2018 IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship Season Discussion
07-06-2018, 12:09 PM
#151
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Blade: I think it's both really.
the engine they're using now is quite dated (isn't it from ALMS days) so getting Joest to help them with a new motor that's probably more efficient should greatly improve performance and reliability.
As for the SkyActiv, it was dropped since this motor pre-dated the technology but if the move to the 2.5 is still in the works, I could see them bringing it back as it would be more in line with what their fleet is running. Well, as in line as a race prepped motor can be with a mass produced engine.
the engine they're using now is quite dated (isn't it from ALMS days) so getting Joest to help them with a new motor that's probably more efficient should greatly improve performance and reliability.
As for the SkyActiv, it was dropped since this motor pre-dated the technology but if the move to the 2.5 is still in the works, I could see them bringing it back as it would be more in line with what their fleet is running. Well, as in line as a race prepped motor can be with a mass produced engine.
07-06-2018, 12:13 PM
#152
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alright, it's Race Weekend again and even though the Mazdas haven't won any races, it's still an opportunity to see some great racing.
First up, IMSA has made some more BoP changes to help some of the DPi cars out.
I think this could help them as the cars just don't seem the have enough in them coming out of turns or on straights. A bit of a boost increase could help narrow the HP gap that some of the larger displacement cars have.
Speaking of BOP / DPi's, there appears to be an growing concensus amongst Prototype teams that the time is coming to split the Prototypes and the LMP2 cars up in to seperate classes!
This obviously would have [B]enormous/B] ramifications for the series (think LeMans) but it could allow the Prototypes to really shine and run at their true potential.
According to Wayne Taylor, the Cadillacs have lost almost 100 HP since the start of the DPi / LMP2 class.
what do you guys think? Good idea? Bad idea?
Full article:
https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/t...-lmp2-classes/
First up, IMSA has made some more BoP changes to help some of the DPi cars out.
Mazda Team Joest’s RT24-P DPis have received boost increases toward the top of its rev range (from 6500-9100rpm) and will have three additional liters of fuel (now 74.0 liters) to consume.
Speaking of BOP / DPi's, there appears to be an growing concensus amongst Prototype teams that the time is coming to split the Prototypes and the LMP2 cars up in to seperate classes!
This obviously would have [B]enormous/B] ramifications for the series (think LeMans) but it could allow the Prototypes to really shine and run at their true potential.
According to Wayne Taylor, the Cadillacs have lost almost 100 HP since the start of the DPi / LMP2 class.
what do you guys think? Good idea? Bad idea?
Full article:
https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/t...-lmp2-classes/
07-06-2018, 02:43 PM
#153
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1st practice is in the books and again there's an LMP2 car out in front with CORE Autosports putting down the fastest lap time, almost 1 second ahead of the Acura DPI.
- Mazda 4th in practice and seems to be on pace with the other DPI cars.
We'll have to wait and see how the other practice session and qualifying sessions go before we get too excited.
- Mazda 4th in practice and seems to be on pace with the other DPI cars.
We'll have to wait and see how the other practice session and qualifying sessions go before we get too excited.
07-06-2018, 04:20 PM
#154
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2nd practice session done and the CORE autosports LMP2 is once again at the top of the time sheets.
Looks like they've got that car dialed in and should be the car to beat come Sunday.
Acura was running well in the practice session but Helio Castroneves had a pretty big crash and they sustained heavy damage to the rear of the vehicle.
Similar to this morning , Mazda is again running with the leading pack and I believe they finished 4th again.
That's it for today.
I'll update tomorrow after their morning practice and qualifying.
Looks like they've got that car dialed in and should be the car to beat come Sunday.
Acura was running well in the practice session but Helio Castroneves had a pretty big crash and they sustained heavy damage to the rear of the vehicle.
Similar to this morning , Mazda is again running with the leading pack and I believe they finished 4th again.
That's it for today.
I'll update tomorrow after their morning practice and qualifying.
Last edited by Jedi54; 07-06-2018 at 04:47 PM.
07-07-2018, 12:57 PM
#156
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Qualifying is done and another track record broken!
That CORE autosports car has been fast all weekend and qualifying was no exception. They'll definitely be the team to beat tomorrow.
It's interesting because earlier in the season the LMP2 cars simply weren't competitive but through (lots of) BoP changes to the Prototypes, suddenly the LMP2's are up at the front of the pack.
Again, this begs the question: do you keep gimping the DPi's to get them down to LMP2 speeds or do you eventually cut the two classes loose and let them show what they really are capable of. (I'm leaning towards the latter of the two)
Anyways, here are the top 5 cars in qualifying:
Colin Braun obliterated the IMSA Prototype lap record at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on his way to pole position for Sunday’s Mobil 1 Sports Car Grand Prix. The Texan’s spec ORECA 07-Gibson LMP2 entered by CORE autosport took Ricky Taylor’s pole lap from 2017 (1m08.459s) and dropped it to 1m06.315s, travelling the Canadian road course more than two seconds faster than the previous standard.
It's interesting because earlier in the season the LMP2 cars simply weren't competitive but through (lots of) BoP changes to the Prototypes, suddenly the LMP2's are up at the front of the pack.
Again, this begs the question: do you keep gimping the DPi's to get them down to LMP2 speeds or do you eventually cut the two classes loose and let them show what they really are capable of. (I'm leaning towards the latter of the two)
Anyways, here are the top 5 cars in qualifying:
- CORE autosport ORECA LMP2 - 1:06.315 at 133.490mph
- Acura Team Penske Acura DPi - 1:06.540 (+0.225) at 133.038mph
- JDC-Miller Motorsports ORECA LMP2 - 1:06.841 (+0.526) (+0.301) at 132.439mph
- Konica Minolta DPi-V.R Cadillac DPi - 1:07.093 (+0.778) (+0.252) at 131.942mph
- #55 Mazda Team Joest Mazda DPi 1:07.109 (+0.794) (+0.016) at 131.910mph
07-08-2018, 12:02 AM
#157
I don't think LMP2s should be split lest the series ends up like ALMS with 5 classes. It's confusing to those not familiar to sports cars and won't bring in new fans. If LMP2 cars are really that outclassed and it's not just the teams' resources and drivers I'd rather see more customer DPis.
07-09-2018, 01:35 PM
#158
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well, another race and another missed opportunity for Mazda.
I watched the whole race last night (despite knowing the results) and I was actually impressed with what Bomarito did with the #55. It was obvious the CORE autosports LMP2 was the car to beat but despite that, Mazda ran 3rd for a good chunk of the race.
Unfortunately a wheel bearing failure with about 12 minutes left cost him to lose control and end up beached on the gravel trap.
damn.
I'm keep seeing posts online about, "different team, same results, etc etc" but what I've seen from them this year is a team that's continued to get better, has far better pit team than Speedsource had (how many races did those guys lose for the drivers the last 2 seasons) and even their strategies seem to be better.
Now obvioulsy they haven't won a race yet but I think they're getting close in what is an ultra competitive series.
I'll keep watching and rooting because I truly think they can snag a couple podium wins if they keep those cars running the way they have been lately.
I watched the whole race last night (despite knowing the results) and I was actually impressed with what Bomarito did with the #55. It was obvious the CORE autosports LMP2 was the car to beat but despite that, Mazda ran 3rd for a good chunk of the race.
Unfortunately a wheel bearing failure with about 12 minutes left cost him to lose control and end up beached on the gravel trap.
damn.
I'm keep seeing posts online about, "different team, same results, etc etc" but what I've seen from them this year is a team that's continued to get better, has far better pit team than Speedsource had (how many races did those guys lose for the drivers the last 2 seasons) and even their strategies seem to be better.
Now obvioulsy they haven't won a race yet but I think they're getting close in what is an ultra competitive series.
I'll keep watching and rooting because I truly think they can snag a couple podium wins if they keep those cars running the way they have been lately.
07-09-2018, 10:04 PM
#159
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I'm keep seeing posts online about, "different team, same results, etc etc" but what I've seen from them this year is a team that's continued to get better, has far better pit team than Speedsource had (how many races did those guys lose for the drivers the last 2 seasons) and even their strategies seem to be better.
Now obvioulsy they haven't won a race yet but I think they're getting close in what is an ultra competitive series.
I'll keep watching and rooting because I truly think they can snag a couple podium wins if they keep those cars running the way they have been lately.
Now obvioulsy they haven't won a race yet but I think they're getting close in what is an ultra competitive series.
I'll keep watching and rooting because I truly think they can snag a couple podium wins if they keep those cars running the way they have been lately.
We all are hoping they can get things lined up, and finish a race in a competitive position.
Honestly, at this point, and you mentioned it, but had they kept last years car, and fixed the pit crew issues, they would be already in a better position than they currently are.
I understand that there were fundamental problems with the Speedsource built machine, but every week, they seem to have some completely new and unique issue that should not be happening in a race car driven by a professional team of this caliber.
When was the last time that a wheel bearing failed in a professional racecar that you can think of off the top of your head? We have had a year of odd failures like this, plus last year also had a few, but the pit team last year and at the beginning of this year definitely cost several races. Both engines blew up this year in one race alone. That shouldn't happen.
The biggest issue, in my opinion, was the BOP decreases they had put on them earlier in the year. Lowered boost, decreased fuel capacity, and a weight change, I think. Take the car with the least power, and force it to have even less? How do you even race competitively like that?
And while the Mazda team has fought against these gremlins, the competition has only gotten better. Acura came out of nowhere, Cadillac is still top notch, and the Oreca's are cleaning up when either of those two miss a beat.
I hope they get their act together soon.
It's gotten comical in the past several years.
I want to see Mazda on the podium, and it shouldn't be a matter of wishing upon a star, clicking your heels together three times, and throwing salt over your shoulder in order to see it happen.
BC.
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gwilliams6 (07-10-2018)
07-09-2018, 10:14 PM
#160
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BC: perfectly said man.
07-26-2018, 12:49 PM
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IMSA released another round of BoP this morning and scanning through the changes it looks like Mazda is benefiting quit a bit.
c'mon Mazda!
I assume all these changes are being made to the DPi's (3 out of 4 brands got beneficial changes) after them getting their asses handed to them by the LMP2 cars two races in a row.
I still contend that Mazda is "this close" to actually challenging for a podium finish so maybe this will be the week.
full changes from IMSA: https://competitors.imsa.com/sites/d...les_072618.pdf
- Dropping 10kg of weight which now make the Mazdas the lightest cars in the class
- Increased boost acroos the entire power band
- AND even an increase in total fuel capacity.
c'mon Mazda!
I assume all these changes are being made to the DPi's (3 out of 4 brands got beneficial changes) after them getting their asses handed to them by the LMP2 cars two races in a row.
I still contend that Mazda is "this close" to actually challenging for a podium finish so maybe this will be the week.
full changes from IMSA: https://competitors.imsa.com/sites/d...les_072618.pdf
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gwilliams6 (07-27-2018)
07-30-2018, 06:22 PM
#163
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07-31-2018, 02:47 PM
#164
40th anniversary Edition
Road America is one of my favorite tracks to drive on and to be at. It would be great for a win there. But as a long track with several high speed sections, these Mazdas cant win it on handling alone, they have to match the speed of the competition . I wish them well. Cheers
08-04-2018, 03:19 PM
#165
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well, we've got a LOT to cover.
Mazda looked really good in Practice 1 (fastest time), 2nd fastest time in Practice #2 but then an LMP2 car shocked the entire field and took the pole. Unfortunately Mazda dropped off and will start the car in 6th position but their lap time and speed still looks like they're in the mix
Mazda looked really good in Practice 1 (fastest time), 2nd fastest time in Practice #2 but then an LMP2 car shocked the entire field and took the pole. Unfortunately Mazda dropped off and will start the car in 6th position but their lap time and speed still looks like they're in the mix
08-04-2018, 03:23 PM
#166
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as for the big news...DPi, LMP2 Split Confirmed for 2019
this is awesome because we'll finally be able to see what these multi million dollar DPi's are truly capable of but at the same time, it could be rough going for teams that just can't keep up because the top cars won't be gimped as much due to BoP of the LMP2's.
I'm looking forward to it, especially if Joest does indeed have a new engine in the works and they're allowed to really push that car further.
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will return to a four-class format, with confirmation of separate DPi and LMP2 classes in 2019.
IMSA President Scott Atherton made the announcement Friday evening in the sanctioning body’s annual ‘State of the Series’ address at Road America, which also included confirmation of next year’s schedule.
Under the new format, DPis will become the new premier class, with the global-spec LMP2 cars to fall under a new Pro-Am enforced class.
Additionally, Atherton indicated that DPis will be restored to its initial performance levels, after having faced repeated slowdowns to the top-performing LMP2 car, which had been the class performance baseline.
DPis will now be subject to a class-specific Balance of Performance process managed by the IMSA technical committee, similar to the GT Le Mans and GT Daytona classes.
As initially reported by Sportscar365, a class separation had been under discussion since the launch of the joint DPi-LMP2 regulations last year.
The majority of teams with LMP2 cars had been in favor with the proposed change.
LMP2, which will run to the same technical regulations seen in the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series, will require at least one Bronze or Silver-rated driver per lineup.
However, in a change for both LMP2 and GTD next year, maximum drive times for Gold and Platinum-rated drivers will be limited.
The criteria for the Jim Trueman Award, meanwhile, has also been adjusted, the highest-placed Silver/Bronze driver in the LMP2 championship winning the award and invite to the following year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Previously, points were awarded based on finishing position and drive time.
The same criteria will also apply to the Bob Akin Award in GTD, with ties broken in favor of the driver with the highest season-long cumulative drive time.
IMSA President Scott Atherton made the announcement Friday evening in the sanctioning body’s annual ‘State of the Series’ address at Road America, which also included confirmation of next year’s schedule.
Under the new format, DPis will become the new premier class, with the global-spec LMP2 cars to fall under a new Pro-Am enforced class.
Additionally, Atherton indicated that DPis will be restored to its initial performance levels, after having faced repeated slowdowns to the top-performing LMP2 car, which had been the class performance baseline.
DPis will now be subject to a class-specific Balance of Performance process managed by the IMSA technical committee, similar to the GT Le Mans and GT Daytona classes.
As initially reported by Sportscar365, a class separation had been under discussion since the launch of the joint DPi-LMP2 regulations last year.
The majority of teams with LMP2 cars had been in favor with the proposed change.
LMP2, which will run to the same technical regulations seen in the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series, will require at least one Bronze or Silver-rated driver per lineup.
However, in a change for both LMP2 and GTD next year, maximum drive times for Gold and Platinum-rated drivers will be limited.
The criteria for the Jim Trueman Award, meanwhile, has also been adjusted, the highest-placed Silver/Bronze driver in the LMP2 championship winning the award and invite to the following year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Previously, points were awarded based on finishing position and drive time.
The same criteria will also apply to the Bob Akin Award in GTD, with ties broken in favor of the driver with the highest season-long cumulative drive time.
I'm looking forward to it, especially if Joest does indeed have a new engine in the works and they're allowed to really push that car further.
08-04-2018, 06:49 PM
#167
I think Penske can work the Acura to match a more uncorked Cadillac DPi, but I don't think Joest can make the AER engine work without a significant change.
Hopefully more manufactures join DPi (Ford Ecoboost? Lexus?). ESM-Nissan is up in the air after Patron dropped sponsorship. I don't think Mazda will continue without results.
Maybe they can pull out a win this weekend with all the BoP breaks.
Hopefully more manufactures join DPi (Ford Ecoboost? Lexus?). ESM-Nissan is up in the air after Patron dropped sponsorship. I don't think Mazda will continue without results.
Maybe they can pull out a win this weekend with all the BoP breaks.
08-05-2018, 02:09 PM
#168
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watching the Race right now (about 15 minutes behind on the DVR) but Mazdas seems to be running well so far.
4th and 5th and looking sharp.
4th and 5th and looking sharp.
08-05-2018, 03:51 PM
#169
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Damn it!
Terrible pit for the 77 just cost them a podium finish.
Terrible pit for the 77 just cost them a podium finish.
08-05-2018, 05:41 PM
#170
That was quite a tumble down the leader board. Jordan Taylor pitted from the lead and finished 4th, Bomarito did the same and finished 8th. Was the prototype field that close or was there a pit stop fumble like with the 77?
08-05-2018, 06:38 PM
#171
Rockie Mountain Newbie
The cars seemed real good this time around.
Now, if only we can get the pit crew to not choke up at the worst possible time.
Does the pit crew get evaluated during the season?
BC.
08-05-2018, 09:39 PM
#172
The last pit stop for 55 went without a hitch:
Looks like the rest of the prototypes really were nipping at their heels.
To add coal to the negative nancy train, I'd like to point out that when Mazda quit before Road America last year they had more points and more podiums (three 3rd places) than this year.
Do we think the BoP didn't help enough? Or would Mazda become the "LMP2" in next year's split class?
To add coal to the negative nancy train, I'd like to point out that when Mazda quit before Road America last year they had more points and more podiums (three 3rd places) than this year.
Do we think the BoP didn't help enough? Or would Mazda become the "LMP2" in next year's split class?
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Jedi54 (08-05-2018)
08-07-2018, 01:26 PM
#173
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interesting news coming out of Ford.
Their GT car has been SO GOOD (and sexy) that I am actually interested in seeing them make the jump to DPi.
https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/f...ng-into-focus/
thoughts?
Their GT car has been SO GOOD (and sexy) that I am actually interested in seeing them make the jump to DPi.
https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/f...ng-into-focus/
thoughts?
08-08-2018, 08:02 AM
#174
More DPi cars is good. Ecoboost or Voodoo engine I'm fine with too.
Sportscar365 also released an article with Doonan talking about customer Mazda DPi cars.
I'd like to see that too. Bring back Dyson or Speedsource (yeah, right). If it were to happen, probably one of the LMP2 teams switching over.
Now if that happened, would Multimatic build them? Or Riley following Multimatic and Joest's notes?
Sportscar365 also released an article with Doonan talking about customer Mazda DPi cars.
I'd like to see that too. Bring back Dyson or Speedsource (yeah, right). If it were to happen, probably one of the LMP2 teams switching over.
Now if that happened, would Multimatic build them? Or Riley following Multimatic and Joest's notes?
Last edited by j_tso; 08-08-2018 at 10:06 AM.