Rahal Status

[HORNDAWG]

Very good looking car. But it looks like a GT-1 to me with all the aero bits on it. Thats quite a bit more bodywork than I thought was allowed for GT-2 (?).

[Nick Koske]

Interesting that the article on Rahal's website does not mention the possible 'late' 2008 start.

Rahal Letterman Racing Joins BMW For Its Return To ALMS Racing

Only real forward looking comments are:

Today’s announcement, which came in conjunction with the unveiling of the new BMW M3 race car at the Chicago Auto Show, will see Rahal Letterman Racing campaign a full-time, two-car effort beginning in 2009.

and

Rahal Letterman Racing will begin immediate work on preparing the BMW M3 and will also, in conjunction with BMW, announce its full driver and sponsor lineup in the coming months. The team also continues to prepare for the 2008 IndyCar Series season, which opens at Homestead on February 29.

[Hallen]

Well, it was rumored and now it is here. Yay! I just wish BMW would get more consistent with their sports car program here. They are in the game and back out again way too often. It leads to instability and difficulties for all the people and leagues involved.

It is odd that PTG is not involved. I wonder if Milner just couldn't wait the two years when BMW asked him so he had to go get another manufacturer?

I didn't expect a full season effort this year with Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand fully committed to the GAC series in two classes. Although I am sure BMW has other factory drivers who could fill the seats. I would be broken hearted to not have those two in the car though.

[HORNDAWG]

The 'starting late 2008' has now been edited out of the original release by the ALMS.

[Canada ALMS fan]

Sooooooo... does that mean they are still running a 997 for '08 or will all resources go now towards the BMW program? This is another in a series of announcements of good news! All we need now is one more GT1 team!

[HawkBat]

I also posted this on the ALMS forums but thought why not here also.

I will be working the Chicago Region SCCA booth on Friday. Since I will be an exhibitor I am supposed to get in over an hour earlier and be able to browse the floor.

I was wondering If anyone wanted me to try to take some detailed pictures of the car, close ups and such with my point and shoot. If you do what parts would you like me to try to get, need to be sure that I get it since I am sure I will fill up the card.

With this I guess BMW paid attention to the fan made sign that was at Turn 10 during Petit that said on it BMW R U Chicken.

It is a nice looking car just wish it was here sooner, would also love to see it in PTG colors.

[HORNDAWG]

Well with RLR not being on the Sebring entry list and Tafel's picking up Bell Microproducts sponsorship it looks pretty bleak for RLR to run in 08 except for the *"maybe"* appearance of the Beamer at the end of the season.

[ZRated]

Always a good chance to see them by the end of the year. The more serious efforts always seem(for the most part) to try and make the end of the current season before there first "real" season. Would think BMW would want to do this to see where they stand against Ferrari and Porsche, so they can make proper adjustments in the offseason and be competitive right out the door in 2009.


Guess I'll pray to the car gods on that one too.

[Canada ALMS fan]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

Well with RLR not being on the Sebring entry list and Tafel's picking up Bell Microproducts sponsorship it looks pretty bleak for RLR to run in 08 except for the *"maybe"* appearance of the Beamer at the end of the season.

With this basically being a works effort it by BMW it would not surpise me if they run the M3's occassionally with no external sponsorship with the exception of Castrol & Michelin. Look at the LMR. Also, RLR not having Bell Micro is not a big deal as Dell seems to follow BMW as a sponsor where ever they go (Le Mans LMR effort, F1 currently).

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by Canada ALMS fan

With this basically being a works effort it by BMW it would not surpise me if they run the M3's occassionally with no external sponsorship with the exception of Castrol & Michelin. Look at the LMR. Also, RLR not having Bell Micro is not a big deal as Dell seems to follow BMW as a sponsor where ever they go (Le Mans LMR effort, F1 currently).

Yes I agree with this premise per se. But the subject at hand was/is RLR and their competing this year in the ALMS. While the announced BMW program will not be ready till very late in the season, if this season at all, they would have to compete with their 997 and have sponsors for said program to run it. Wouldn't they? So I think it is quite relevant to the subject of the thread.