Derek Bell will race at Daytona 24

[fanta]

It would be nice for the ALMS to attract people back like Derek.

Sports Car Legend Derek Bell Joins RVO Pontiac Team For Rolex 24 At Daytona | FeedMeSportscars

[John Thawley]

Originally Posted by fanta

It would be nice for the ALMS to attract people back like Derek.

Sports Car Legend Derek Bell Joins RVO Pontiac Team For Rolex 24 At Daytona | FeedMeSportscars

Big difference though.... consider Sebring has become a 12 Hour sprint race. Obviously, Derek is an awesome talent and a great ambassador to the sport, but I'm not sure he'd stay up on the pace in the ALMS. That's not a shot, by any means. I think he's awesome.. but time is time.

JT

[mayk]

Think about this....what seat would he be in at Sebring? Don't get me wrong...I am fortunate enough to watch him race in the 'old' IMSA....and even have had the priviledge of speaking with him at Daytona at the Wine and Cheese party.....but seriously, of the entrants for Sebring, who would he replace?

Now if there is a team, with no shot (realistic) at winning, then having him on board is great for the team.....great for the race....and great for the fans.....but what is he bringing to the team for victory?

Just like having TG racing at Daytona.....sorta of a 'so what does he bring'?

[fanta]

To answer both questions, I think he brings more interest and importance to the series. I don't think he should necessarily replace anyone, but as a 3rd driver I think it would add a little more relevance to what we already believe in for those non-believers.

[mayk]

Agree....would be neat to see........

[Bob C.]

Originally Posted by fanta

To answer both questions, I think he brings more interest and importance to the series. I don't think he should necessarily replace anyone, but as a 3rd driver I think it would add a little more relevance to what we already believe in for those non-believers.

The interest he brings to the series is of little relevance to the teams that would hire him to drive in the series' most important race. If he doesn't improve a team's chance of win/place/show and if he doesn't bring money to the table, why would a team put him on the roster? He might bring positive media/PR attention to a team that doesn't have a chance at the podium, but name a team on the grid that doesn't have a chance at the podium.

[John Thawley]

Originally Posted by Bob C.

The interest he brings to the series is of little relevance to the teams that would hire him to drive in the series' most important race. If he doesn't improve a team's chance of win/place/show and if he doesn't bring money to the table, why would a team put him on the roster? He might bring positive media/PR attention to a team that doesn't have a chance at the podium, but name a team on the grid that doesn't have a chance at the podium.

Exactly. Well put, Bob.

[exflagger]

c'mon, i can think of at least one p1 team that could use derek bell. not every team has the money to test extensively and be ready for sebring. he would be a good addition to any gt1 team besides corvvete