I know that many readers and ALMS fans are as excited as I am about the possibility of Le Mans racing in Baltimore city. I’ve been asked, now on multiple occasions, “will the Audi and Peugeot diesels be here?” Unfortunately, I don’t yet have an answer to that question.
For those unaware, there’s many different teams in the American Le Mans Series. Some participate in every race throughout the season. Some participate in only certain races. The front runners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans are obviously the LMP1 cars and specifically were the Audi and Peugeot diesel-powered cars a few weeks ago. That’s right, diesel-powered!..and it makes perfect sense. Typically, diesels run cooler, cleaner, last longer, have improved fuel economy and produce the kind of torque you’d need to pull a house down….a whole lot!
It was really even no surprise that diesel powered cars took 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I think many people expected the Peugeots to perform better than observed, but, anything can happen I suppose. Should we expect to see more diesel powered race cars in the future?
As diesel power becomes more and more popular in Le Mans racing, why is it that they only participate in certain ALMS races? Is there just not enough support from sponsors to include all ALMS races throughout a season? Are testing needs for production research and development satisfied from the limited showings? Is there not enough fan interest to make it worth while? From the perspective of proven success and green initiative, I’d think all or at least more teams and therefore manufacturers would be testing with diesel power. I’d love to hear answers to these questions if anyone can shed some light for us.
So I’ve been communicating with our [BRD/Baltimore Grand Prix] promoters. First things first; let’s determine that we do in fact have an ALMS race. Then let’s determine if these awesome diesel-powered race cars can be solicited to race in Baltimore. So here’s another good question; as local Mid-Atlantic fans of the ALMS, how can the appearance of Audi and Peugeot be solidified at the Baltimore Grand Prix assuming the ALMS races here? What can fans do?
Jason
July 9-11, ALMS round 4, Larry H. Miller Dealerships Utah Grand Prix, 2:35 MT
Filed in: ALMS.
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I would be extremely surprised to see Peugeot race anything other than Sebring and Petit Le Mans next year. If they’re intent on competing for the 2011 Intercontinental Cup, they’ll have to. Other than that, there’s very little incentive for the simple reason that Peugeot doesn’t sell cars in the U.S.
Audi may or may not post for ALMS events other than Sebring and Petit. The brand has to sort out its racing priorities with its corporate sibling Porsche. That said, the R18 (better aero, front mechanical grip) is supposed to be unveiled in December. Champion Racing has been rumored to be sniffing around for used R15s to run somewhere, presumably in the ALMS.
Chris, thanks for the input.
When you say lack of symmetry between the ALMS and the 24 Hours, do you mean the difference in time length per race, generally?
I definitely agree that Baltimore is an ideal location for teams travelling from over seas and that sponsorship participation is huge. If you’re aware of any potentials that might be interested in the Baltimore Grand Prix, please let us know!
Any thoughts or predictions for the race this weekend in Utah?
Thanks again and enjoy the Rolex series next weekend.
I think the main thing holding back the Peugeots and Audis from ALMS competition is the lack of symmetry between most of the races in the USA to their grandaddy (24 Heures du Mans).
They tend to only cross the pond to do the true enduro races in ALMS in recent years and only as a preparation/test race for the 24: Sebring and Petit. I am honestly unsure how many (if any) street courses the Euro Le Mans series runs.
If you/we/Baltimore have anything going for courting the Peugeots, Audis, and Aston Martins, it has to be our location. Baltimore is a huge eastern port that should make it easier for the teams (based in Europe)to just unload off the docks and onto the streets. I know the purse and sponsorship monies are what drive most of the participants, so I just pray the economy rebounds and Baltimore can display a huge number of sponsors. More sponsors = more money = more teams.
Although it is a good concept to attract more entries, I am not fully sold on the LMP-C class. I do think it was necessary to get more cars on the grid, but if I want to see “spec” cars, I will watch Grand-Am.
I’m heading up to New Jersey to see the Grand Am race next weekend, but I am ready for some more ALMS action to watch on TV.