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Official 2016 WeatherTech Sports Car Championship Season Discussion
Can you believe it's time for a new race season already?
Last season was a quite disappointing for the Mazda teams but gone is that little Diesel motor that never quite was and it's replaced with new gasoline engines sitting in a new LOLA chassis.
Car Classes:
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship features two (2) styles of cars, Prototype and GT (Grand Touring). Each style of car has two (2) classes, Pro and Pro-Am, meaning there are four (4) classes of racing on track together, each with their own battle for the lead.
Pro (Red) & Pro-Am (Blue)
The Pro classes typically feature a professional driver line up while the Pro-Am classes pair a professional driver and amateur driver.
To help fans easily identify a class of car, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship implemented a new color system. A Pro class is designated by RED markings on the number panel, mirror, windscreen banner, rear wing end plate, class decal, and leader light.
A Pro-Am class is designated by BLUE markings on the number panel, mirror, windscreen banner, rear wing end plate, class decal, and leader light
Leader Light System
To help fans follow the on track action, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has introduced a revolutionary and state-of-the-art Leader Light System. It allows fans to easily identify the position of each car in its respective class. The position of the car is displayed on an LED panel mounted on the side of the car near the rear.
The color of the LED number corresponds with the red (Pro) and green (Pro-Am) colors utilized in both the Prototype and GT style of cars. For instance, a red No. 5 LED number on a GT style car means that car is in 5th position in the GTLM class.
Class Specifications
Prototype (P)
The Prototype (P) class features the fastest and most technologically advanced cars in North America. They are specifically designed and engineered for the race track and look drastically different than a typical street car.
TOP SPEED: 190 mph
HORSEPOWER: 450-600
WHEELBASE: Length varies; based on production vehicle design
WEIGHT: 1,990 to 2,285 pounds
HEIGHT: Height varies; based on production vehicle design
WIDTH: 74 inches
CARS: Corvette DP, DeltaWing DWC 13, HPD ARX-03b, Onroak, ORECA, Mazda, Riley DP
ENGINES: Chevrolet V8, Dinan, Ford EcoBoost Turbo, Honda V6 Turbo, Mazda SKYACTIV Clean Diesel
FUEL: VP Racing Fuel E-10 and Diesel
GEARBOX: 6-speed paddle shift
TIRES: Continental
CHASSIS: Steel tubing with integral roll cage or carbon fiber monocoque
SUSPENSION: Front and rear - independent coil springs, upper and lower A arms
TRACTION CONTROL: Permitted
Prototype Challenge (PC)
The Prototype Challenge (PC) class is a spec class featuring open-cockpit race cars and technology such as a carbon fiber chassis, carbon brakes and sequential gearbox.
TOP SPEED: 175 mph
HORSEPOWER: 430
WHEELBASE: Length varies; based on production vehicle design
WEIGHT: 1,990 pounds
HEIGHT: 40 inches
WIDTH: 74 inches
CARS: ORECA FLM09
ENGINES: Chevrolet LS3
FUEL: VP Racing Fuel E-10
GEARBOX: Xtrac sequential with paddle shifting
TIRES: Continental
CHASSIS: Carbon Fiber
SUSPENSION: Front and rear - independent coil springs, upper and lower A arms
TRACTION CONTROL: Not permitted
GT Le Mans (GTLM)
The GT Le Mans (GTLM) cars are the most elite and fastest GT cars on the track. They are based on production models and are engineered to extract the maximum performance possible. The class serves as a true proving ground for leading manufacturers such as BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Porsche, and SRT.
TOP SPEED: 180
HORSEPOWER: 500
WHEELBASE: Length varies; based on production vehicle design
WEIGHT: 2,745 minimum
HEIGHT: Height varies; based on production vehicle design
WIDTH: 79 inches
CARS: Aston Martin Vantage V8, BMW Z4 GTE, Corvette C7.R, Ferarri F458 Italia, Porsche 911 RSR
ENGINES: Aston Martin V8, BMW 4-valve; 6-liter Chevrolet pushrod 2-valve; Ferrari V8; 5.0 liter Ford 4-valve; Porsche flat 6
FUEL: VP Racing Fuel E-85C
GEARBOX: 5-speed or 6-speed
TIRES: Open (Michelin and Falken currently participating)
CHASSIS: Steel tubing and integral roll cage or production tube with cage, based on production model available to the public
SUSPENSION: Front and rear - independent coil springs, upper and lower A arms
TRACTION CONTROL: Not permitted
GT Daytona (GTD)
The GT Daytona cars are enhanced (not defined by) technology. They are also based on production model cars but do not feature the same level of aerodynamics and power as the GTLM class cars. The GTD class consists of cars from the GRAND-AM GT and ALMS GTC classes, as well as FIA GT3-spec cars.
TOP SPEED: 180
HORSEPOWER: 450
WHEELBASE: Length varies; based on production vehicle design
WEIGHT: 2,680 pounds
HEIGHT: Height varies; based on production vehicle design
WIDTH: 79 inches
CARS: Aston Martin Vantage, Audi R8 LMS, BMW Z4, Ferrari 458 Italia, Porsche 911 GT America, SRT Viper GT3-R
ENGINES: Aston Martin V12; Audi 5.0-liter V10; 5.0-liter BMW 4-valve; Ferrari V8; Porsche 3.6-liter flat 6, Viper V10
FUEL: VP Racing Fuel E-10
GEARBOX: 5-speed or 6-speed
TIRES: Continental
CHASSIS: Steel tubing with integral roll cage or production tube with cage; based on production model available to public
SUSPENSION: Front and rear - independent coil springs, upper and lower A arms
TRACTION CONTROL: Not permitted
[...]Last season was a quite disappointing for the Mazda teams but gone is that little Diesel motor that never quite was and it's replaced with new gasoline engines[...]
Originally Posted by Jedi54
Class Specifications
Prototype (P)
The Prototype (P) class features the fastest and most technologically advanced cars in North America. They are specifically designed and engineered for the race track and look drastically different than a typical street car.
TOP SPEED: 190 mph
HORSEPOWER: 450-600
WHEELBASE: Length varies; based on production vehicle design
WEIGHT: 1,990 to 2,285 pounds
HEIGHT: Height varies; based on production vehicle design
WIDTH: 74 inches
CARS: Corvette DP, DeltaWing DWC 13, HPD ARX-03b, Onroak, ORECA, Mazda, Riley DP
ENGINES: Chevrolet V8, Dinan, Ford EcoBoost Turbo, Honda V6 Turbo, Mazda SKYACTIV Clean Diesel
FUEL: VP Racing Fuel E-10 and Diesel
GEARBOX: 6-speed paddle shift
TIRES: Continental
CHASSIS: Steel tubing with integral roll cage or carbon fiber monocoque
SUSPENSION: Front and rear - independent coil springs, upper and lower A arms
TRACTION CONTROL: Permitted
good catch LH.
I noticed that after I posted it off their site.
looks like they forgot to update it from last season because Diesels are not allowed this year and mazda is definitely racing a gasoline engine.
good catch LH.
I noticed that after I posted it off their site.
looks like they forgot to update it from last season because Diesels are not allowed this year and mazda is definitely racing a gasoline engine.
One of the encouraging stories to have come from the Roar Before the Rolex 24 is the rise of Mazda, which has been at the top end of the time sheets all weekend with its updated LMP2 contender. Featuring the new gasoline-powered MZ-2.0T engine, the pair of Lola-based prototypes have gotten a new lease on life, which has given the entire SpeedSource-run factory squad a new level of energy, according to driver Jonathan Bomarito.
“We flashed up to P1 on the time sheets a few times and seeing the crew guys and engineers’ eyes light up is special,” Bomarito told Sportscar365. “We haven’t had that for years and all their hard work is paying off. “It’s just [testing]. There’s no trophy or Rolex watch at the end of it, but that is a small reward for all of their hard work that has gone into this.” Bomarito, along with co-driver Tristan Nunez, have played a key part in the development of the new AER-tuned 2.0-liter turbo powerplant, which began testing last year and has collected more than 4,000 miles heading into this weekend’s official pre-season test.
While most of the testing has been done out of the public eye, the Roar has put Mazda’s extreme makeover in the spotlight for the first time. “Our car from last year sat out a few races so Tristan and I have been doing a lot of testing and development with the new MZ-2.0T engine,” Bomarito said. “We had a little bit more of an understanding of where we were going to be to showcase that to the competitors and public and see how good this team and car is. The speed and capability is pretty cool.” The pace has certainty been there. With the 2nd and 4th quickest times overall of the weekend so far, the Mazdas have been among only six cars to have broken the elusive 1:40 lap time barrier at Daytona.
Bomarito has been pleased with the progress made over the weekend, noting the importance of putting in the mileage now, rather than in the sessions during race week. “We’ve been doing a lot of fuel mileage stuff, trying to collect data for a lot of different reasons,” he said. “We’ve been working on chassis setup and really just getting the car comfortable for all three drivers, in both cars. "It’s about getting everybody ready so we can feel confident and show up to the race, not do a lot of mileage on everything and be ready. “Now is your testing for the race. If you’re trying to figure out the car the day before the race, it’s too late. “There’s so many pieces that have to come into play for a 24-hour race and we’re getting there. We’re close.”
While hopes are high heading into race week, the former Rolex 24 class winner has remained realistic for the new package’s debut race. “This is a tough race,” Bomarito said. “Twenty four hours is very hard on the crew, the drivers and the components of the car. “We have done a lot of testing mileage and feel very confident. But anything can happen. “But seeing our pace at this test… We have a different mindset coming into this year so if we don’t have a shot to be on a podium, we’d be disappointed. “There’s been a lot of talk about this package and this car for a long time but this is still our first race; it hasn’t even done a race yet.
“This is our first race with this engine; we need to get through it and learn with it. But we do expect big things to come in the year.”
While the LMP2/DPi regulations are locked in for a minimum of four years with the same constructors and chassis, Raffauf said manufacturers will be allowed to make changes to the appearance of the bodywork or even debut new engines and/or branding over that period, under an approval and homologation process.
“If they come out with a new engine, they can follow the original process and rebadge and redo their car,” he said.
March 19 – Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring
FS1 10:30 a.m.
FS2 12:30 p.m.
IMSA.tv 7 p.m.
FS2 10 p.m.
April 16 – Grand Prix of Long Beach
FS2 7 p.m.
FS1 12 a.m. (April 17)
FS1 2 p.m. (April 17)
May 1 – Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix
FS1 2 p.m.
June 4 – Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
FS1 12:30 p.m.
July 3 – Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen
FS1 9:30 a.m.
July 10 – Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
FS1 11 a.m.
July 23 -Northeast Grand Prix
FOX 3 p.m.
Aug. 7 – Road America
FS1 4 p.m.
Aug. 28 – VIRginia International Raceway
FS1 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 17 Circuit of The Americas
FS2 12:30 p.m.
FS1 11:30 a.m. (Sept. 18)
Oct. 1 Petit Le Mans
FS1 11 a.m.
IMSA.tv 12 p.m.
FS2 2 p.m.
IMSA.tv 8 p.m.
NOTE: Broadcast dates and times subject to change
2016 IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge FS1 Television Schedule
Date Venue Time (All Times ET)
Feb. 13 Daytona International Speedway 8:30 a.m.
March 27 Sebring International Raceway 12:30 p.m.
May 8 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca 5:30 p.m.
July 10 Watkins Glen International 9 a.m.
July 17 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 1 p.m.
July 31 Lime Rock Park 1 p.m.
Aug. 14 Road America 2 p.m.
Sept. 4 VIRginia International Raceway 6 p.m.
Sept. 25 Circuit of The Americas 5 p.m.
Oct. 9 Road Atlanta 12 p.m.
well, another 24 hours of Daytona is in the books.
Mazda was WAY off the pace in practice and qualifying but come race time they looked much better and were pretty competitive.
Unfortunately the #70 had transmission issues 11 laps in and was retired.
the #55 fought on, even leading a lap at one point (pretty sure it's because all the leaders were in the PIT)
Unfortunately in the 11th hour, it too had mechanical issues and was forced to retire.
the MZ motor is a proven one but in sprint races so can't be too surprised that it failed in an endurance race.
At least we know the mazda has much more speed than in the last few years so I'm looking forward to the next few races to see if they can make a run at the podium.
Unfortunately in the 11th hour, it too had mechanical issues and was forced to retire.
the MZ motor is a proven one but in sprint races so can't be too surprised that it failed in an endurance race.
At least we know the mazda has much more speed than in the last few years so I'm looking forward to the next few races to see if they can make a run at the podium.
Mechanical issues, I heard it started on fire! Anyone see how close the two crashing Lamborghini's were to taking the #55 out too?
Seems the new engine is on pace to seriously contend, once they get the bugs worked out and stop the external combustion issues.
And here's hoping for a throwback orange and green livery in the future of the #55!
The two Mazdas, which showed impressive pace but retired with flywheel and engine failures, respectively. (Fox Sports).
I watched the Mazda in-car race video, and it was great (streaming live on IMSA.com). The car did have great pace, the drivers were locked-in and the future is bright with more durability. The #55 car was on the lead lap when it retired.
Last edited by gwilliams6; 02-01-2016 at 01:04 PM.
When John Doonan, Mazda’s director of motorsports for North America, recalls the 2016 Rolex 24 At Daytona, the memories are bittersweet.
Yes, it was the fastest the two Mazda Prototypes have gone since they joined the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at its inception in 2014. Yes, one of the cars led the race several times, turning out some until-then fastest laps of the race. And yes, when called upon, the drivers and the SpeedSource crew excelled in some trying circumstances.
But no, neither car finished, with both suffering from problems that didn’t show up in extensive pre-season testing.
Female Japanese Driver Joins Mazda Prototype Team For Sebring
Keiko Ihara of Tokyo will join the Mazda Prototype team for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida. She will team with drivers Tom Long, Joel Miller and Ben Devlin in the No. 70 car.
Ihara, 42, has a long history in motorsports, including being the first Asian woman to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and also the first woman to earn a podium finish in a World Endurance Championship (WEC) event, co-driving with Gustavo Yacaman and Alex Brundle to finish third at the 6 Hours of Fuji in 2014.
Ihara has competed at Le Mans three times, with a best finish of 14th overall in 2014. She has raced in a diverse number of series, including the British and French Formula 3 categories and a number of GT and Prototype categories around the world.
Ihara completed a private test session with the Mazda Prototype team in December at tPalm Beach International Raceway in Jupiter, Fla., and has also spent time with the Prototype “driver in the loop” simulator at Multimatic Motorsports in Ontario, Canada.
"We are pleased to add Keiko to our line-up in the Mazda Prototypes for Sebring,” said John Doonan, director, Mazda Motorsports North America. “Sebring is a grueling race and with Keiko's experience at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, she can bring good insights to the team. The entire Mazda Motorsports team has confidence that we can compete up front there. With 13 class victories at Sebring over the years, all of us are focused on bringing Mazda our first overall victory there.”
- See more at: IMSA News Roundup: Stories In American Sports Car Racing This Week | International Motor Sports Association
Both of the Mazda Prototypes got to the checkered flag with no mechanical issues, giving the team its first-ever double top-10 overall result.
The No. 55 entry of Tristan Nunez, Jonathan Bomarito and Spencer Pigot finished 6th, and on the lead lap, after overcoming an early pit lane penalty and trip into the barriers during the rain.
Mazda’s sister No. 70 entry was 8th, benefiting by a late-off by the DeltaWing under the final caution.
I watched some of the in-car video feeds on IMSA.com and without the pit lane penalty and slip into barriers in the rain, the #55 Mazda could have seriously competed for the win.
Last edited by gwilliams6; 03-20-2016 at 11:11 AM.
01-07-2016, 05:24 PM
