning over in his grave.”

Riiiight....just what the traditional road racing fan loves.

Flieger · Flieger's Garage

"Races without cautions are a travesty..."

I think I just threw up a little in my mouth.

If they start adding "competion cautions" then I won't be attending any more races. I thought the ALMS was pretty slow to get back to green racing at Road America as it was. I wanted to see a green flag finish. Le Mans itself was caution-filled. So a caution-free race is not likely anyway, but the Americans seem to like to drag them out way too long.

Guess this means I will be attending the MotoGP race in Monterey next year instead of the sports car race.

Vintage Racer · Vintage Racer's Garage

I'll wait until next summer before offering my opinion.

I've never been in a race paddock when half of the racers are not *****ing about something.