More Aston Martin GT...

[John Thawley]

Autoweek reporting:

Aston Martin's 2008 GT1-class racing plan still is not finalized, but it might battle Chevrolet in GT2. Prodrive, which runs Aston's racing programs, has a test car up and running.

Prodrive's test mule is based on the V8 Vantage. The car would race against the new GT2 Chevy Corvette built by Riley Technologies (Competition, Oct. 15). "This is more of a GT2 test hack than a car that conforms to any regulations," said George Howard-Chappell, who heads Aston Martin Racing at Prodrive. "We are evaluating the V8 platform, and this car will help us answer some key questions."

Aston regular Darren Turner tested the car at the MIRA proving ground in England in early November and drove it again recently at Goodwood. Prodrive was set to take the Vantage to Spain, where the DBR9 GT1 car also will run, the week of Nov. 12 for a Michelin tire test. Howard-Chappell said the Vantage project's future will be clearer after that.

"We could have cars ready for next year but not in very high numbers," he said. "It is important to stress that right now, we have not committed to building and selling GT2 cars."

As for Aston's GT1 plans, it almost certainly will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a pair of DBR9s to defend its 2007 win. A full season in the American Le Mans Series is unlikely unless the team finds enough sponsorship.

[John Thawley]

A full season in the American Le Mans Series is unlikely unless the team finds enough sponsorship.

Tell me about it.. I'm having the same issue campaigning my Scion.

[mayk]

Is GT1 dead? As much as I love this class, and besides the GTPs, is my favorite class of racing, for the life of me, why does GM still campaign? Outside of LeMans, looks silly to see two Vets circulating around, and dont give me the crap of 'all it takes is two cars to have a race...." YAWN

Would be great to see AM and GM going at it in GT2 with factory teams, and throw in Chrysler for the Viper...

Other views?

[Nick Koske]

Originally Posted by mayk

Would be great to see AM and GM going at it in GT2 with factory teams, and throw in Chrysler for the Viper...

Other views?

I for one don't want factory teams cars in GT2...if P&M and Prodrive want to build GT2 cars...that's cool but sell them to 'privateers'. I don't want to see a repeat of GT1 in GT2 because there's a team that can't be beat.

[RennSport]

We need to somehow merge the regulations between GT1/GT2 and P1/P2 and just have two classes instead of four.

[mayk]

Originally Posted by RennSport

We need to somehow merge the regulations between GT1/GT2 and P1/P2 and just have two classes instead of four.

As long as the name of this Series has 'Le Mans' in it, wont see that happen....ACO wants 4 classes.....

Plus, I dont want to see it, there is another series that has 'prototypes and GT' racing in only two classes....and I dont watch it.

KM

[Hallen]

Originally Posted by Nick Koske

I for one don't want factory teams cars in GT2...if P&M and Prodrive want to build GT2 cars...that's cool but sell them to 'privateers'. I don't want to see a repeat of GT1 in GT2 because there's a team that can't be beat.

I basically agree with that sentiment. I know it is probably unrealistic, and the series will take whatever entrants that they can get, but I really like the concept of 1 class for factory and top notch teams, 2 class more for privateers and new teams looking to make a name for themselves.

However, it might be the case where the rules get in the way. For example, do a good number of manufacturers make cars that fit into the GT1 class structure? If the rules say that the car must start with no back seat... well that limits who can enter a car. (I haven't read the rules in a while, so I can't remember if this is true or not)

BMW enters their cars into GT2S because it is a sedan (well, we call it a coupe because it has only two doors, but it does have a functional back seat).

Is the GT1 class really just basically limited to "super cars"? Why do those folks really need to race? Their street cars are faster than the race cars anyway. Why not open it up some. Maybe somebody like Cadillac, Ford, BMW, and others would get more interested. Because lets face it, to be competitive in GT1, you are going to need lots and lots of money.

If the ACO wants to keep 4 classes alive, they may have to look at the rules to try and expand the types of cars that can be included. This obviously applies mostly to the GT classes. Of course, I could be off base with this assessment. It could be that the rules are flexible enough already.

[dysonfan]

From Dailysportscar.com

"Here, in conversation with Prodrive and Aston Martin Racing’s George Howard-Chappell, there was talk of glories past, and looks that implied further campaigns to come. More in detail later this week and beyond, but suffice to say for now that in more ways than one, the men in yellow need to watch their backs!"

Thought that may spark some interest!

[John Thawley]

Gee... not much you can derive from that, is there? LOL - But, I think it's always been known they'll compete at Le Mans. So... you could read the "men in yellow" comment however you want. I'd love to see them back in the ALMS, though.

[mayk]

'watch their backs'...that would be mean they are chasing and not the lead dog!