Offical ALMS Thread (warning lots of images)
12-11-2008, 07:22 PM
#101
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I am excited, finally we see a competitive team for Mazda ALMS. Not only that, we'll see TWO COUPES !!!!
Hopefully Devlin will get a seat there next year, as I am sure its part of the agreement between Mazda and Dyson, to act as the top of their ladder system.
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Hopefully Devlin will get a seat there next year, as I am sure its part of the agreement between Mazda and Dyson, to act as the top of their ladder system.
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Last edited by Renesis_8; 09-11-2011 at 03:04 PM.
12-11-2008, 09:06 PM
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I see you guys beat me to the punch on the Dyson/Mazda news.. but i felt it needed it's own thread for those who might have given up on Mazda's ALMS efforts.
WOOHOO!!! GO DYSON/MAZDA
WOOHOO!!! GO DYSON/MAZDA
12-12-2008, 02:02 AM
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The most important part of those images is the Michelin logo on the tires. The upgrade in professionalism that Dyson brings is not to be diminished, but now the Mazola will finally have equal footing (pun intended) with the rest of the top teams.
It's mighty hard to develop a chassis when you can't get good rubber... should be seeing some massive performance gains from that stability alone....
It's mighty hard to develop a chassis when you can't get good rubber... should be seeing some massive performance gains from that stability alone....
12-12-2008, 09:40 AM
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12-12-2008, 03:04 PM
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First pics of Acura's LMP1 car, beautiful car with a F1 nose!
http://www.mulsannescorner.com/newsnov08.html
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http://www.mulsannescorner.com/newsnov08.html
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Last edited by Renesis_8; 09-11-2011 at 03:05 PM.
12-15-2008, 02:01 PM
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Crazy times. its just seems its getting worse by the day for racing world. i guess acua will be the leading team next year 
. hoping dyson will put up a good fight. i really never cared for the GT classes, but i guess this session i will pay more attention to it. especially with M3 being the series 
unless BMW follows Audi and just race in the Europe LMS
. hoping dyson will put up a good fight. i really never cared for the GT classes, but i guess this session i will pay more attention to it. especially with M3 being the series unless BMW follows Audi and just race in the Europe LMS
Last edited by alfy28; 12-15-2008 at 02:07 PM.
12-15-2008, 02:16 PM
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Its not really news, I guess they just made it official today. It happened when both Penske and Dyson dropped out of the program.
There are rumors that a certain team might have picked up the Dyson chassis.
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There are rumors that a certain team might have picked up the Dyson chassis.
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Last edited by Renesis_8; 09-11-2011 at 03:05 PM.
12-16-2008, 09:37 AM
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Crazy times. its just seems its getting worse by the day for racing world. i guess acua will be the leading team next year . hoping dyson will put up a good fight. i really never cared for the GT classes, but i guess this session i will pay more attention to it. especially with M3 being the series unless BMW follows Audi and just race in the Europe LMS
. hoping dyson will put up a good fight. i really never cared for the GT classes, but i guess this session i will pay more attention to it. especially with M3 being the series unless BMW follows Audi and just race in the Europe LMS 
. They were more of a rolling road block for the other cars then a competent competitive race team on the field. I had a hunch Lexus was going to join the bunch.... they do so well in the Gran Am series with the prototypes, and JGTC series, i figured it would be a matter of time before they jumped into the ALMS. The main focus for Lexus would be to dominate the BMW team and the M3. Thats a mighty mountain to tackle right there, as the BMW team with there V8 powered M3 back the early 2000 gave the Porsche guy fits!
12-16-2008, 11:11 AM
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Don't forget the lamborghini Gallardo suppose to be running next year to , by a independent team, GT2 is going to be very interesting. I said the same last year when the GT 40 was introduced, unfortunately that team didn't do to well this year in the GT2 class . They were more of a rolling road block for the other cars then a competent competitive race team on the field.
I had a hunch Lexus was going to join the bunch.... they do so well in the Gran Am series with the prototypes, and JGTC series, i figured it would be a matter of time before they jumped into the ALMS. The main focus for Lexus would be to dominate the BMW team and the M3. Thats a mighty mountain to tackle right there, as the BMW team with there V8 powered M3 back the early 2000 gave the Porsche guy fits!
. They were more of a rolling road block for the other cars then a competent competitive race team on the field. I had a hunch Lexus was going to join the bunch.... they do so well in the Gran Am series with the prototypes, and JGTC series, i figured it would be a matter of time before they jumped into the ALMS. The main focus for Lexus would be to dominate the BMW team and the M3. Thats a mighty mountain to tackle right there, as the BMW team with there V8 powered M3 back the early 2000 gave the Porsche guy fits!
its funny though, i love ferrari cars, but do not care for them in racing series. so any chance of them loosing brings a big smile . Since flying lizzard is prtty the only team that can dominate (besides corvette team) ferrari (corsa team). i tend to root for them. even though the team i really want to do well is the Aston Martin team. which i never can understand them. they do so well in the Europe LMS, but do awful in the ALMS.
having the M3 in the series is going to sweet. also i forgot about the lambo from houston being the series. but for some reason i dont care for that car lol. i guess watching to much JGTC and seen how poorly it does in the series, i automaticaly think they will fail in ALMS.
12-17-2008, 01:30 PM
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Flying Lizard Motorsports announces 2009 ALMS driver lineup
Flying Lizard Motorsports, the 2008 American Le Mans Series GT2 team champions, announced its 2009 racing program. The Sonoma, Calif.,-based team will field two 2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Porsches in the GT2 class--the No. 45 and No. 44--for the complete 2009 ALMS season.
Germany's Jorg Bergmeister will return to Flying Lizard for his third consecutive season to defend his and the team's 2008 championships. He will be joined in the No. 45 by American Patrick Long. Long returns to the GT2 ranks after spending 2008 behind the wheel of a Penske Porsche RS Spyder LMP2-class prototype. As announced previously, that program will not continue next year.
In the No. 44, Seth Neiman (USA) will return with co-drivers Darren Law (USA) and Johannes van Overbeek (USA).
2009 will be the third season that Bergmeister and Long have competed together. Two of the top Porsche drivers in the world, together they won back-to-back ALMS GT2 championships in 2005 and 2006, a total of eight ALMS GT2 races, and won in GT2 at the 2004 24 Hours of Le Mans (along with Sascha Maassen). Bergmeister and Long are again both Porsche factory drivers for the 2009 season.
Flying Lizard expects to receive its two new 911 GT3 RSRs in early January and plans to attend the ALMS winter test at Sebring International Raceway in late January. The team said it will announce additional program details in early 2009.
Flying Lizard Motorsports, the 2008 American Le Mans Series GT2 team champions, announced its 2009 racing program. The Sonoma, Calif.,-based team will field two 2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Porsches in the GT2 class--the No. 45 and No. 44--for the complete 2009 ALMS season.
Germany's Jorg Bergmeister will return to Flying Lizard for his third consecutive season to defend his and the team's 2008 championships. He will be joined in the No. 45 by American Patrick Long. Long returns to the GT2 ranks after spending 2008 behind the wheel of a Penske Porsche RS Spyder LMP2-class prototype. As announced previously, that program will not continue next year.
In the No. 44, Seth Neiman (USA) will return with co-drivers Darren Law (USA) and Johannes van Overbeek (USA).
2009 will be the third season that Bergmeister and Long have competed together. Two of the top Porsche drivers in the world, together they won back-to-back ALMS GT2 championships in 2005 and 2006, a total of eight ALMS GT2 races, and won in GT2 at the 2004 24 Hours of Le Mans (along with Sascha Maassen). Bergmeister and Long are again both Porsche factory drivers for the 2009 season.
Flying Lizard expects to receive its two new 911 GT3 RSRs in early January and plans to attend the ALMS winter test at Sebring International Raceway in late January. The team said it will announce additional program details in early 2009.
12-17-2008, 01:33 PM
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Farnbacher Loles announces 2009 ALMS program
Farnbacher Loles Racing announced an American Le Mans Series program that sees the team's relationship with Porsche grow stronger for 2009. Farnbacher Loles will be a Porsche factory partner in the GT2 class, with Germans Wolf Henzler and Dirk Werner driving a new 911 GT3 RSR. Henzler returns to Farnbacher Loles after a stint at Flying Lizard Motorsports. Werner teamed with various co-drivers in 2008.
"Everyone at Farnbacher Loles is proud to announce our partnership with Porsche for the 2009 American Le Mans Series season," team owner Gregory Loles said. "Many people have worked very hard to gain this recognition from our manufacturer.
Between the two of them, Henzler and Werner combined for five class wins and five pole positions in GT2 during the 2008 season. In his first year as a factory driver, Henzler shared the GT2 championship with Flying Lizard Motorsports' teammate Jorg Bergmeister. Werner finished a close second in the 2008 Porsche Cup rankings, based on his race results in both Europe and North America.
The team, based in Braselton, Ga., enjoyed a class win, two pole positions and four podiums in its rookie ALMS season this year. Farnbacher Loles will also field Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars in the 2009 Patron GT3 Challenge by Yokohama.
"I must express my personal satisfaction with the return of Wolf to our team," Loles said. "Wolf is more than a driver for our team; he is part of our family and history. Dirk has been our rock for the last couple of seasons and now he will have the [consistent] co-driver we so desperately missed in 2008. Dirk, who is very special to us, now has the teammate he deserves in the American Le Mans Series. Dirk and Wolf will be a formidable combination in our car.
"We are confident with the additional resources now available to us, the 2009 season will bring many triumphs to our team," Loles said. I must particularly thank [Porsche Motorsport boss Hartmut] Kristen and [Porsche Motorsport North America president Paul] Ritchie for the confidence they are showing in our team. We will not disappoint them."
This is good news!Woohoo!
Farnbacher Loles Racing announced an American Le Mans Series program that sees the team's relationship with Porsche grow stronger for 2009. Farnbacher Loles will be a Porsche factory partner in the GT2 class, with Germans Wolf Henzler and Dirk Werner driving a new 911 GT3 RSR. Henzler returns to Farnbacher Loles after a stint at Flying Lizard Motorsports. Werner teamed with various co-drivers in 2008.
"Everyone at Farnbacher Loles is proud to announce our partnership with Porsche for the 2009 American Le Mans Series season," team owner Gregory Loles said. "Many people have worked very hard to gain this recognition from our manufacturer.
Between the two of them, Henzler and Werner combined for five class wins and five pole positions in GT2 during the 2008 season. In his first year as a factory driver, Henzler shared the GT2 championship with Flying Lizard Motorsports' teammate Jorg Bergmeister. Werner finished a close second in the 2008 Porsche Cup rankings, based on his race results in both Europe and North America.
The team, based in Braselton, Ga., enjoyed a class win, two pole positions and four podiums in its rookie ALMS season this year. Farnbacher Loles will also field Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars in the 2009 Patron GT3 Challenge by Yokohama.
"I must express my personal satisfaction with the return of Wolf to our team," Loles said. "Wolf is more than a driver for our team; he is part of our family and history. Dirk has been our rock for the last couple of seasons and now he will have the [consistent] co-driver we so desperately missed in 2008. Dirk, who is very special to us, now has the teammate he deserves in the American Le Mans Series. Dirk and Wolf will be a formidable combination in our car.
"We are confident with the additional resources now available to us, the 2009 season will bring many triumphs to our team," Loles said. I must particularly thank [Porsche Motorsport boss Hartmut] Kristen and [Porsche Motorsport North America president Paul] Ritchie for the confidence they are showing in our team. We will not disappoint them."
This is good news!Woohoo!
12-17-2008, 01:47 PM
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Farnbacher Loles announces 2009 ALMS program
Farnbacher Loles Racing announced an American Le Mans Series program that sees the team's relationship with Porsche grow stronger for 2009. Farnbacher Loles will be a Porsche factory partner in the GT2 class, with Germans Wolf Henzler and Dirk Werner driving a new 911 GT3 RSR. Henzler returns to Farnbacher Loles after a stint at Flying Lizard Motorsports. Werner teamed with various co-drivers in 2008.
"Everyone at Farnbacher Loles is proud to announce our partnership with Porsche for the 2009 American Le Mans Series season," team owner Gregory Loles said. "Many people have worked very hard to gain this recognition from our manufacturer.
Between the two of them, Henzler and Werner combined for five class wins and five pole positions in GT2 during the 2008 season. In his first year as a factory driver, Henzler shared the GT2 championship with Flying Lizard Motorsports' teammate Jorg Bergmeister. Werner finished a close second in the 2008 Porsche Cup rankings, based on his race results in both Europe and North America.
The team, based in Braselton, Ga., enjoyed a class win, two pole positions and four podiums in its rookie ALMS season this year. Farnbacher Loles will also field Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars in the 2009 Patron GT3 Challenge by Yokohama.
"I must express my personal satisfaction with the return of Wolf to our team," Loles said. "Wolf is more than a driver for our team; he is part of our family and history. Dirk has been our rock for the last couple of seasons and now he will have the [consistent] co-driver we so desperately missed in 2008. Dirk, who is very special to us, now has the teammate he deserves in the American Le Mans Series. Dirk and Wolf will be a formidable combination in our car.
"We are confident with the additional resources now available to us, the 2009 season will bring many triumphs to our team," Loles said. I must particularly thank [Porsche Motorsport boss Hartmut] Kristen and [Porsche Motorsport North America president Paul] Ritchie for the confidence they are showing in our team. We will not disappoint them This is good news!Woohoo!
Farnbacher Loles Racing announced an American Le Mans Series program that sees the team's relationship with Porsche grow stronger for 2009. Farnbacher Loles will be a Porsche factory partner in the GT2 class, with Germans Wolf Henzler and Dirk Werner driving a new 911 GT3 RSR. Henzler returns to Farnbacher Loles after a stint at Flying Lizard Motorsports. Werner teamed with various co-drivers in 2008.
"Everyone at Farnbacher Loles is proud to announce our partnership with Porsche for the 2009 American Le Mans Series season," team owner Gregory Loles said. "Many people have worked very hard to gain this recognition from our manufacturer.
Between the two of them, Henzler and Werner combined for five class wins and five pole positions in GT2 during the 2008 season. In his first year as a factory driver, Henzler shared the GT2 championship with Flying Lizard Motorsports' teammate Jorg Bergmeister. Werner finished a close second in the 2008 Porsche Cup rankings, based on his race results in both Europe and North America.
The team, based in Braselton, Ga., enjoyed a class win, two pole positions and four podiums in its rookie ALMS season this year. Farnbacher Loles will also field Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars in the 2009 Patron GT3 Challenge by Yokohama.
"I must express my personal satisfaction with the return of Wolf to our team," Loles said. "Wolf is more than a driver for our team; he is part of our family and history. Dirk has been our rock for the last couple of seasons and now he will have the [consistent] co-driver we so desperately missed in 2008. Dirk, who is very special to us, now has the teammate he deserves in the American Le Mans Series. Dirk and Wolf will be a formidable combination in our car.
"We are confident with the additional resources now available to us, the 2009 season will bring many triumphs to our team," Loles said. I must particularly thank [Porsche Motorsport boss Hartmut] Kristen and [Porsche Motorsport North America president Paul] Ritchie for the confidence they are showing in our team. We will not disappoint them This is good news!Woohoo!
12-18-2008, 08:11 AM
#116
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http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID=5059
MÜLLER, MILNER FILL M3 SEATS FOR 2009
"Tommy Milner and former American Le Mans Series class champion Dirk Müller will fill out the full-season lineup for BMW Rahal Letterman Racing team, Rahal Letterman and BMW of North America announced Wednesday. The pairing will join Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand as the drivers for the team's inaugural two-car effort with the new BMW M3 in the Series' GT2 class for 2009.
"With the high level of competition already established in the American Le Mans Series' GT2 class, the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team is moving into a very fast lane," said Martin Birkmann, BMW of North America Motorsports Manager. "Previous BMW M3 and American Le Mans Series GT racing experience were critical parameters in our driver selection process. The addition of Tommy Milner and Dirk Müller to Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand gives us a highly qualified driver lineup."
Tommy Milner began his road-racing career with BMW in the Formula BMW USA Junior ranks.
Milner, 22, of Leesburg, Va., began his racing career in 2004 as a Formula BMW USA Junior driver. The son of Prototype Technology Group owner Tom Milner, Tommy joined PTG later that year and qualified on pole position in his very first professional sports car race. He made his American Le Mans Series debut in 2006, and went on to join Rahal Letterman Racing in 2007 and co-drove the team's Porsche to five podium finishes and fourth place in GT2 driver points. When RLR decided to forego the Series in 2008, Milner joined the Panoz effort where he co-drove with Hand, finishing on the podium in the season's final race.
"I'm very pleased to be racing for BMW," said Milner. "Following the start of my career as a Formula BMW Junior driver in 2004, I've also had some of my best results driving previous generation M3s. I hope to continue those successes in 2009 for the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team."
Müller, 33, originally from Burbach, Germany, is considered to be one of the best GT drivers in the world. With vast experience in sprint and endurance racing series in both North America and Europe, he has raced in five previous Series seasons between 1999 and 2008. Winning the GT driver's championship in 2000, Müller became a BMW driver for the first time in 2001, continuing through 2005. Driving a BMW M3 GTR in 2001, Müller raced to five podium finishes in a season that saw the BMW sweep all American Le Mans Series GT class titles. Müller also co-drove the M3 GTR to victory in the 2004 Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Former GT champion Dirk Muller is a former BMW factory driver from 2001 through 2006.
"I am honored to be part of the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team and to be working with BMW of North America and Bobby Rahal," said Müller. "I enjoyed being part of the BMW family from 2001 until 2006 so this makes me feel like I am home again. I am also happy to have the engine back at the front of the car!"
The BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team is currently preparing its BMW M3 race cars at its Hilliard, Ohio shop in advance of the January 26-28 American Le Mans Series Winter Test at Sebring International Raceway. The team recently conducted its initial M3 testing by making runs at Road Atlanta and Sebring.
Adding a pair of drivers with the skills and road-racing acumen of Dirk Müller and Tommy Milner really increases the overall talent level of the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team," said Rahal Letterman Racing co-owner Bobby Rahal. "We have worked with Tommy over the last two years in a number of different cars, and he has been a quick study and taken each of our cars straight to the front! Dirk has long been recognized as one of the top talents in road racing and we think the addition of Milner and Müller to our team gives us one of the best lineups in the GT2 class."
The BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team will begin the 2009 American Le Mans Series season on March 22 at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida. "
and i know we seen the pics. but its thursday, so we all need a treat of eye candy
MÜLLER, MILNER FILL M3 SEATS FOR 2009
"Tommy Milner and former American Le Mans Series class champion Dirk Müller will fill out the full-season lineup for BMW Rahal Letterman Racing team, Rahal Letterman and BMW of North America announced Wednesday. The pairing will join Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand as the drivers for the team's inaugural two-car effort with the new BMW M3 in the Series' GT2 class for 2009.
"With the high level of competition already established in the American Le Mans Series' GT2 class, the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team is moving into a very fast lane," said Martin Birkmann, BMW of North America Motorsports Manager. "Previous BMW M3 and American Le Mans Series GT racing experience were critical parameters in our driver selection process. The addition of Tommy Milner and Dirk Müller to Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand gives us a highly qualified driver lineup."
Tommy Milner began his road-racing career with BMW in the Formula BMW USA Junior ranks.
Milner, 22, of Leesburg, Va., began his racing career in 2004 as a Formula BMW USA Junior driver. The son of Prototype Technology Group owner Tom Milner, Tommy joined PTG later that year and qualified on pole position in his very first professional sports car race. He made his American Le Mans Series debut in 2006, and went on to join Rahal Letterman Racing in 2007 and co-drove the team's Porsche to five podium finishes and fourth place in GT2 driver points. When RLR decided to forego the Series in 2008, Milner joined the Panoz effort where he co-drove with Hand, finishing on the podium in the season's final race.
"I'm very pleased to be racing for BMW," said Milner. "Following the start of my career as a Formula BMW Junior driver in 2004, I've also had some of my best results driving previous generation M3s. I hope to continue those successes in 2009 for the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team."
Müller, 33, originally from Burbach, Germany, is considered to be one of the best GT drivers in the world. With vast experience in sprint and endurance racing series in both North America and Europe, he has raced in five previous Series seasons between 1999 and 2008. Winning the GT driver's championship in 2000, Müller became a BMW driver for the first time in 2001, continuing through 2005. Driving a BMW M3 GTR in 2001, Müller raced to five podium finishes in a season that saw the BMW sweep all American Le Mans Series GT class titles. Müller also co-drove the M3 GTR to victory in the 2004 Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Former GT champion Dirk Muller is a former BMW factory driver from 2001 through 2006.
"I am honored to be part of the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team and to be working with BMW of North America and Bobby Rahal," said Müller. "I enjoyed being part of the BMW family from 2001 until 2006 so this makes me feel like I am home again. I am also happy to have the engine back at the front of the car!"
The BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team is currently preparing its BMW M3 race cars at its Hilliard, Ohio shop in advance of the January 26-28 American Le Mans Series Winter Test at Sebring International Raceway. The team recently conducted its initial M3 testing by making runs at Road Atlanta and Sebring.
Adding a pair of drivers with the skills and road-racing acumen of Dirk Müller and Tommy Milner really increases the overall talent level of the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team," said Rahal Letterman Racing co-owner Bobby Rahal. "We have worked with Tommy over the last two years in a number of different cars, and he has been a quick study and taken each of our cars straight to the front! Dirk has long been recognized as one of the top talents in road racing and we think the addition of Milner and Müller to our team gives us one of the best lineups in the GT2 class."
The BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team will begin the 2009 American Le Mans Series season on March 22 at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida. "
and i know we seen the pics. but its thursday, so we all need a treat of eye candy
01-04-2009, 11:36 AM
#118
http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID=5070
HOWE NOW: DYSON RACING'S FUTURE
For decades Dyson Racing has been a cornerstone of American sports car racing. The news of Dyson joining forces with Mazda for 2009 in the American Le Mans Series is good news for motorsports. Perhaps I am reading too much into the team's press release or perhaps there really is more good news to come...
Chris Dyson said in the announcement, "This is a long-term commitment and we look forward to utilizing Mazda's breadth of involvement in racing to build programs of driver training and team development. Our new facility is about to come on-line shortly and will lend itself well to developing additional platforms in partnership with Mazda."
If you ask me, that's one way of saying that major-league expansion is coming to Dyson Racing. Look at the number of championships that Mazda has a hand in all over North America.
More importantly, look at the number of championships that Mazda has a hand in all over North America AND will support the American Le Mans Series throughout 2009.
The first two that come to mind are Star Mazda and the Atlantic Championship. Both are near and dear to Mazda's heart as it advances drivers through its development ladder from karting to Skip Barber to Star Mazda to Atlantics. Plus, Chris Dyson himself competed in Atlantics. If indeed Mazda considers the American Le Mans Series as the premier level, having a team competing in "the big three" would be a benefit for both, wouldn't it?
The other route that would make some sense would be SPEED World Challenge. Mazda also advances drivers from the MX-5 Cup to the Touring Car ranks. Again, having a team that represents Mazda all around would increase interest.
So given the fact that Dyson Racing soon will have a larger facility to field the cars as well as a history and knowledge across the board, I would not be surprised to see the Dyson Racing name show up in open-wheel and/or touring car as well as the LMP2 program.
The only question is when.
Jamie Howe is part of SPEED's team of motorsports broadcasters and regularly covers the action from the pit lanes of the American Le Mans Series, Star Mazda and other prominent road-racing championships. Keep track of Jamie's blogs and commentaries at americanlemans.com and jamieontv.com The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Le Mans Series.
HOWE NOW: DYSON RACING'S FUTURE
For decades Dyson Racing has been a cornerstone of American sports car racing. The news of Dyson joining forces with Mazda for 2009 in the American Le Mans Series is good news for motorsports. Perhaps I am reading too much into the team's press release or perhaps there really is more good news to come...
Chris Dyson said in the announcement, "This is a long-term commitment and we look forward to utilizing Mazda's breadth of involvement in racing to build programs of driver training and team development. Our new facility is about to come on-line shortly and will lend itself well to developing additional platforms in partnership with Mazda."
If you ask me, that's one way of saying that major-league expansion is coming to Dyson Racing. Look at the number of championships that Mazda has a hand in all over North America.
More importantly, look at the number of championships that Mazda has a hand in all over North America AND will support the American Le Mans Series throughout 2009.
The first two that come to mind are Star Mazda and the Atlantic Championship. Both are near and dear to Mazda's heart as it advances drivers through its development ladder from karting to Skip Barber to Star Mazda to Atlantics. Plus, Chris Dyson himself competed in Atlantics. If indeed Mazda considers the American Le Mans Series as the premier level, having a team competing in "the big three" would be a benefit for both, wouldn't it?
The other route that would make some sense would be SPEED World Challenge. Mazda also advances drivers from the MX-5 Cup to the Touring Car ranks. Again, having a team that represents Mazda all around would increase interest.
So given the fact that Dyson Racing soon will have a larger facility to field the cars as well as a history and knowledge across the board, I would not be surprised to see the Dyson Racing name show up in open-wheel and/or touring car as well as the LMP2 program.
The only question is when.
Jamie Howe is part of SPEED's team of motorsports broadcasters and regularly covers the action from the pit lanes of the American Le Mans Series, Star Mazda and other prominent road-racing championships. Keep track of Jamie's blogs and commentaries at americanlemans.com and jamieontv.com The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Le Mans Series.
01-25-2009, 03:03 PM
#119
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I'm really glad Dyson has partnered up with Mazda. We've finally got a great team with good consistancy and money to back the program. Should finally be able to pick up some apparel as well;-)
01-26-2009, 06:48 AM
#120
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GTS RSR is going to run....
ALMS: 2009 Porsche 911 GTS3 RSR to Make World Debut at Sebring Winter TestWritten by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com 01/23/2009 - 11:27 AM
Atlanta, GeorgiaPage 1 2 The ALMS Series GT2 class championship winning Porsche 911 GT3 RSR which has significant upgrades for 2009 and will debut at Sebring International Raceway January 26. (Photo: Porsche.com) ğ More Photos
The American Le Mans Series GT2 class championship- winning Porsche 911 GT3 RSR heads into the 2009 racing season with significant mechanical and body upgrades designed to help it defend its crown against increased competition. The new cars will make their world debut at Sebring International Raceway on Monday, January 26, as part of the three-day American Le Mans Series Winter test.
The 911 GT3 RSR, which carried German factory drivers Joerg Bergmeister and Wolf Henzler to the ALMS GT2 drivers championship as well as Porsche to the manufacturers title last season, features a redesigned front end with larger air outlets on the hood. Under the lightweight bodyshell, many other evolutionary changes were made as well; keeping the 911 GT3 RSR the fastest racing Porsche 911 that Porsche builds.
Noticeable at first sight are the air slots on the front hood . the result of thecompletely redesigned radiator air ducting, which became necessary with installation of the new airconditioning unit, added to comply with the ACO 2009 regulations. The aerodynamics under the rear also underwent further fine-tuning. The rear wing now features a wider adjustment range. The weight-optimized brake system and the lighter wiring harness contribute to further improved handling for 2009.
The capacity of the legendary Porsche six-cylinder boxer engine increased from 3.8 to 4.0-litres at mid-season last year, and, after an air restrictor size reduction for 2009, the power plant now delivers approximately 450 horsepower at 7,800 RPM and develops a maximum torque of 430 Nm at 7,250 rpm, with a maximum engine speed of 9000 RPM. As a result of these changes, the engine features an optimized torque curve, producing more power at lower RPM, which offers better driveability.
In the cockpit, a new multi-function display located above the dashboard indicates the optimum moment to change gears. Another new feature is the programmable multi-function, onboard supply system, giving teams the choice of many individual functions, including infinitely adjustable blinking frequency of the front lights, which helps pit crews recognize their race cars as they enter the pits in the dark. For easier servicing under race conditions, the GT3 RSR features a new air-jack system with an over-pressure valve, and the oil refill inlet with fast filling function has now moved to the rear lid, giving mechanics better access.
The GT3 RSR, along with the GT3 Cup and GT3 Cup S, are the three Porsche 911 race cars offered by Porsche Motorsport, with the RSR version being handbuilt from the ground up in Weissach, Porsche.s Motorsport Headquarters. About 20 of these GT3 RSR endurance racers are completed and are now being delivered to customer teams around the world. Porsche is the world.s largest manufacture of racing cars, with 265 built last year.
The base price in the United States for the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is $415,000. For information on Porsche factory race car sales in North America, visit the Porsche Motorsport North America business pages at:
ALMS: 2009 Porsche 911 GTS3 RSR to Make World Debut at Sebring Winter TestWritten by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com 01/23/2009 - 11:27 AM
Atlanta, GeorgiaPage 1 2 The ALMS Series GT2 class championship winning Porsche 911 GT3 RSR which has significant upgrades for 2009 and will debut at Sebring International Raceway January 26. (Photo: Porsche.com) ğ More Photos
The American Le Mans Series GT2 class championship- winning Porsche 911 GT3 RSR heads into the 2009 racing season with significant mechanical and body upgrades designed to help it defend its crown against increased competition. The new cars will make their world debut at Sebring International Raceway on Monday, January 26, as part of the three-day American Le Mans Series Winter test.
The 911 GT3 RSR, which carried German factory drivers Joerg Bergmeister and Wolf Henzler to the ALMS GT2 drivers championship as well as Porsche to the manufacturers title last season, features a redesigned front end with larger air outlets on the hood. Under the lightweight bodyshell, many other evolutionary changes were made as well; keeping the 911 GT3 RSR the fastest racing Porsche 911 that Porsche builds.
Noticeable at first sight are the air slots on the front hood . the result of thecompletely redesigned radiator air ducting, which became necessary with installation of the new airconditioning unit, added to comply with the ACO 2009 regulations. The aerodynamics under the rear also underwent further fine-tuning. The rear wing now features a wider adjustment range. The weight-optimized brake system and the lighter wiring harness contribute to further improved handling for 2009.
The capacity of the legendary Porsche six-cylinder boxer engine increased from 3.8 to 4.0-litres at mid-season last year, and, after an air restrictor size reduction for 2009, the power plant now delivers approximately 450 horsepower at 7,800 RPM and develops a maximum torque of 430 Nm at 7,250 rpm, with a maximum engine speed of 9000 RPM. As a result of these changes, the engine features an optimized torque curve, producing more power at lower RPM, which offers better driveability.
In the cockpit, a new multi-function display located above the dashboard indicates the optimum moment to change gears. Another new feature is the programmable multi-function, onboard supply system, giving teams the choice of many individual functions, including infinitely adjustable blinking frequency of the front lights, which helps pit crews recognize their race cars as they enter the pits in the dark. For easier servicing under race conditions, the GT3 RSR features a new air-jack system with an over-pressure valve, and the oil refill inlet with fast filling function has now moved to the rear lid, giving mechanics better access.
The GT3 RSR, along with the GT3 Cup and GT3 Cup S, are the three Porsche 911 race cars offered by Porsche Motorsport, with the RSR version being handbuilt from the ground up in Weissach, Porsche.s Motorsport Headquarters. About 20 of these GT3 RSR endurance racers are completed and are now being delivered to customer teams around the world. Porsche is the world.s largest manufacture of racing cars, with 265 built last year.
The base price in the United States for the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is $415,000. For information on Porsche factory race car sales in North America, visit the Porsche Motorsport North America business pages at:
Last edited by DailyDriver2k5; 01-26-2009 at 06:51 AM.
01-27-2009, 12:21 PM
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Aston Martin LMP1 racer! WOW!
Aston Martin is ready to tackle the 2009 24 Hours of LeMans in a pair of Gulf-liveried LMP1 vehicles on the 50th anniversary of its only overall win in the Franco enduro. The two coupes are based on the 2008 Charouz Racing System Lola and will be powered by the same production-based V12 found in the LeMans GT1 DBR9. Development was performed by Lola, Michelin, Koni and BBS, along with Aston's largest partner, Gulf Oil. Driving duties will be handled by Jan Charouz, Tomas Enge and Stefan Mücke, along with Darren Turner who was part of the team that campaigned the DBR9 GT1 crew in 2007 and 2008. Harold Primat is the newest addition to the team and one other driver will be announced shortly. Unfortunately, Aston won't be campaigning in the GT1 class in bid to focus all its efforts on LMP1 program. It's going to be an exciting year and we're hoping to bring it to you live the weekend of June 13 and 14. All the details are available in the press release below the fold.
PRESS RELEASE
Aston Martin to challenge for overall Le Mans win
Gaydon, 27 January 2009. On the 50th anniversary of its outright win at Le Mans, Aston Martin will return to La Sarthe with two Works LMP1 cars bearing the iconic blue and orange livery of Gulf Oil.
In an ambitious attempt to emulate the legendary achievements of the 1959 DBR1 driven by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori, Aston Martin will endeavour to bring the Le Mans title back to Britain.
"2009 is a hugely significant year for Aston Martin at Le Mans and the challenge of reclaiming victory in this famous race for Aston Martin and Great Britain was simply too great to ignore," said Aston Martin Chairman, David Richards. "However, we do not underestimate the task. While we have won the GT1 class for the last two years, competing against the proven speed and endurance of the diesel-powered cars with all their years of winning the prototype class, will be a massive undertaking. Nonetheless, I see this as a great opportunity to showcase the ingenuity of British engineering talent."
Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer commented: "Racing has been, and still is at the heart of Aston Martin. Our cars today are subtle, elegant and handcrafted but they still have the genes for competition. I am happy that we have found partners who, with their support, will enable us to compete at the highest level of endurance racing. We will put all our heart and skill behind this project to demonstrate the essence of Aston Martin: Power Beauty and Soul."
The new car which is based on the 2008 Charouz Racing System Lola will be powered by the same production-based Aston Martin V12 engine which, last year, helped Aston Martin secure its second successive Le Mans GT1 title with the DBR9. It also powered the Charouz car to a new La Sarthe lap record for a petrol car.
Aston Martin Racing is developing the car in conjunction with Lola, Michelin, Koni and BBS and continues its relationship with major partner Gulf Oil and official clothing partner Hackett.
In 2009, the ACO is introducing new regulations aimed at balancing the performance of petrol and diesel engined prototypes making the LMP1 category more appealing and relevant to Aston Martin.
Signalling ongoing commitment to motorsport, in addition to the Le Mans 24 hour race, the team will also compete throughout the year in the Le Mans Series (LMS), which opens with the 1000 km de Catalunya on the 5th of April.
Aston Martin Racing Works drivers, Jan Charouz (CZ), Tomas Enge (CZ), and Stefan Mücke (DE), who raced the Charouz car last year will renew their relationship with the team along with Darren Turner (GB) who was part of the winning DBR9 GT1 crew in 2007 and 2008. Harold Primat (CH) joins the team for the first time in 2009 with the remaining driver to be announced imminently.
To focus maximum energy on the LMP1 programme, the Works team will not defend its GT1 title at Le Mans. However, Aston Martin Racing will support any of its official partner teams and customers competing at the race.
Aston Martin Racing partner, Drayson Racing, has expressed its desire to compete at Le Mans with the new Vantage GT2. This follows confirmation of the team's LMS entry and American Le Mans Series programme with a bio-ethanol powered Vantage GT2. Further announcements are expected in the weeks ahead as other Aston Martin Racing partner teams and customers confirm their plans for racing in the GT1, GT2, GT3 and GT4 classes of national and international racing series.
The Le Mans 24 hour race will be held over the weekend of 13-14 June.
Aston Martin is ready to tackle the 2009 24 Hours of LeMans in a pair of Gulf-liveried LMP1 vehicles on the 50th anniversary of its only overall win in the Franco enduro. The two coupes are based on the 2008 Charouz Racing System Lola and will be powered by the same production-based V12 found in the LeMans GT1 DBR9. Development was performed by Lola, Michelin, Koni and BBS, along with Aston's largest partner, Gulf Oil. Driving duties will be handled by Jan Charouz, Tomas Enge and Stefan Mücke, along with Darren Turner who was part of the team that campaigned the DBR9 GT1 crew in 2007 and 2008. Harold Primat is the newest addition to the team and one other driver will be announced shortly. Unfortunately, Aston won't be campaigning in the GT1 class in bid to focus all its efforts on LMP1 program. It's going to be an exciting year and we're hoping to bring it to you live the weekend of June 13 and 14. All the details are available in the press release below the fold.
PRESS RELEASE
Aston Martin to challenge for overall Le Mans win
Gaydon, 27 January 2009. On the 50th anniversary of its outright win at Le Mans, Aston Martin will return to La Sarthe with two Works LMP1 cars bearing the iconic blue and orange livery of Gulf Oil.
In an ambitious attempt to emulate the legendary achievements of the 1959 DBR1 driven by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori, Aston Martin will endeavour to bring the Le Mans title back to Britain.
"2009 is a hugely significant year for Aston Martin at Le Mans and the challenge of reclaiming victory in this famous race for Aston Martin and Great Britain was simply too great to ignore," said Aston Martin Chairman, David Richards. "However, we do not underestimate the task. While we have won the GT1 class for the last two years, competing against the proven speed and endurance of the diesel-powered cars with all their years of winning the prototype class, will be a massive undertaking. Nonetheless, I see this as a great opportunity to showcase the ingenuity of British engineering talent."
Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer commented: "Racing has been, and still is at the heart of Aston Martin. Our cars today are subtle, elegant and handcrafted but they still have the genes for competition. I am happy that we have found partners who, with their support, will enable us to compete at the highest level of endurance racing. We will put all our heart and skill behind this project to demonstrate the essence of Aston Martin: Power Beauty and Soul."
The new car which is based on the 2008 Charouz Racing System Lola will be powered by the same production-based Aston Martin V12 engine which, last year, helped Aston Martin secure its second successive Le Mans GT1 title with the DBR9. It also powered the Charouz car to a new La Sarthe lap record for a petrol car.
Aston Martin Racing is developing the car in conjunction with Lola, Michelin, Koni and BBS and continues its relationship with major partner Gulf Oil and official clothing partner Hackett.
In 2009, the ACO is introducing new regulations aimed at balancing the performance of petrol and diesel engined prototypes making the LMP1 category more appealing and relevant to Aston Martin.
Signalling ongoing commitment to motorsport, in addition to the Le Mans 24 hour race, the team will also compete throughout the year in the Le Mans Series (LMS), which opens with the 1000 km de Catalunya on the 5th of April.
Aston Martin Racing Works drivers, Jan Charouz (CZ), Tomas Enge (CZ), and Stefan Mücke (DE), who raced the Charouz car last year will renew their relationship with the team along with Darren Turner (GB) who was part of the winning DBR9 GT1 crew in 2007 and 2008. Harold Primat (CH) joins the team for the first time in 2009 with the remaining driver to be announced imminently.
To focus maximum energy on the LMP1 programme, the Works team will not defend its GT1 title at Le Mans. However, Aston Martin Racing will support any of its official partner teams and customers competing at the race.
Aston Martin Racing partner, Drayson Racing, has expressed its desire to compete at Le Mans with the new Vantage GT2. This follows confirmation of the team's LMS entry and American Le Mans Series programme with a bio-ethanol powered Vantage GT2. Further announcements are expected in the weeks ahead as other Aston Martin Racing partner teams and customers confirm their plans for racing in the GT1, GT2, GT3 and GT4 classes of national and international racing series.
The Le Mans 24 hour race will be held over the weekend of 13-14 June.
01-27-2009, 12:24 PM
#122
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01-27-2009, 12:27 PM
#123
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Acura LMP1 racer!
Acura's new ARX-02a race car made its first public appearance this morning at the American Le Mans series winter test at Sebring in Florida. Acura announced its move up to the LMP1 class in the American Le Mans Series at last year's Detroit Grand Prix, but hasn't yet provided any details on the car. More information, including hopefully some news on the powerplant, will be announced later today. Unfortunately, Acura will be entering the LMP1 class just as Audi and its indomitable R10 are leaving. Though Audi has announced it will replace the aging R10 with a new car called the R15, it has pulled out of the both the ALMS and the European Le Mans Seres for 2009 and will only race the new car at the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Acura's new ARX-02a race car made its first public appearance this morning at the American Le Mans series winter test at Sebring in Florida. Acura announced its move up to the LMP1 class in the American Le Mans Series at last year's Detroit Grand Prix, but hasn't yet provided any details on the car. More information, including hopefully some news on the powerplant, will be announced later today. Unfortunately, Acura will be entering the LMP1 class just as Audi and its indomitable R10 are leaving. Though Audi has announced it will replace the aging R10 with a new car called the R15, it has pulled out of the both the ALMS and the European Le Mans Seres for 2009 and will only race the new car at the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
01-28-2009, 09:39 AM
#124
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2009 Schedule
March 21 9:30 EDT AM- 12hr of Sebring/Speed Channel
April 4 1:30 EDT PM- Acura Challenge/ABC Channel
APR 19 9:30 EDT AM- Long Beach/ABC
MAY 17 1:00 MDT PM- LH Miller Utah/Speed Channel
July 18 2:00 EDT PM- ALMS Northeast/Speed Channel
AUG 8 2:00 EDT PM- Acura Sports Challenge/ NBC
Aug 16, 1PM CDT - Generac 500 at Road America/Speed
Aug 30, 3PM EDT- Mobil 1 presents Grand Prix of Mosport/Speed
Sep 26, 11AM EDT- Petit Le Mans/SPeed
Oct 10, 5PM PDT- Monterey Sports Car Championships-Speed
and
March 21 9:30 EDT AM- 12hr of Sebring/Speed Channel
April 4 1:30 EDT PM- Acura Challenge/ABC Channel
APR 19 9:30 EDT AM- Long Beach/ABC
MAY 17 1:00 MDT PM- LH Miller Utah/Speed Channel
July 18 2:00 EDT PM- ALMS Northeast/Speed Channel
AUG 8 2:00 EDT PM- Acura Sports Challenge/ NBC
Aug 16, 1PM CDT - Generac 500 at Road America/Speed
Aug 30, 3PM EDT- Mobil 1 presents Grand Prix of Mosport/Speed
Sep 26, 11AM EDT- Petit Le Mans/SPeed
Oct 10, 5PM PDT- Monterey Sports Car Championships-Speed
and
01-29-2009, 01:25 PM
#125
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For you guys interested, here is a link to some stuff from the last three days of testing at Sebring.
http://www.speedarena.com/gallery.ht...Sebring%20Test
The Mazda only ran the last day, but I'll get a couple shot of that up later today into those same galleries already posted. So check back for those. Nothing fantastic, didnt run a ton and was in basic carbon.
http://www.speedarena.com/gallery.ht...Sebring%20Test
The Mazda only ran the last day, but I'll get a couple shot of that up later today into those same galleries already posted. So check back for those. Nothing fantastic, didnt run a ton and was in basic carbon.