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Mid Ohio

25/08/2001

Race Morning

Notes

Lexington, Ohio, USA--Race day weather is hazy sun, high of 85 degrees F, and moderate humidity (although what passes as 'moderate humidity' in central Ohio is about as dry as a shower). It appears that the chance of rain during the race is slim to none.

Yesterday we reported that Dick Barbour said flat-out that next year he would field an LMP 900. He gave no hint, however, of what chassis / engine that car might be. Last we heard that was actually not yet decided. His only hedge (quite normal, of course) is that sponsorship is not entirely wrapped up. Dick isn't one to run at the back, so sponsors are no trivial issue.

After Mosport, we are somewhat surprised that the grid this morning remains in the order in which the cars qualified. There were no disqualifications in post-qualifying technical inspection, and at least for now, no competitor has opted to start on other than the qualifying tires, which as an automatic move to the back of the grid. That could still happen any time before the formation lap, of course. We hear now, 45 minutes before race start that the #30 Petersen Motorsports 911 GT3-RS may decide to start on a softer compound, so they may move back. They have not yet made that decision, having taken up their regular position on the grid, at least for now.

We had a chance to talk to Peter (PD) Cunningham about the experience driving Tom Milner's new BMW M3 GTR. PD is substituting for Bill Auberlen, who is recovering from the concussion he suffered at Mosport. He drove full time for over two years for PTG, a total of 17 ALMS races, finishing second twice. During those drives, most recently at this year's Sebring race, PD drove both the E36 and E46 model M3s, all with the in-line six cylinder. We thought his perspective after yesterday's practice on the new car would allow an interesting comparison of the V8 GTR with its predicessors.

TMS: Wbat are your impressions of the GTR?
PD: The new car is just amazing! There is so much more grip, you can't even believe it.
TMS: Is that the main difference?
PD: Yes, along with a much more efficient job stopping.
TMS: What about the power, how different is the V8?
PD: Not as much as you might think. The six put out plenty of power. The only place you can really feel the difference at all with the V8 is in low-end torque. The motor is very smooth throughout the range, but definitely stronger at the low end.
TMS: So handling is really the biggest improvement?
PD: Yes, weight distribution on the car is just about perfect; that is what makes for the improved grip.
TMS: Any other big changes, how about driver comfort
PD: That is pretty much the same. One big change, though is that there is no tach. A light indicator comes on to tell the driver when to shift.
TMS: Like the ones that used to be in the Ford Escort and other cars years ago?
PD: (Laughs) Yes, but when these come on, they mean business, you better shift right now!
TMS: Thanks, PD!

We also had a chance to talk to Champion Porsche owner Dave Maraj, yesterday. About Mosport and Johnny Herbert's 'off' late in the race, "I was satisfied that we could go for the win. Then you have to. If there is no way to take the win, then of course your bring the car in to finish." About upcoming qualifying and today's race, he said, "Both Panoz look very strong here, along with Audi Sport, of course. I don't expect to qualify above fifth, and a podium will be an achievement." (He already beat one expectation with a fourth place on the grid.)

Talking to the Dyson Racing Team you get the feeling they are happy to be here, particularly with a car they think can be competitive. How new is it, really? Pat Smith laughs, "The C has over 3,000 miles on it, and we always had the III along for a baseline, so we knew this one was faster."
Is the 'C' in any way related to the Cadillac chassis, also built last year by Riley & Scott? According to an R&S source, not at all. "First, the Caddy is a carbon monocoque, and the C is a tube frame construction. There are really no parts that are the same at all, nor are there many significant parts that are the same from the III to the C. The C was a completely separate development project from the Cadillac." Riley & Scott laid off a number of employees on Thursday of this week. "There really isn't a big market out there for $700,000 sports cars right now."

Lola, meanwhile, seems quite unconcerned about the limited success the B2Ks have had. Some in the company seem quick to point out the other businesses that the company is in, including manufacturing satellite dishes. The perspective also seems to be that the company is only bothering with sports cars because it is an interest of an elderly owner. They point to the anticipation that "half of next year's prototype grid at Daytona will be Lolas." That sounds good, but we are unconvinced that will be of as much long term importance to the company as a winning or competitive time in a regular, visible series. That is a nice MG that is not racing. How much better would it be for Lola if it were?

The reports of large GM and Pratt & Miller contingents are quite true. They are all over. That should be 'curtains' for the Ron Fellow's-led C5-Rs. And what a crowd. This place is packed, and it is a quite beautiful track. More than one team person that is not required in the pits is trying to figure out a way to shirk other duties and get out along the track to watch. The Porsche-BMW battle seems to be especially anticipated along with the Corvette-Saleen, of course. For what it's worth, Hans Stuck was the fastest in GT in this morning's warm-up.

Our preview predictions don't look so good right now do they? Well, we were getting a little weary of writing similar-sounding previews, so we gave it a 'flyer'. And what would be the point of picking favorites? Any 'punter' (gambler to those of us in the Colonies) can tell you that you can't get rich picking favorites. That's our story and we're sticking to it!

PS Paddock full of fans, even with a separate $15 charge for the first time this season. The line for the driver's autograph session was 200 meters long well before the 10:30 scheduled start, and the drivers had to sign 'overtime'.

Even among the media there is a 'buzz' of anticipation for this race, particularly for the GTS/GT classes, but also hope that Panoz can give it a shot in protos. This track has always had a reputation for being beautiful....and it really is. Hopefully it will be on next year's schedule.