Is it even worth going this year ?????

[5upra]

Cant believe im questioning this, but is it worth going this year ? Only 15 teams have taken up their automatic entry for 2009. Aston Martin is not one of them. The following list is for teams who finished last year but have not re-entered this year. Dead-line of 12th Jan has gone and to pre-qualify, they should have had their confirmation by midnight on 21st Jan. None of the teams below have. I telephoned Aston Martin Racing and they told me they have yet to make a desicion but thats fobbing me off ! both dead-lines have gone now so they cant even pre-qualify if they wanted to. None of the teams below will be there this year. Only 15 teams have applied.

Have a look for yourselves at the official Le Mans website -
http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/actu/2009-01-20_...

AUDI SPORT NORTH AMERICA
INTERSPORT RACING
PENSKE MOTORSPORTS INC.
PENSKE RACING
VAN MERKSTEIJN MOTORSPORT
VAN MERKSTEIJN MOTORSPORT
TEAM ESSEX
HORAG RACING
ASTON MARTIN RACING
TEAM MODENA/Aston Martin
VITAPHONE RACING TEAM
PHOENIX CARSPORT RACING
BELL MOTORSPORTS
BMS SCUDERIA ITALIA

Unless the ACO change the rules, there aint gonna be many cars running this year including our beloved Astons, team Modena included ! Less true racing fans will turn up and the Max Power spotty herberts will take over. Is this the end of the greatest race on the planet (ok no its not but its not looking good) AND ive booked with Sea France who are 20 mill in dept. Someone give me some good news PLEASE !!

Edited by 5upra on Thursday 22 January 12:17

[Apache]

Will there be beer?

[Vette_1978]

Apache said:

Will there be beer?

Yes.

Will there be Corvettes?

Yes.

Good enough for me!

[5upra]

Vette 1978 said;
Will there be Corvettes?
Yes.
Good enough for me!
[/quote]


Thats one good thing, last year for them though.........

Edited by 5upra on Thursday 22 January 12:26

Edited by 5upra on Thursday 22 January 12:33

[//j17]

5upra said:

None of the teams below will be there this year.

AUDI SPORT NORTH AMERICA
INTERSPORT RACING
PENSKE MOTORSPORTS INC.
PENSKE RACING
VAN MERKSTEIJN MOTORSPORT
VAN MERKSTEIJN MOTORSPORT
TEAM ESSEX
HORAG RACING
ASTON MARTIN RACING
TEAM MODENA/Aston Martin
VITAPHONE RACING TEAM
PHOENIX CARSPORT RACING
BELL MOTORSPORTS
BMS SCUDERIA ITALIA

Not quite true - you need to read between the lines.

Audi Sport North America for example WILL be there - but only fielding a single car, not a two car team. Audi Sport Team Joest also have a car entered though, so you can still expect to see two R10s on the grid, just in different paint.

Penske were always doubtful for the 24hrs as well - they run the Porsche RS Spyders in the ALMS for Porsche and do so to try and win races outright. This isn't something they have a hope in hell of doing in the 24hrs, due to the fact ALMS rules try to equalise performance between LMP1 and LMP2 where as ACO rules try to maintain a clear performance gap between the two classes.

Vitaphone were also likely to drop their slot as all their money/effort is spent on racing FIA GT1 Maserati MC12s in the FIAGT series - and these don't qualify to race under the ACOs GT1 regulations. If Vitaphone race they need to 'borrow' a qualifying car, with the additional costs involved.

Also don't forget that there are still the non-prequalifying teams that have submitted applications to the ACO before the 12st Jan. deadline to be added to the grid - just because a team wins the ALMS LMP2 class (Penske) doesn't way to play doesn't mean the team that came second/third/etc won't want to give it a go.

Keep the faith!

[Vette_1978]

5upra said:

Vette 1978 said:

Will there be Corvettes?
Yes.
Good enough for me!

Thats one good thing, last year for them though.........

As GT1's yes, but they'll be back as GT2's in 2009 to whup some Italian and German ass.

[volvo boy]

le mans is a Mecca, how could you even think of not going.

[BigMans197]

Whats happening with Aston, does anyone know?

Le Mans needs that Corvette Aston battle!

[bexd]

[Vette_1978]

BigMans197 said:

Whats happening with Aston, does anyone know?

Le Mans needs that Corvette Aston battle!

There's a report somewhere quoting Dave Richards that Aston Martin "will be seen at Le Mans". Read into this what you will - GT1 battle, GT2 test, powering a P1?

[rude-boy]

Le Mans is 90% about everything around the race and 10% the race.

It might not be a bumper year for top manufacturer backed cars but there will almost certainly be a full grid of cars you'd give you left bk for the chance to have a p/x lap in alone.

Le Mans is the world's greatest holiday for fans of motorsport, they've even put a race on to keep us amused when we are not taking to each other/looking at birdies/looking at cars/burning meat to a cinder.

[ettore]

5upra said:

Cant believe im questioning this, but is it worth going this year ? Only 15 teams have taken up their automatic entry for 2009. Aston Martin is not one of them. The following list is for teams who finished last year but have not re-entered this year. Dead-line of 12th Jan has gone and to pre-qualify, they should have had their confirmation by midnight on 21st Jan. None of the teams below have. I telephoned Aston Martin Racing and they told me they have yet to make a desicion but thats fobbing me off ! both dead-lines have gone now so they cant even pre-qualify if they wanted to. None of the teams below will be there this year. Only 15 teams have applied.

Have a look for yourselves at the official Le Mans website -
http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/actu/2009-01-20_...

AUDI SPORT NORTH AMERICA
INTERSPORT RACING
PENSKE MOTORSPORTS INC.
PENSKE RACING
VAN MERKSTEIJN MOTORSPORT
VAN MERKSTEIJN MOTORSPORT
TEAM ESSEX
HORAG RACING
ASTON MARTIN RACING
TEAM MODENA/Aston Martin
VITAPHONE RACING TEAM
PHOENIX CARSPORT RACING
BELL MOTORSPORTS
BMS SCUDERIA ITALIA

Unless the ACO change the rules, there aint gonna be many cars running this year including our beloved Astons, team Modena included ! Less true racing fans will turn up and the Max Power spotty herberts will take over. Is this the end of the greatest race on the planet (ok no its not but its not looking good) AND ive booked with Sea France who are 20 mill in dept. Someone give me some good news PLEASE !!

Edited by 5upra on Thursday 22 January 12:17

Some of these were never going to be there because they qualify for their place via other success in the ALMS, LMS or FIA GT`s. Penske have never taken up their places over the last three years and have now ceased running the Porsche Spyders anyway. Vitaphone don`t have an eligible car and I understand that there are likely to be four Audi`s albeit under different names (2 R15s and 2 R10,s).

There are still a mass of potentially eligible entries out there to add to the grid. Peugeot have three cars entered and I`m sure there will be some form of factory backed/supported Astons and Porsches.

Le Mans has been through much worse before...

Edited by ettore on Friday 23 January 09:38

[Virage166]

Great way for Aston Martin to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their only outright win.

[baron bashoneov]

5upra said:

Cant believe im questioning this, but is it worth going this year ? Only 15 teams have taken up their automatic entry for 2009. Aston Martin is not one of them. The following list is for teams who finished last year but have not re-entered this year. Dead-line of 12th Jan has gone and to pre-qualify, they should have had their confirmation by midnight on 21st Jan. None of the teams below have. I telephoned Aston Martin Racing and they told me they have yet to make a desicion but thats fobbing me off ! both dead-lines have gone now so they cant even pre-qualify if they wanted to. None of the teams below will be there this year. Only 15 teams have applied.

Have a look for yourselves at the official Le Mans website -
http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/actu/2009-01-20_...

AUDI SPORT NORTH AMERICA
INTERSPORT RACING
PENSKE MOTORSPORTS INC.
PENSKE RACING
VAN MERKSTEIJN MOTORSPORT
VAN MERKSTEIJN MOTORSPORT
TEAM ESSEX
HORAG RACING
ASTON MARTIN RACING
TEAM MODENA/Aston Martin
VITAPHONE RACING TEAM
PHOENIX CARSPORT RACING
BELL MOTORSPORTS
BMS SCUDERIA ITALIA

Unless the ACO change the rules, there aint gonna be many cars running this year including our beloved Astons, team Modena included ! Less true racing fans will turn up and the Max Power spotty herberts will take over. Is this the end of the greatest race on the planet (ok no its not but its not looking good) AND ive booked with Sea France who are 20 mill in dept. Someone give me some good news PLEASE !!

Edited by 5upra on Thursday 22 January 12:17

The deadline has now gone, but there is no update on the ACO web site, starting to think the field may only be the 15 confirmed

[ettore]

baron bashoneov said:

5upra said:

Cant believe im questioning this, but is it worth going this year ? Only 15 teams have taken up their automatic entry for 2009. Aston Martin is not one of them. The following list is for teams who finished last year but have not re-entered this year. Dead-line of 12th Jan has gone and to pre-qualify, they should have had their confirmation by midnight on 21st Jan. None of the teams below have. I telephoned Aston Martin Racing and they told me they have yet to make a desicion but thats fobbing me off ! both dead-lines have gone now so they cant even pre-qualify if they wanted to. None of the teams below will be there this year. Only 15 teams have applied.

Have a look for yourselves at the official Le Mans website -
http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/actu/2009-01-20_...

AUDI SPORT NORTH AMERICA
INTERSPORT RACING
PENSKE MOTORSPORTS INC.
PENSKE RACING
VAN MERKSTEIJN MOTORSPORT
VAN MERKSTEIJN MOTORSPORT
TEAM ESSEX
HORAG RACING
ASTON MARTIN RACING
TEAM MODENA/Aston Martin
VITAPHONE RACING TEAM
PHOENIX CARSPORT RACING
BELL MOTORSPORTS
BMS SCUDERIA ITALIA

Unless the ACO change the rules, there aint gonna be many cars running this year including our beloved Astons, team Modena included ! Less true racing fans will turn up and the Max Power spotty herberts will take over. Is this the end of the greatest race on the planet (ok no its not but its not looking good) AND ive booked with Sea France who are 20 mill in dept. Someone give me some good news PLEASE !!

Edited by 5upra on Thursday 22 January 12:17

The deadline has now gone, but there is no update on the ACO web site, starting to think the field may only be the 15 confirmed

Rubbish, that's the deadline for confirmed entries i.e those that have a guranteed slot.

There will be a full grid - it may well contain the odd knacker but it will be full.

[Johno]

This could actually be a new dawn for the race and there could be a really positive spin on this . . . Let's say the big manufacturers/teams do stay away or reduce involvement. It opens the doors for more entries as we 'may' get more of the GT class entry as ACO try to fill the grid, the racing 'may' be excellent and we'll see a move back towards the more traditional road car based racing the history of the race was built on. The ultimate test for your car etc . . . I would maintain a prototype class, but it needs reducing in scale and not compete with F1 level technology. Manufacturers can't afford F1, DTM, Le Mans, ALMS etc . . . they'll go for which one pays back the most in terms of exposure and ultimately marketing value.

Don't get me wrong, I love the LMP1 & 2 classes, but recently LMP2 has been a limp battle apart from last year with car's struggling to even finish. LMP1 is always who can beat the Audi's and other manufacturers looking at the investment required to mount a seriously competitive entry is at least 3yrs after R&D nd becoming increasingly unattractive. Every year there's a diffeent rumour, Mazda, Toyota etc muting their return, it isn't happening though is it ?

Chavs won't be coming this year, I've decided. This is the year for the long term fans to support the race through troubled times and the Chavs won't come once, after it's been explained to them in words on one cylabul (sp) why the PO isn't giving them more Euros for their pounds than previous years. It'll be Spain only for them this year

[h4muf]

rude-boy said:

Le Mans is 90% about everything around the race and 10% the race.

It might not be a bumper year for top manufacturer backed cars but there will almost certainly be a full grid of cars you'd give you left bk for the chance to have a p/x lap in alone.

Le Mans is the world's greatest holiday for fans of motorsport, they've even put a race on to keep us amused when we are not taking to each other/looking at birdies/looking at cars/burning meat to a cinder.

Exactly my thoughts too.

[baron bashoneov]

ettore said:

baron bashoneov said:

5upra said:

Cant believe im questioning this, but is it worth going this year ? Only 15 teams have taken up their automatic entry for 2009. Aston Martin is not one of them. The following list is for teams who finished last year but have not re-entered this year. Dead-line of 12th Jan has gone and to pre-qualify, they should have had their confirmation by midnight on 21st Jan. None of the teams below have. I telephoned Aston Martin Racing and they told me they have yet to make a desicion but thats fobbing me off ! both dead-lines have gone now so they cant even pre-qualify if they wanted to. None of the teams below will be there this year. Only 15 teams have applied.

Have a look for yourselves at the official Le Mans website -
http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/actu/2009-01-20_...

AUDI SPORT NORTH AMERICA
INTERSPORT RACING
PENSKE MOTORSPORTS INC.
PENSKE RACING
VAN MERKSTEIJN MOTORSPORT
VAN MERKSTEIJN MOTORSPORT
TEAM ESSEX
HORAG RACING
ASTON MARTIN RACING
TEAM MODENA/Aston Martin
VITAPHONE RACING TEAM
PHOENIX CARSPORT RACING
BELL MOTORSPORTS
BMS SCUDERIA ITALIA

Unless the ACO change the rules, there aint gonna be many cars running this year including our beloved Astons, team Modena included ! Less true racing fans will turn up and the Max Power spotty herberts will take over. Is this the end of the greatest race on the planet (ok no its not but its not looking good) AND ive booked with Sea France who are 20 mill in dept. Someone give me some good news PLEASE !!

Edited by 5upra on Thursday 22 January 12:17

The deadline has now gone, but there is no update on the ACO web site, starting to think the field may only be the 15 confirmed

Rubbish, that's the deadline for confirmed entries i.e those that have a guranteed slot.

There will be a full grid - it may well contain the odd knacker but it will be full.

I sincerely hope you are right

[rude-boy]

Virage166 said:

Great way for Aston Martin to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their only outright win.

...By fielding a couple of Lolas with the AM engine (the sort that were best of the petrol cars for most of last year) and stickered to give a resemblance to the road cars?

I do see what you were really getting at but there are so many anniversaries for long established companies that 'remembering' them all would be neigh on impossible.

[dan101smith]

In the same way that you'd take your boots to Wembley, I'll have my car with me at Le Mans, so all I need is the nod...