Without reliability it doesn't matter how fast they are.

The RX7-based race cars were legendary for their reliability and won many races by outlasting their more powerful opponents. I witnessed this many times in person at tracks across America, including Daytona.

These Mazda prototypes' teething pains are frustrating , but I know Mazda and Speedsource won't give up.

I get the feeling the cars were tuned down a bit in order for Mazda to finally do something they hadn't done in a few years; finish the race.
Mission (sort of) accomplished for 1 of the cars.
While neither car avoided trips to the garage, I think they showed these motors are far more robust / reliable then what they had been racing in the past.
The 55 had an oil leak of some sort, I'm sure we'll find out it was some stupid hose or something that burst.

12 hours of Sebring will show us a lot about the reliability of these cars but I'm much more confident with these motors than in years past.

Are these not the same engines they ran last year? 2 liter turbo.

it's built on the same MZ motor but they overhauled the hell out of it in the offseason.

[QUOTE=Jedi54;4803085 12 hours of Sebring will show us a lot about the reliability of these cars but I'm much more confident with these motors than in years past.[/QUOTE]



And the track roughness at Sebring will surely test any loose fittings !!

I agree about the motors Jedi, hopefully we are right. Sebring is always a good test of reliability and design so we shall see.

And the track roughness at Sebring will surely test any loose fittings !![/QUOTE]

And fillings as well Gwilliams6, lol.

It's frustrating that the #70 actually got hit hard enough in the right rear wheel to be punted off course by Jeff Gordon. Racing is racing and things happen but ironically the #70 later had a clutch or gearbox issues which sent it to the garage for hours. If something gets tweaked a few thousandths in a gearbox, it's a huge deal. So was it a weak link rearing it's head or was it damaged from the impact....

Yeah, to win one of these you pretty much have to have a flawless 24 hours on the track.

If you missed the race, here it is online (complete 24 hrs) at Imsa.tv in three multi-hour part videos. Enjoy !

Part 1 - 2017 Rolex 24 At Daytona | IMSA.tv

12 hours of Sebring is this weekend!


Even after getting hit with a BOP (balance of Performance) the Cadillacs were STILL fastest in today's practice
can we say... sandbagging?

Nice! Hopefully Fox sports wont make me channel hop like they do for the Rolex

I'm looking forward to seeing which Mazda craps out of the race first.
I'm also watching the qualifying laps from yesterday, and its unbelievable how bumpy this track is. I was amazed how rough the Detroit street track was last year, but this one, how is this a professional race track in this condition?

BC.

tradition... Also, those qualifying times are insanely close. I can't wait

Looks like #55 wins:

Can't even get to the start of the race without SOMETHING happening.

BC.

flat tire?
damn it, that's just terrible luck.

they can recover from that if they can execute their pit stops correctly.
c'mon Mazda, we need to see you guys making a run at the podium

#70 crashed big into a wall:

Here's The Nightmare Ride You Never Want To Take When Your Brakes Fail At 170 MPH

#55 is 10 laps behind the leader.

Another quality showing by Mazda.
I'm going to go watch the Avs play the Red Wings instead.

BC.

gawd damn it Mazda.
ugh.
Was looking forward to watching the race later today but looks like I'll also be watching some hockey as well.
And BC, you know it's bad when you'd rather watch your Avs play than a race... (been a rough year for my Devils as well)

Well, the Avs played Detroit on Thursday, and actually came away with a win, so my chances of watching a victory are much, much higher today.

Unless someone disqualifies all the Caddies, and spots Mazda 40 laps every race, that is.

BC.

The Cadillac's are just freaking monsters out there.
It's their series to lose if this is how the season is going to be. I still have some optimism that Mazda will get their shit together but I fear that on the sprint races Cadillac is just going to demolish the competition. (worse than usual)

So, did anyone catch what happened to #70?
I went outside for a while to scoop dog poop, then went to pick up dinner, came back, and it was listed as OUT.

BC.

they brought the car into the garage because of a misfire issue and while in there they found a crack in the suspension.
game over for the #70.

rough day for Mazda.

Misfire again.
Isn't that what took out #55 near the end of Daytona?

Well, here's to hoping they show up for the next race.

Avalanche, as it turned out, didn't show up in the third period, either.
Hence why scooping dog poop was preferable to either sporting event.

BC.

Next race is Long Beach which I was excited to go to.
Now, thinking I'm probably staying home for that one...

Finally watched the rest of Sebring. Great race for Cadi, anyone know why Ford fell off that pace at the end? I would think that the turbo cars would have an advantage with the cooler night temps.

Mazda, Nissan DPis Given Power Increases for Long Beach

might help them compete against all the power the Caddys have down low.

SHOCKER!
Cadillac takes the pole. :rolleyes: