posted 01-30-2003 11:16 AM            

Speed channel is covering 16 hours live starting at 12:30 Saturday.

You can keep up with the action with live timing starting with practice today at: http://grandamerican.vfx.com/Rolex/GrandAmerican_800.asp

posted 02-03-2003 01:18 PM            

But yes, in the fairly current class structure, where 'GT' cars are considered the third or fourth fastest of the classes, this is a first.

Gilles27 pretty much called it last Thursday. We were pretty certain a Daytona Prototype wouldn't win, but if it DID, it would have been one of the Brumos entries, we thought. I thought that a GTS Corvette would probably take it.

After seeing practice and qualifying times, Gilles predicted and hoped that a GT Porsche would win, due to their lap times compared to the other classes (only a second or so off), and based on fuel consumption.

posted 02-03-2003 01:38 PM            

Interesting race. I really don't like the new rules Grand Am implemented. Like all ISC managed series they strived for parity. They achieved what they set out to do, I just don’t like it. I like my classes to have clear differences. Otherwise, whats the point.

Why would you put all the R&D and money into a Daytona prototype or tube frame GTS car if you can win the series most prestigious race with an out of the box 996 GT3RS. They reduced the series to the lowest common denominator. I think most people would agree factory teams are what keeps sports car racing going. The manufacturers come and go, but they raise the bar while they are there and when they leave another manufacturer swoops in to take advantage of the opportunity to showcase and win. Because sports car racing is real small on the TV market, it all comes down to 'win on Sunday...sell on Monday". What manufacturer would enter this series just so they could be hampered by the rules and lose to a privately entered 996.

posted 02-04-2003 12:26 AM            

Toyota-FabCar Daytona Prototype:

Ford MultiMatic Daytona Prototype:

Porsche FabCar Daytona Prototype:

BMW Picchio Daytona Prototype, with replacement nose section:

When looked at just as a race car, there is NOTHING WRONG with the Daytona Prototypes. The platform is well thought out, and they're compact, lightweight designs that are also pleasant on the eyes.

posted 02-04-2003 05:04 AM            

Also the rear half of the BMW reminds me of the Nissan R390, but then I am looking at it with the jaded eyes of a long-term GT addict...

posted 02-04-2003 12:51 PM            

Sorry I couldn't get them both facing the same way without a lot of work.

One thing is for sure, that Ford Focus Multimatic is ugly.