Uninformed GT/GTS question...

[Paul Franssen]

Looking at Le Mans last weekend, it soon became clear that, due to rule changes, the dreaded Vipers are "out" of GTS, leaving the field to Corvettes and Maranello's.
The GT3's took (almost) all in GT class, and other than that there's Modena and that Morgan.
And there's the prototype cars...

Could some one post a link to the rules? What aspect of the rules caused the Vipers to be ousted?

Another question. What may be the reason there is no private racing team entering the Carrera GT? Is it only a matter of money, acting on the (questionable) faith that that car at $800 grand base price would be "too expensive" (is it? I have no idea as to the budget of these racing teams).

[ChrisBennet]

From what I've read the actory has no intention of racing the CGT. I read something in Pano last year I think; the project leader asked whether he should incorporate some feature that would be beneficial for racing and was told not to - it wouldn't be raced.
-Chris

[emcon5]

I don't know why no Vipers this year.

The ACO rules are here:

http://www.lemans.org/univers_sport/reglements/pages/cahierdescharges_auto2004_gb.html

here is the part that makes CGT participation unlikely:

2.1.4 - The use of the following technical specifications makes the eligibility of a car impossible :
--snip--
b/ Carbon fibre, titanium, magnesium (apart from wheels and standard production mechanical parts as listed
in the Homologation form), etc., or unless specified in these regulations ;

Tom

[KobaltBlau]

A guess on the CGT: until someone is willing to spend big bucks on chassis development for circuit racing, the GT3RS is probably much faster on the track, even though the CGT would be classed higher. In the past, the factory has provided development support for customer cars, or made their own race parts available. If they do not plan to do this for the CGT, it makes the endeavor quite expensive for a Privateer.

Also, I don't know if the CGT could squeeze into GTS or not. If the CGT had to go up against sports prototypes, winning would be difficult.

As far as Tom's reference to the rules, I read that as saying that those high-zoot parts are not allowed if they are not production items from the homologation, so if in fact the CGT could be homologated into one of these classes, it should be able to use the standard CGT parts in these materials. The difficulty of the homologation is another matter.

[KobaltBlau]

Upon further examination, it _seems_ to me that the CGT could be eligible for GTS with a few modifications. One big thing is that the production numbers are reasonable. Interestingly, one of the rules prevents suspension mounting to the drivetrain, which would prohibit an F50 but not a CGT or Enzo.

[Paul Franssen]

Looks to me (but who am I?) that the alleged ACO rules (as related to carbon fibre and the prohibition of mounting the suspension to the drivetrain, etcetera) needlessly limit creative solutions to technical matters...
But it's their race, if they want to limit it -so to speak- to cars with yellow headlamps and drivers who pass a French-language test, so be it, then.
But if the CGT will never be used in any racing, what then pray be the reason for building this $800G+ car in limited numbers??? Is there serious money (in economic, industrial terms) to be made on the CGT??? I mean, the RUF Porsche was faster! And cost FAR less!! Warum, meine Herrn???

[Quicksilver]

Originally posted by Paul Franssen
...
But if the CGT will never be used in any racing, what then pray be the reason for building this $800G+ car in limited numbers??? Is there serious money (in economic, industrial terms) to be made on the CGT??? I mean, the RUF Porsche was faster! And cost FAR less!! Warum, meine Herrn???

You are missing the point here. The RUF maybe faster and cost less but your penis would be larger if you were in the Carerra GT.

Also to make a small point...
I'm not understanding the bit about yellow headlights. I'm having trouble remembering which French mark is running in the GT categories.

Wayne