2024 Sportscar Thread (WEC, IMSA, NLS, GT World Challenge)

[df76]

Don't think I've seen a thread for the new season, so here we go. Should be a brilliant WEC and IMSA season, perhaps the greatest sportscar year ever??

Two weeks out from the Abu Dhabi six hours.

Three weeks until the monster weekend of Daytona 24 and Dubai 24 (should have been running today), then the Bathurst 12 hours in mid February. Organisers appear bullish on entry numbers for that, but looking thin at the moment. https://www.bathurst12hour.com.au/news/12-things-t...

[df76]

flatlandsman said:

I do get your point, but in terms of sponsors and tv time they will not get anywhere near as much, I know there are other factors in this decision to move dates but I think it will suffer hugely for this.

Not sure the Dubai teams and organisers will mind the clash with Daytona too much, very little overlap and the vast majority will just be pleased that they get to race (in what are very difficult logistic circumstances). Much (if not all) of the event cost is delivered by driver wealth, and the clash with Daytona has a near zero impact on that. The Dubai race will get underway at 9am GMT on the Saturday, whereas Daytona won't kick off until 6.40pm, so for us Europeans there's a good chance to watch a good part of both.

[df76]

freedman said:

So 12 months ago the GTD Porsches were horribly uncompetitive, (at the Roar) IMSA refused to do anything with BOP rendering the race a washout for a number of teams (When it was perfectly clear the BOP needed adjustment)

This year a much shortened qualifying session, with only a few minutes real running see's a 911 on Pole. Immediately IMSA issue BOP changes, including penalties for the 911s

WTF are these people doing?

Sandbagging...

[df76]

freedman said:

df76 said:

Sandbagging...

Err, who, when?

The Porsches weren't sandbagging last year, they were all horribly uncompetitive at the Roar and in the race

This year they are on Pole

Not accusing Porsche of anything, but IMSA clearly thinks it's going on throughout the field.. hence the changes for the Ford Mustang and others. The data would be "interesting".

[df76]

MikeGTi said:

Many thanks!

Just found their YouTube channel too

That won’t be showing the race live on YouTube though. The imsa channel can take some time to get loading…

[df76]

flatlandsman said:

I never saw or heard Button drive either, presume he drove in the night? I did see Massa drive, he loved it and was pretty quick

Yep, I watched a fair bit and never saw him in the car. Real shame about the farce at the end of the race, took something away from a pretty good race overall (even though Nasr was gone and wouldn't have been caught even with an extra lap).

[df76]

FredericRobinson said:

Bathurst 12 hours this weekend, coverage starts 18.30 GMT Saturday

First hour of the Bathurst 12h is one of the highlights of the year. Looking forward to it.

[df76]

Brilliant start the year. A proper golden era, and will need to make the most of it. Such a shame for Peugeot, gutted.

[df76]

outnumbered said:

I enjoyed the parts of the race that I watched, but do think the circuit was rather dull.

+1 on Haven. He seems to think he knows everything about endurance racing, and clearly does not. Why argue with Ant Davidson about technical stuff?? Ant is a smart guy who has years of experience inside top teams in multiple classes. MH is just some gobste with a microphone

Ant Davidson seems to hold it altogether, and has the patience of a saint. He's very good. Just a shame not to see him still in a car really.

If I didn't have clashing commitments, I'd be jumping on a cheap flight to Italy for the Imola round. Hopefully something to do in 2025.

[df76]

Imola was a great race, kept me entertained throughout. Not much coverage of the GT3 racing, but I guess that just shows how much action there was going on in the Hypercar class. Hope the race at Spa and Le Mans are both as good.

Definitely tempted to make a trip to Imola if it makes the 2025 calendar.

[df76]

ArnageWRC said:

First practice/ qualifying session for Le Mans underway.........

No real dramas... although a lucky Caddy to get away with a high speed Terte Rouge moment.

[df76]

FredericRobinson said:

The 6 Hours of Watkins Glen starts at 4 BST this afternoon, now on YouTube as well as IMSA.tv

Proper quick turn around for some teams and drivers this week. Really great track, and must be hard work with a mix of classes.

[df76]

FredericRobinson said:

Krikkit said:

Anyone been to Spa for the WEC? What's the access like with the general tickets? Considering it for next year.

Excellent, go anywhere in the public areas / grandstands/ paddock

Yes, was a brilliant weekend and highly recommended. Works nicely it being a Saturday race as well. Although it generally looks a lot busier now than just a couple of years ago.. for obvious reasons.

[df76]

Decent entry for the upcoming Asian Le Mans Series. Doesn’t appear to be any shortage of cash available. https://www.asianlemansseries.com/news/article.php...

[df76]

FredericRobinson said:

Petit Le Mans on Saturday, 5pm start, IMSA.tv and Youtube

And the meeting starts tomorrow, with support races live in the evenings (UK time).

https://www.imsa.com/events/2024-motul-petit-le-ma...

[df76]

IanUAE said:

df76 said:

Decent entry for the upcoming Asian Le Mans Series. Doesn’t appear to be any shortage of cash available. https://www.asianlemansseries.com/news/article.php...

I live 15 minutes from the Dubai Autodrome and 1 hour from YAS Marina. So I will be watching live.

Still jealous of UAE winter motorsport, my visits to the Dubai 24h were excellent. The two Creventic endurance events looks decent for January also, with at least 50 cars entered for the Yas race. Just hope that regional events don't mess up the logistics.

[df76]

airbusA346 said:

Porsche Motorsport and Iron Dames form a new alliance and Michelle Gatting is now a Porsche Contracted Driver.

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2024/12/03/porsche-...

Gattings air miles will be getting pretty serious from now and through 2025.