LE MANS: Can the Prancing Horses gallop to another victory?

Will Ferrari “Three-peat”, or can somebody stop their dominance?

 

Somewhat feel like I’m going thru the motions here, since the annual running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans makes me think that summer is already done! Having nearly reached the zenith of another year’s increasing sunlight whilst pondering where did thoust Gory time go? As soon it’ll be time to put another log on the fire and the kettle on the boil!

 

Although I’ll admit that I do enjoy going thru the entire entry list and seeing what driver names I recognize…

 

This year’s running of the 93rd 24 Huers du Mans commences this Saturday, June 14th. And concludes the following day when  formula 1 races at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and IndyCar races underneath the lights at Gateway. (World Wide Technology Raceway)

 

There’s a total of 62 entries in three classes. With le Crème de la Crème  Hypercar featuring 21 racecars. LMP2 with 17 entrants, and 24 LMGT3 Saloons.

 

The Hypercar category consists of eight marques, with four Cadillac V-Series.R and Porsche 963’s leading the way. Whilst la Scuderia, nee Ferrari has three of it’s dominating 499P’s entered. Followed by a further five manufacturers running the mandatory two car teams, i.e.; Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Peugeot and Toyota.

 

The Alpine A424, BMW M8 Hybrid, Cadillac v-Series.R and Porsche 963 all conform to the Le Mand Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) rules. While the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Ferrari 499P, Peugeot 9X8 and Toyota GR010 conform to the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) rules.

 

Six of these eight chassis are propelled by varying displacement turbocharged engines, with only the Aston Martin and Cadillac being naturally aspirated. With the Valkyrie eschewing hybrid assistance to it’s glorious Cosworth V-12. While the Caddy’s 5.5-litre V-8 runs the spec LMHD hybrid component.

 

With the entire 62 car field racing under Balance of Performance (BoP) requirements. Along with the virtual “energy” tank storage and mandatory torque sensors.

 

And whilst the Porsche Penske 963 Panzerwagens have won four of five races in IMSA GTP competition to date. On thoust Gory Atlantic’s puddle side. It’s the Ferrari 499P that’s swept all three FIA World endurance Championship events leading up to Le Mans.

 

As the AF Corse No. 50 won at the season opening Qatar 1,812km round. Followed by the Seester’ No. 51 of James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi and Alessandro Pier Guidi winning back-to-back at the Six Hours of Imola and Spa.

 

Whilst just learning that Ferrari swept the podium at Qatar and claimed a 1-2 finish at Spa, Momma Mia!

 

Ferrari is also aiming for a three-peat at Circuit de la Sarthe this year, having won the first two Hypercar class races the past two years. Seeing both the #51 victorious in 2023, and the #50 with Antonio Fuoco,Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen the defending race winners.

 

Yet the entire field is made up of very strong competizione, as Y’all can never count out the Toyota’s. Whilst El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske dearly wishes to win Le Mans. One of the very few Jewell races He hasn’t won…

 

The Cadillac boyz’ should be up front, while the Alpine and Peugeot are both “Sleepers”. As the only unknown quantity is the Aston Martin, making it’s Le Mans debut, and therefore most likely just happy to finish the race. Although obviously they’ll be hoping for a good debut showing…

 

Almost forgot the BMW’s, with the No. 20 BMW finishing runner-up at Imola. As how could I overlook one of my favourites, i.e.; Kevn Bacon’ Magnussen in the No. 15 entry. While the M8 Hybrid has qualified on pole in IMSA GTP competition the first four races this season.

 

The LMP2 category features a race inside a race, with eight P2 entrants, and nine Pro Am (PA) entries. As the Pro Am class features one Bronze rated amateur driver.

 

Have already mentioned some of the IMSA competitors, while a few others that tripped my No. 4 wire are the No. 18 IDEC Sport with Jamie Chadwick, Andre Lotterer and Mathys Jaubert; Hyundai’s Genesiss Magna “Development” squad.

 

McLaren major domo Zakery Brown and Richard Dean’s United Autosport team is always strong with it’s Nos. 22-23 entries. Having won last year’s LMP2 class with it’s No. 22 entry driven by Oliver Jarvis, Nolan Siegel and Bijay Garg

 

Bad Arse Sports Car Ace Jarvis slots into the team’s No. 23 Pro Am entry this year, joined by ex-IndyCar driver Ben Hanley and Daniel Schneider. Whilst the Seester’ entry hosts a stout lineup which I’ve already mentioned in the previous No fenders IMSA Interlopers story.

 

The No. 25 Algarve Pro Racing entry sees “Teddy Porkchop”, aka Theo Pourchaire joined by Liechtenstein’s Matthias Kaiser and Spain’s Lorenzo Fluxa. As very happy to see that Pourchaire’s still racing, even though He should be in Indy Cars.

 

Last year’s LMP2 Pro Am category was won by AF course’s No. 183 entry, with Ben Barnicoat, Francois Perrodo and Nicolas Varrone. As Perrodo is the only holdover for this year’s entry, being joined by Antonio Felix da Costa and Matthieu Vaxivier.

 

While I’ll be rootin’ for the #199 AO by TF entry, which basically is an IMSA entry, with a stout lineup that I’ve previously mentioned. Although I don’t think it’ll be sporting any sort of Dinosaur teamed livery, Eh?

 

As I’ll split this mesmerizing story into two part harmony, and preview the LMGT3 class in a separate No Fenders post… 

Tower Motorsports Out, Ford In

As what’s that ‘Ol ABC Wide World ‘O Sports saying, Eh?

 

On the very same morning, I awoke to the news via the Daytona Beach News Journal that “We’ve” got a new Rolex 24 winner! As the winning No. 8 Tower Motorsports LMP2 Class winner that saw le Hamburgular’, nee Sealmeister B’, aka Sebastien Bourdais taking the chequered flag 40-plus seconds ahead of the second place finisher has been DSQ’ed! (Disqualified)

 

The team’s Oreaca 07 chassis was found in a late post race technical inspection to have worn one of it’s skid blocks below the maximum wear allowance of five millimeters and thus, was stripped of it’s victory and demoted to last place in class. (12th)

 

The team’s subsequent protest was denied and the final results now see the No. 22 United Autosport entry of Paul di Resta, Rasmus Lind, Daniel Goldburg and James Allen declared as the Rolex 24 LMP2 winner.

 

Meanwhile the Detroit News had an article detailing Ford’s announcement to go Sports Car racing in 2027 with a LMDH-spec “Hypercar” entry in the FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC)

 

As the story touted this news as Ford V Ferrari 2.0, with no word on whether or not the Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) entry would cross thoust Bloody Puddle and also race in IMSA GTP or not?

 

Although Racer’s Marshall Pruett notes that Ford plans to join IMSA either a year or two after the “Weckity Wec” debut, a la Hyundai’s Genesis Sports Car prototype project… 

Racing Never Sleeps!

But your Humble, Hapless No Fenders Scribe Tomaso sure is tired!

 

When does too much information apply to trying to continuously keep up with Der Wurld de Motorsporten, Ja-Ja?

 

Although I found these two recent Sports Car items of interest popping up on thoust radar screen. As the Sports Car ecosystem tends to overflow Open Wheel Racing…

 

Perhaps you’ve read about Hyundai’s launching of its Genesis Magma Racing team? With the announcement taking place in Dubai a fortnight ago. As renderings and a scale model of the GMR-001 Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) prototype were revealed along with the team’s first two drivers. With Andre Lotterer and Pipo derani on hand.

 

As the team will spend next year testing its brand new racecar before running a two car factory effort in the FIA World Endurance championship (WEC) in 2026. With a yet to be named “service provider” running its IMSA GTP campaign in 2027.

 

Naturally current Hyundai Michelin Pilot challenge entrant Brian Herta Autosport (BHA) has to be thought of. Whilst perhaps Chip Ganassi Racing might also be in the fray for the IMSA GTP effort?

 

Hyundai Motorsports Boss Cyril Abiteboul, who just led Hyundai to this year’s World Rally championship drivers title with Thierry Neuville and co-driver Martijn Wyadaeghe . Will serve as Genesis Magma Racing’s (GMR) team principal.

 

Cyril’s name is quite familiar to Mwah. Having first become aware of the Frenchman when serving as the executive director of Renault Sport F1 between 2010-12. Then becoming Caterham F1 team principal between 2013-14. Before returning to Renault as its managing director between 2014-20.

 

Although Abiteboul’s best remembered to Mwah for losing His bet with then Renault F1 driver DannyRic’, aka Daniel Ricciardo. That He’d get a tattoo if Ricciardo claimed a podium finish, which occurred at the 2020 Eiffel Grand Prix! As reportedly, Abiteboul sports a vintage Renault logo with a stylized Honey Badger tattoo on His right calf…

 

Also of note, GMR will team with IDEC Sports for 2025 in the Europena Le Mans Series, (ELMS) racing an Oreca LMP2 prototype to acclimatize themselves to Sports Car racing.

 

Interestingly the driver trio will consist of ex-Williams F1 driver Logan Sargeant. Paired with Jamie Chadwick, Indy NXT winner and, British GT4 and triple W Series champion, and 19yr old Mathys Jaubert. As the French teenager has been making waves in the Porsche Carrera GT Cup France series, elevating Him to the Porsche Carrera GT Cup Asia series this year…

Having run across this Marshall Pruett podcast interview with Jamie Chadwick following scribbling’ this story…

 

https://marshallpruett.podbean.com/e/mp-1562-catching-up-with-jamie-chadwick/

The GMR-001 will be based upon a Oreca LMP2 chassis, with liberal Genesis styling cues, with its engine being a twin turbocharged V-8.

 

The team will be based out of the Paul Ricard circuit at Le Castellet, nearby Oreca and IDEC. All of which sounds like Heady days for the Hyundai backed programme.

 

The other tantalizing news, albeit not surprising, since Lamborghini’s withdrawal from the “Weckity-Wec”, nee World Endurance Championship has left Iron Lynx in a lurch. With the team opting to switch manufacturer’s for its Iron Dames LM GT3 programme. Dropping its Lamborghini Huracan in favour of a Porsche 911

 

Iron Dames will contest a multitude of series, i.e.; IMSA’s Michelin Endurance Cup, FIA World Endurance Championship, European Le Mans Series and the Asian Le Mans Series. All with the latest spec Porsche 911 GT3 racecar, contesting the GT3 category Internationally, and the GTD category Stateside.

 

The driver quartet will be made up of regular’s Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting and Sarah Bovy. With newcomer Celia Martin.

Part of the multi-year Porsche effort sees Gatting being promoted to Porsche factory driver status. While “I Know Nothing” Herr Schultz! About Celia Martin…

 

Having just learned that the 33yr old French le Femme (Martin) is currently a Bronze rated driver who’ll make up part of the Iron Dames core FIA “Weckity Wec” squad. Having joined Iron Dames in European competition last year.

 

Gatting, Frey and Bovy will be the core drivers of the Proton Competition IMSA GTD entry, with perhaps Doriane Pin joining them again at Daytona?

 

As Iron Dames became the first All Female squad to win in WEC, claiming the final GTE Am race at Bahrain in 2023. 

LE MANS: New look Hypercar era Throws Party at Circuit de la Sarthe

But can anybody take the Shine off of Toyota this year?

 

Forgive me for not wishing to type the names of 48 Hypercar drivers, Hmm? Where, Oh where have I heard that 48 number before? And how come it’s not being used upon ‘Ol JJ’s, nee Jimmie Johnson’s Garage 56 entry?

 

By my very rudimentary understanding. This year’s Mega’ 16 car FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar category is essentially divided three ways. With seven Le Mans Daytona Hypercar (LMDH) entries, six Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) Factory Hybrids and three “boutique” LMH Non-Hybrid Hypercars competing for Overall glory at this year’s Centenary 24 Heurs du Mans race.

 

Cadillac

5.5-litre Normally Aspirated V-8 Hybrid (LMDH)

The Nos. 2-3 Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) run Cadillac Racing WEC entries has scored two fourth place and one fifth place finishes in the first three rounds of the season. And the No. 3 CGR entry at Le Mans is comprised of it’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship drivers, including Scott Dixon.

 

Although I believe the #3 is a second WEC Cadillac V-Series.R Spec entry built-up for European competition. Since think I read a previous Racer article about the logistics of swapping between IMSA LMDH and WEC specifications are too time consuming…

 

Although subsequently learning that the No. 3 WEC entry built-up for Spa and Le Mans was wrecked at Spa-Francorchamps and the team flew one of it’s IMSA entries to Germany instead, and swapped it from IMSA to WEC specification. With the original No. 3 now serving as a spare chassis.

 

Meanwhile, I have No idea where the third Action Express Racing (AXR) #311 Cadd-Oh-lacc’ V-Series.R entry’s coming from? Since AXR is strictly competing in IMSA this season. Along with it’s Le Mans “wildcard” entry. So I’m guessing it’s also been changed over to WEC specification.

 

Porsche

4.6-litre Twin Turbo V-8 Hybrid (LMDH)

Although some might claim that Porsche has gotten off to a slow start this year. Nonetheless, not only have they won in IMSA, at Long Beach. But also scored the first ever WEC LMDH chassis podium the same weekend, when finishing third at Portimoa.

 

Porsche Penske Motorsport is fielding a trio of it’s Porsche 963’s. It’s Nos. 5-6 WEC entries being joined by it’s #75 entry comprised of one half of it’s IMSA drivers compliment

 

Hertz Team Jota is the first of the eventual two customer Porsche 963 WEC teams this season, with Proton Competition still awaiting delivery. As Jota’s No. 38 will be the fourth Porsche 963 on the grid.

 

Toyota

3.5-liter Twin Turbo V-6 Hybrid (LMH)

What can I say about the All conquering Toyota GR010 Hybrid race cars? Other than they’re the current Five-times defending 24 Hours of Le Mans Champions! Along with having won the first three 2023 season’s races. While Arse-sumedly it’s Nos. 7-8 Boyz’ will most likely be competing in another intra-squad scrum for victory. With the #8 entry being the defending winner.

 

Ferrari

3.0-litre Twin Turbo V-6 Hybrid (LMH)

Appropriately, la Scuderia seems to be the most potent threat to finally defeat Toyota. As the Prancing Horse’s first Factory Sports Car prototype in 50 years, the evocative Ferrari 499P first finished third at Sebring upon debut. And then moved to the podium’s second step at Portimao. Followed by another third place finish at Spa-Francorchamps. And obviously now wishes to score their maiden WEC victory. With Circuit de la Sarthe being the perfect place to spoil Toyota’s party!

 

As the Nos. 50-51, so numbered to commemorate Ferrari’s half century absence as a Werks’ entry. Will be campaigned by AF Corse, will hope to claim glory for Maranello by capturing it’s tenth overall victory.

 

Peugeot

2.6-litre Twin turbo V-6 Hybrid (LMH)

Peugeot Sport has to be the most disappointed of the Factory Hypercar efforts, since it’s Nos. 93-94 9X8 entries have seemingly been off the pace everywhere to date! As I think their best result was a fourth place in 2022? As the team’s entered six rounds so far, with a best finish of fifth this year.

 

No idea if the radical 9X8 is off the pace due to being the only Hypercar that doesn’t sport a traditional rear wing? Having elected to produce it’s necessary downforce from it’s underneath bodywork instead.

 

Glickenhaus

3.5-litre V-8 Twin Turbo (LMH)

Suppose it’s small consolation that the Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 007 LMH entries are the best of what I’m calling “boutique” entries, since it’s a Non-Hybrid racecar. Therefore, it seems that the ACO/FIA hasn’t adjusted it’s dreaded Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations accordingly yet for Glickenhaus and Vanwall to compete for outright victory this year vs. the far superior Hybrid Hypercar entries.

 

Once again, The team will run it’s traditional Nos. 708-709 racecars for their third consecutive Le Mans outing. With my sentimental favourite being the #708 with former IndyCar Star Ryan Briscoe as part of it’s drivers trio.

 

Vanwall

4.5-litre Normally Aspirated V-8 (LMH)

This appears to be the most controversial entry in this category. First due to the long running court battle over who owned the intellectual property rights to the storied Vanwall company’s name. And then Dr. Colin Kolles, a No Nonsense Dentist turned Racing Boss, Err Formula 1 Team Principal before moving to Sports Cars, decided to Sacked Jacques Villeneuve less than a Fortnight prior to the race!

 

With scuttlebutt suggesting that Dr. Kolles wasn’t happy with Jacques pace, along with crashing in two races. With the official excuse being that the 52yr old Kuhnuck’s wife is expecting their latest child…

 

As the No. 4 Vanwall Vandervell 680 Gibson powered entry will be piloted by former Indy Lights standout Esteban Guerrieri and former Indy Lights champion and IndyCar driver Tristan Turbo’ Vautier, along with Tom Dillman. 

The FIa’s Hypercar Era truly Begins

Although the $64k Question is will Toyota continue Dominating this Category?

 

And although I doubt it was planned. Nevertheless, the FIA World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) for which Racer’s Marshall Pruett enjoys playfully calling the “Weckity WEC!” Kicks off it’s inaugural Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) race, the 1,000 Miles of Sebring on St Patty’s Day no less.

 

As the LMH Class replaces the “Space Age” LMP1 category and is designed to see the convergence of the IMSA’s Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH( GTP Class compete against the LMH Hypercars, for which we’ll get to finally see our first look of the Porsche 963 and Cadillac V-LMDH racing against the likes of Ferrari, Glickenhaus, Peugeot, Toyota and Vanwall.

 

And I feel certain I’ve already scribbled ‘bout it Here upon No Fenders, but will try briefly “Walking” thru it once more. Especially since I’m still a ‘lil Fuzzy upon All of the various rules differences.

 

On the IMSA GTP side, for which the Porsche 963 and Cadillac V-LMDH racecars come from, since Alpine, BMW and Lamborghini, and certainly Acura all won’t compete in the WEC until 2024. The LMP2 derived chassis from four Homologated Manufacturers utilize the single Spec “Hybrid” Energy Recovery System (ERS) supplied by Xtrac, Bosch and Williams Advanced Engineering.

 

The ERS is capped at a maximum 50Bhp driving the Rear wheels Only, for which I may have previously incorrectly noted. And requires what’s now becoming de riggour in Motorsports, i.e.; Brake-by-Wire technology to the rear wheels. While the front wheels still utilize modern caliber disc Braking

 

The ACO/WEC LMH Hypercars are custom built racecars that may incorporate the use of Hybrid power to drive their Front wheels, in conjunction with the Rear wheels. For which I recall previously denoting as All Wheel Drive. (AWD)

 

While All Chassis are capped at a maximum of 1,030 Kilos in “New Money” as ‘Ol Professor (Steve) Matchett was fond of saying. Or for us Yanks’, in “Old” Money 2,270lbs. Along with a maximum combined power output of 670Bhp total from the Internal combustion Engine (ICE) and ERS/Hybrid system.

 

Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) will run it’s lone No. 2 Cadillac V-LMDH WEC entry, with it’s same three drivers that raced in this year’s Rolex 24. And it’s normally aspirated 5.5-litre V-8 is the largest displacement engine racing.

 

While Porsche Penske Motorsports will field a pair of 4.6-litre Twin turbocharged V-8 963’s, the Nos. 5-6, since Toyota already has the Nos. 7-8 assigned to it.

 

And if I’m reading the “Tea leaves” correctly, Dane Cameron whose “Day Job” is driving the No. 5 WEC entry will be doing Double duty this weekend? Since I know He’s also listed as the Penske’s IMSA GTP #6 Endurance driver. And Ditto for Michael Kristensen.

 

Since this weekend features another “Super Sebring” weekend with the 1,000 Miles of Sebring on Friday, and the 12 Hours of Sebring Saturday.

Toyota continues with it’s All conquering GR010 AWD 3.5-litre Twin turbo V-6 Hybrid racecar, with it’s Drivers line-ups unchanged.

 

And then Thars the car that everybody wishes to see, the brand new Ferrari 499P! For which is running the “same,” similar 3.0-litre Twin turbo “Wide-track” V-6 found in it’s 296 GT3 racecars. Yet it’s mated to a Hybrid system driving it’s Front wheels a la the Toyota and Peugeot entries.

 

The two car 499P entry will be campaigned by AF Corse, and Arse-sumedly sporting Scarlet colours. With the team selecting the Nos. 50-51 in deference to it being 50 years since la Scuderia’s last official Werks’ Sports Car entry in 1973. When Scuderia Ferrari campaigned it’s highly successful 312 PB.

 

Peugeot debuted it’s radical 9X8 at last year’s Six Hours of Monza, and is the only Sports Car having elected to go without a traditional rear wing. As the 2.6-litre Twin turbo V-6, the smallest displacement lump’ on the grid racecar generates it’s Downforce from it’s Underbody instead.

 

As Peugeot will run the Nos. 93-94, and presumably will be Toyota’s biggest challenger, since the Ferrari and others will be needing to get over new car teething issues. A la what the Porsch 963 and BMW M Hybrid V-8 models endured at this January’s Rolex 24.

 

While the Customer Porsche 963 teams JOTA and Proton Competition will miss at least Sebring, since they’re still awaiting the arrival of their $2.9m racecars…

 

And then there’s the two Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) Only Non-Hybrid LMH single car entries of Vanwall and Scuderia Glickenhaus. As I’d say that the Vanwall will be getting much Attenzione due to it’s “Mystique” and Driver lineup. The team is owned by the Father-Son duo of Romulus and Dr. Colin Kolles and run out of Kolles German Factory in Greding.

 

After a long, drawn out process, they’ve successfully won the rights to use the famous Vanwall name, known for it’s formula 1 History. And after being denied entry last year, will campaign their No. 4 Vandervell 680, utilizing a “Spec” Gibson 4.5-litre normally aspirated V-8.

 

IndyCar Fans should know two thirds of the Drivers line-up, that being Esteban Guerrieri and somebody named Jacques Villeneuve! As Guerrieri was an Indy Lights Standout driving for Sam Schmidt Motorsports who finished Runner-up between 2011-12. Whilst Messer Villeneuve needs No introduction…

 

The team’s third driver is Frenchman Tom dillmann, whose name I must know from His driving at Le Mans for the former ByKolles Racing Organization. While the newest iteration of Dr. Colin Kolles, of Jordan/Midland/Spyker/Force India and later Hispania/HRT Formula 1 Fame will operate under the Floyd Vanwall Racing Team Banner.

 

Meanwhile Glickenhaus has Downsized to just a single entry this year. Being it’s same SCG 007 modle,powered by a 3.5-litre Twin turbo V-6, for which the only driver listed when scribblin’ this was Romain Dumas.

 

Both series run on Michelin tyres, but I believe they’re allowed to utilize three different sets of tyre sizes. One for the IMSA GTP runners. One for the Hybrid LMH Cars, and the widest, stickiest rubber compounds for the Non-Hybrid LMH Chassis? And there’s also rules regulating the LMH Hybrid systems deployment, Mega-Jewels Energy recovery, etc.

 

Which right Now is Clear as Mud on A Rainy Day! 

ROLEX 24: Iconic German Brands Join the GTP Polka!

Although No idea if we’ll be Rolling Out the Barrel for either of them in Daytona’s Victory lane…

 

These two legendous’  German marques have joined the Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) revolution, which allows for competing for Overall victories at all of the iconic Endurance Sports Car races around the globe. Such as Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans for starters.

 

BMW

BMW M Hybrid V-8

Engine: 4.0-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

TEAM:

Nos. 24-25) BMW M Team RLL

Longtime BMW runners Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing will continue their association as the Factory BMW Squad in IMSA, joining the super anticipated GTP Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) Prototypes category, Ja Volt!

 

As Connor De Philippi and Mick Yelloly will campaign the No. 24. And Augusto Farfus and Philipp Eng the No. 25 for the Full season Campaign. With Sheldon van der Linde and Marco Wittmann being the Nos. 24-25 Endurance Specialists respectively.

 

Yet many IndyCar Fans will be watching the #24 closely, since it’s fourth Driver for Daytona is Andretti Autosport’s “Team leader” Colton Herta. As Herta will be aiming for His third Rolex wristwatch! With the first two coming from GT Le Mans and LMP2 Class victories.

 

Although I’m not sure if the new BMW Hybrid racecar will go the full distance, since the new Bimmer’ was the last GTP Challenger to get On-track. And they’ve had the most intensive development programme, essentially playing Ketsup’ with Thar competition…

 

Yet I seem to be most fascinated by this racecar, notably it’s motivating power. As BMW Dusted Off it’s old P66 DTM motor for the basis of it’s new Hybrid motor. Beginning with the 4.0-liter naturally aspirated 90-degrees V-8 lump’ from 2012-2018, which is now known as the P66/1.

 

Then BMW “re-engineered” this engine with the addition of two turbochargers, in what I believe became known as the P66/2 internally. Before the current 2022 spec P66/3 unit which is now mated to the spec Hybrid Energy Recovery System (ERS) and spec Xtrac sequential Gearbox, which All manufacturers incorporate into their designs.

 

As Racer’s Marshall Pruett notes that the BMW is the Quietest GTP Chassis on the Grid, along with the lowest revving at 8,000 RPM’s…

 

So I’ll be interested to “See” how the new BMW racer performs at Daytona. Which Marshall claims took it’s individual styling ques to the maximum limit. And Nobody won’t know who’s behind them when seeing BMW’s iconic Kidney shaped nostrils flashing it’s High Beams at them!

 

As here’s the second of Marshall’s GTP 101 Tech videos, where He goes over the basics of the BMW M Hybrid V-8 racecar…

 

https://racer.com/2023/01/16/video-gtp-101-bmw-m-hybrid-v8-tech-tour/

 

PORSCHE

Porsche 963

Engine: 4.6-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

TEAM: Nos. 6-7) Porsche Penske Motorsport

Presumably everyone knows about El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske’s lengthy association with Porsche. Stretching Wayback to those All Conquering 917/10, 917/30 Can Am Panzerwagen Days over a Half Century ago! Along with a very successful partnership when campaigning the Porsche RS Sypders during the American Le Man Series (ALMS) years.

 

As Penske has reunited with Porsche as it’s Werks’ team with it’s brand new Porsche 963 Hybrid Prototype. Arse-sumedly the GTP Chassis that’s logged the most testing mileage, since they were the first to reveal and test their GTP racecar last year. With it’s public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Ironically where Roger Penske Himself was running His Team Penske’s 2008 Sebring 12 Hours Overall winning RS Spyder.

 

Mathieu Jaminet and Nick Tandy are the No. 6 regular season Chauffeurs, with Dane Cameron joining them during the Endurance events. While the No. 7 entry sees Matt Campbell and Felipe Nasr for the Full IMSA GTP season, with Michael Christensen running the Endurance races.

 

Naturally, I became curious about the 963’s motivating power aftert what BMW decided to utilize. Which reportedly the new 4.6-litre Twin Turbo V-8 lump’ is a development of the Porsche 918 Spyder’s engine. Which in turn is a derivative of the 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 that powered the RS Spyder racecar.

 

Meaning Thar new “Quad Valve” (32 valve) V-8 “Thumper” 963 Panzerwagen which seems to have the most testing mileage? Having Debuted over one year ago, could very well find it’s way into victory lane on Sunday.

 

Ah contraire, Mon Sheree! As I’ve just learned via Marshall Pruett’s GTP Tech 101 videos. That Porsche is actually using it’s RS Spyder’s old 3.4-litre normally aspirated race motor as the basis for the 963’s engine. With it having been Up-stroked to 4.6-litres and twin turbocharged, revving to an 8,150RPM Redline.

 

As Porsche takes a page out of it’s Bavarian rival BMW, or was that visa-versa? By Dusting Off one of it’s old racing engines and modernizing it…

 

https://racer.com/2023/01/20/video-gtp-101-porsche-963-tech-tour/

 

But Porsche’s Customer 963’s won’t be present at either Daytona of Sebring. With JDC Miller Motorsports, the first customer announced eagerly awaiting the delivery of it’s $2.9 million Porsche 963!

 

Whilst JOTA and Proton Competition also await arrival of their 963’s. With Porsche originally aiming for delivery in April, but I’ve read that seems unlikely now, and presumably more likely May instead… 

ROLEX 24: 2023 Sees Debut of New GTP Hybrid Class

In what’s a veritable Two-by-Two Congo line of four Manufacturers…

 

This year’s Rolex 24  sees the unveiling of IMSA’s brand new Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) Prototypes Class called GTP making it’s debut. Where nine Shiny new GTP entries will vie for Overall victory. Since Cadillac’s bringing three cars to the party!

 

While I’ve tried previewing the four major Manufacturers in a previous No Fenders tome below.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/09/imsa-gtp-can-yuhs-taste-it.html

 

With two supporting Prototype classes, i.e.; LMP2 and LMP3 comprising of a further 19 entries, for a total of 28 Prototypes in this year’s 61st running of the 24 Hours of Daytona.

 

Whilst another Mega’ Saloons’ grid of 33 GT3 Spec machinery is split between the GTD Pro Class and Thar “Kissing Cousin’s” GTD (Daytona) entrants, giving us a total Grid of 61 racecars! Magically matching this year’s 61st Rolex 24 running.

 

But as Always, I prefer listening to the race via IMSA Radio with it’s lead announcer John Hindhaugh & Company. Arse-sumedly Y'all can catch the start of the race, along with multiple hour's television coverage once again  on Big NBC and USA Network,. Along  with the majority on that Dreaded, Nasty Paywall service called Peacock, Cock Ah Do-little doo! And Yes, it really is a Paywall!

 

As I’ll leave it up to Y’all to Check Your local listings for TV/Streaming Broadcast times.

 

(GTP) Grand Touring  Prototype Class

ACURA (2)

Acura ARX-06

Engine: 2.4-litre V-6 Twin Turbo

TEAMS:

#10) Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport

#60) Meyer Shank Racing

 

Seventy-two Hours after Christmas, Wayne Taylor and Mikey A’ announced that Andretti Autosport had bought an Ownership Stake in Wayne Taylor Racing. (WTR) Hence the rebranding to Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport. With plans to presumably move the WTR Operation in House to Andretti Global’s new Fisher’s Mega Complex by 2025. Although WTR will run it’s Acura Sports Car programme virtually unchanged this year.

 

Thus Honda continues with it’s split strategy for it’s two Acura’s between the Defending Race winner, IndyCar’s Meyer shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing, the 2021 Rolex 24 winner.

 

Beginning with the Defending Champs Meyer Shank Racing, (MSR) the Ohio based Squad sports another  new Driver line-up for 2023. With former DTM racer Tom “the bomb” Blomqvist being partnered by longtime Sorts Car Ace Colin Brown as the No. 10’s  regular season HotSchues’. With the Duo being joined by MSR IndyCar Drivers Helio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaud during the Endurance rounds.

 

Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport will once again field Ricky Taylor with Filipe Albuquerque as its regular season drivers. While WTR-Andretti comes loaded for Bear once again this January! As Kiwi’ Bad Arse Sports Car Driver Brendon Hartley and Louis Deletraz fill out it’s Daytona lineup. As Deletraz will serve as it’s Endurance Specialist. While Hartley will “Moonlight” at Daytona, since His “Day Job” is being a Toyota Werks’ FIA World endurance Championship (WEC) Pilote.

 

Meanwhile, the Acura ARX-06 chassis features the Sewing Machine-like 2.4-litre Twin Turbo v-6 powering it’s rear wheels, being the smallest displacement engine on the GTP Grid. Although I think it’s the Highest Revving lump’ competing? Revving to 10,000RPM. Which I’m guessing is the IMSA GTP Class’s maximum RPM limit?

 

Although Racer’s Marshall Pruett notes that the Acura is the highest revving lump’ on the grid, screaming to 9,500 RPM’s in His GTP 101 Tech videos…

 

As Honda Performance Development (HPD) had originally produced the AR24E engine to serve as both Honda’s future 2.4-liter IndyCar engine and current Acura Sports Car engine, before IndyCar was forced to Pull the Plug upon it’s upcoming new 2.4-litre engine formulae.

 

As here’s the first of Marshall Pruett’s GTP 101 Tech videos, which gives a great look and description of the ARX-06’s key elements…

 

https://racer.com/2023/01/10/video-gtp-101-acura-arx-06-tech-tour/

 

CADILLAC (3)

Cadillac V-LMDH

Engine: 5.5-litre normally aspirated V-8

TEAMS:

Nos. 01-02) Cadillac Racing

#31) Whelen Engineering Racing

 

IndyCar diehards should also already know that Chip Ganassi Racing, (CGR) a la their longtime IndyCar rival Team Penske. Will campaign two LMDH Prototypes this year, as the Werks’ Cadillac Racing organization. With one apiece in IMSA GTP and the WEC’s Hypercar Classes.

 

As Cheeps’ #01 IMSA GTP entry’s season regulars will consist of Renger van der Zande and the former Sealmeister B’, aka le Hamburgular’, nee SeaBass’ or simply Sebastien Bourdais. Whilst Scotty Thee Iceman 2.0' Dixon will once again Continue his Enduro' Specialist role he's enjoyed for years in the #01 Cadd-Oh-lacc’. With Dixon aiming to claim His fourth Rolex wristwatch Overall. To Potentially join the rarefied company of Peter Gregg, Rolf Stommelen and Bob Wollek.

 

The Seester’ #02 FIA World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) Fulltime Chauffeurs will be Earl Bamber and Alex Lynn. With “Westie,” aka Richard Westbrook sliding over from JDC Miller Motorsports to be it’s Endurance Specialist.

 

Perennial IMSA Prototype Champions Action Express Racing (AXR) will only run one brand new Cadillac V-LMDH Prototype this year, having “Parked” it’s second No. 48 Endurance Rounds Only entry for now.

 

And I have to say I’m most intrigued by the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Racing Caddy’s Drivers lineup for Daytona and beyond. With the team making it’s 24 Huers du Mans Debut this June

 

As the No. 31 sports it’s third new Full season Drivers lineup in the past year, with Pipo Derani being the only constant. With the Brazilian Speedster now being joined by Alexander Sims. But it’s their new Endurance Specialist Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken whom I’m most interested in.

 

As Aitken currently served as the Williams F1 Reserve Driver and is a former FIA Formula 2 race winner, with a best Overall finish of fith. Aitken also races in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and the ACAC GT Masters.

 

Alexander Sims has previously driven for Corvette Racing and BMW Team RLL in GT Le Mans. Along with a four year stint in Formula E.

 

As Cadillac is the only competitor running a normally aspirated engine. Sporting  a brand new version of It’s tried and true past 5.5-litre Small Block V-8 motors. As I’m guessing that the GM designed 32 valve DOHC lump’ utilizes the current Flat plane Crank technology, mated to the new spec Energy Recovery System. (ERS)

 

With the Caddy’s lump’ revving to 8,800 RPM’, the second highest revving engine according to Marshall Pruett, who boldly claims it’s the Bruiser of the GTP category which pays Homage to Eddie Van Halen with it’s “Flying V” rear wing appendages. Which Marshall points out in the following video…

 

https://racer.com/2023/01/18/video-gtp-101-cadillac-v-lmdh-tech-tour/ 

Lamborghini’s latest Sports Cars Endeavours

As the Raging Bull joins the Party with two new Studs…

 

Guessing it’s Old News for Y’all, if you’re a Sports Car Aficionado. That Lamborghini Squadra Corse has chosen Iron Lynx to be it’s Factory Team for when the new, yet undesignated Lamborghini Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) competitor debuts one year from now at the 2024 Daytona 24 Hours. With Lamborghini Iron Lynx set to compete in both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s GTP class, and the FIA World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) Hypercar category.

 

What little that’s known about the new LMDH project is that it’s chassis will be produced by Ligier and that it will utilize a Twin Turbo V-8 for it’s motivating power, coupled to the Spec Hybrid Energy Recovery System. (ERS)

 

As I’d Arse-sume this will be a Badge Engineered version of the same 4.6-litre twin turbo V-8 underneath the Porshce 963’s Bonnet. Since after all, Lamborghini is part of the Volkswagen Group, i.e.; Parent company of Porsche…

 

The Cesena, Emilia-Romagna based Italian team began competing in 2017, and has traditionally campaigned Ferrari’s. As I only became aware of them upon their Iron Dames project commencing in 2019. Thus the team has made great strides to becoming the Werks’ Lamborghini Squadra Corse team in 2024.

 

Interestingly for Mwah, according to Racer’s Richard S. James, Swiss based DC Racing Solutions Ltd owns the Iron Lynx Motor Lab team, it’s Iron dames outfit and Prema, presumably the Championship winning Italian Prema Racing team that competes in FIA Formula 2 amongst other racing series.

 

Lamborghini Squadra Corse will collaborate with Iron Lynx thru a technical partnership with Prema engineering, making this sound like a fairly serious effort. And Iron Lynx will campaign Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2’s in this year’s IMSA’s four Endurance rounds, along with the European GT World Challenge Endurance Cup.

 

All of which brings us to Lamborghini Squadra Corse announcing it’s latest Factory Driver, an Andretti Autosport IndyCar Driver named Romain Grosjean. As the Frenchman will contest this year’s Rolex 24 in the No. 63 Iron Lynx GTD Pro Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2 with Lamborghini’s previously announced Factory HotSchues’ Mirko Bortolotti and Andrea Caldarelli. Along with Jordan Pepper.

 

As Grosjean will also be involved as a Development Driver for the yet unnamed LMDH racecar during the summer, when not busy with His “Day Job” in IndyCar or contesting the IMSA Endurance Cup events…

 

Meanwhile, lost in all of this LMDH Prototype Noise is the fact that Lamborghini will debut it’s brand new, latest iteration of it’s winning Huracan GT3 racecar, the Evo2 at Daytona this January. Where Iron Lynx will be running the aforementioned No. 63 GTD Pro entry.

 

As the Evo2 is a brand new racecar that has much to live up to. As the first Huracan GT3 Evo racecar has won more than 40 races Internationally, multiple Championships and three consecutive Rolex 24 GTD Class victories from 2018-2020!

 

The Evo2 features all new Bodywork front and rear, i.e.; new front Splitter and rear wing. Along with an all new carbon fiber floor, and I’d guess revised overall Aerodynamics.

 

But reportedly, it’s most striking visual change is the new Hexagonal shaped engine air intakes. With “Snorkels” directing Air into it’s 5.2-litre normally aspirated V-10 engines ten individually electronically actuated throttle Bodies for better engine response.

 

Arse-sumedly the Evo2 focuses upon Drivability for better overall performance in the Dreaded era of (BoP) Balance of Performance regulations. Along with featuring a new, upgraded braking system for improved stopping when Whoaing Down the Lambo’.

 

As Lamborghini will have five Huracan GT3 Evo2’s on Daytona’s Rolex 24 Grid. With the lone No. 63 GTD Pro entry along with the #19 Iron Lynx and #83 Iron Dames GTD (Daytona) entries. Plus the No. 42 NTE Sport/SSR and NO. 78 SADA Systems/USRT GTD entries. Having never heard of either of these latter two, presumably new GTD Race Teams… 

IMSA GTP: Can Yuhs Taste it?

As we’re inching closer to the Dawning of Sports Cars future Generation beginning at next January’s 24 Hours of Daytona…

 

Presumably one of the many “Story lines” of this weekend’s upcoming Petit le Mans race will be about it being the Daytona Prototype International (DPi) category’s Swan Song. For which the current DPI Prototypes Class have raced since their introduction at the 2017 Rolex 24.

 

And although it’s early days yet, it’s already reported that we’ll have an 50% increase of Fulltime Competitors next year with a total of ten Shiny, New IMSA GTP competitors.

 

And Yes, if that GTP Moniker sounds familiar to you, that’s because it’s what IMSA used during it’s “golden years” of Prototype raceing. When the IMSA Camel GTP series brought us some of the best competition ever with those iconic Porsche 962’s, TWR Jaguar’s, Electramotive Nissan GTP ZX-T’s and Dan Gurney’s All American Racers (AAR) Eagle Mk III’s before the series went Defunct at the end of 1993. With the new IMSA Exxon GT World Sports Car (WSC) series bringing us the Open-top Prototypes such as the iconic Ferrari 333 SP and Riley & Scott Mk III beginning in 1994.

 

IMSA GTP Competitors

Ultimately there will be a total of four Porsche 963’s along with a Noah’s Arc two-by-two Congo line of Acura’s, BMW’s and Cadillac’s, with a total of four IndyCar Teams competing in Sports Cars next year.

 

El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske will run the Werks’ Porsche Penske Motorsports squad, with two Porsche 963’s apiece contesting the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship. (WEC)

 

Porsche’s first customer for it’s nearly three million 963 ($2.9m) has already been announced as JDC Miller Motorsports. Whilst we All wait with Baited Breath over who’ll snag the second and last customer 963 entry.

 

Although due to the world’s never ending nebulous Supply chain issues, Don’t expect to see all four Porsche 963’s at Daytona next January, or who knows when these two Customer cars will come “Online?”

 

Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) and Action Express Racing (AXR) will each campaign a single Cadillac entry Stateside, albeit Ganassi’s ultimately running two Caddy’s a la Penske’s dual Universe’s, ergo IMSA and WEC.

 

While I find it interesting that I’ve “seen” Nary a Peep over whether or not AXR will be running it’s second car with ‘Ol JJ’, aka Jimmie Johnson and His All Stars in the #48 at the four Endurance events next year?

 

Longtime BMW entrant Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing will campaign the Werks’ BMW M Hybrid V-8 two car entry under the banner of BMW Team RLL, which see’s the German manufacturers return to top flight Sports Car Prototype racing since it’s V12 LMR last raced in 2000! While Belgium’s WRT, a perennial WEC LMP2 Frontrunner will run the BMW M Hybrid V-8 in the WEC beginning in 2024.

 

And Meyer Shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing will once again campaign a single Acura ARX-06 Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) entry apiece.

 

Chassis Specifications

The four manufacturers Chassis are All FIA World Endurance Championship LMP2 Based Designs, albeit each manufacturer is allowed to imput unique Styling Designs Ques into their individualchassis for Brand Distinction.

 

The Acura ARX-06’s chassis supplier is Oreca and presumably utilizeds it’s current 3.5-litre V-6 Twin Turbo engine.

 

Actually it was just divulged during the Acura ARX-06’s public unveiling at The Quail outing during Monterey’s prestigious Vintage Car weekend, the new Acura deploys a 2.4-litre 90-degrees V-6 Twin Turbo unit that will rev to the maximum 10,000RPM limit! And is said to also incorporate Brake by wire technology.

 

The BMW M Hybrid V-8’s chassis is built by Dallara and utilizes a “Clean Sheet” 4.0-litre Twin Turbo v-8 derived from it’s previous DTM engines.

 

Cadillac’s GTP Project is also built by Dallara and is the only competitor utilizing a normally aspirated engine. Although the 5.5-litre V-8 is a brand new engine with DOHC Architecture. Along with what’s All the Rage now, ergo Flat Plane Crank technology, presumably?

 

 

And lastly, Porsche’s 963 is built by Multimatic and sports a 4.6-litre Twin Turbo V-8.

 

And it seems like the regulations are still quite fluid, or that there’s just not a whole lot of up to date information available? Since I thought that the maximum Horsepower was relegated to 680bhp? But John Oreovicz IMSA Hybrid 101 article from April claims that Horsepower will be between 643 and 697bhp, with the Spec Hybrid system developing a peak of 50bhp, for which I thought was being regulated to 40bhp? Or may be I’m Cornfuzing my numbers with the WEC’s impending regulations?

 

Although the BMW M Hybrid V-8 claims to produce 477KW or 640bhp with it’s “ICE,” ergo Internal Combustion Engine Only. And 500KW or 671bhp with ICE and Hybrid combined. So Messer Oreovicz’s info is presumably more correct than mine? Since Acura also claims the 500KW figure for it’s ARX-06…

 

Yet Marshall Pruett’s August 29 Racer article notes that the Acura’s “AR24E” 2.4-litre Twin Turbo V-6 Endurance motor is meant to have much in common with it’s upcoming IndyCar Hybrid 2.4-liter motor. And that Acura’s targeting 640bhp output with a Maximum of 680bhp with Motor and Hybrid systems combined. So I now feel that my “numbers” are more correct vs. Messer Oreovicz’s. Whilst I’ll save my comments upon the possible Monoblock Acura lump’ for another day…

 

https://racer.com/2022/08/29/hondas-new-imsa-powerplant-has-indycar-roots/

 

But at least we know that All competitors will be utilizing the Single Spec Hybrid system produced by Xtrac, Bosch and Williams Advance Engineering. As Xtrac provides the new Gearbox which has to mate to the four different engine configurations. While bosch is responsible for the Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and Electronics inside the Gearbox. And Williams Advance Engineering provides the Battery Pack, All of which drives just the rear wheels. Whilst I’ll save the other major differences between the IMSA’s GTP and FIA/ACO’s Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) Rules convergence for a later, rainy day…

 

Although it’s worth noting that following Petit le Mans, IMSA will Hold a three day test between October 2-5 for the purpose of having All four competitors Ontrack together for the first time! Which I’d Arse-sume is partially in order to gather Data for the forthcoming Dreadded BoP (Balance of Performance) implementation beginning with next year’s 24 Hours of Daytona…