Acura ALMS Project LMP1 on SPEED

[Insighter]

Note: times eastern

Project LMP1 - Acura's Next Challenge Documentary
Channel: SpeedTV
Date: Time:
Saturday, March 14 12:00 noon EST
Thursday, March 19 8:00 PM EST
Thursday, March 19 12:00 midnight EST
Friday, March 20 3:00 AM EST
Saturday, March 21 9:00 AM EST (just before the 12 hours)
Sunday, March 22 3:00 PM EST
Wednesday, March 25 3:00 AM EST

[Bumpsteer]

I had enjoyed it during a rather distracted view of other things but will probably watch it again (at least I hope to)

I have been truly Rip van Bumpsteer this year and am trying to catch up.

The ESPN show Truth In 24 is running as I type and I don't see it repeated. An Audi vs Peugeot extravaganza. Highlights and lowlights of several races. A nice two hour show.

Sebring grid at 0 thirty what this morning? Phew, have it in the schedule after Samurai Saturday on IFC. While somewhat incomplete, I bookmark TV Racer scheduling.

http://www.tvracer.com/

Cheers

GC

[DBK927]

I truly enjoyed all the special programming SPEED had out there for the Twelve Hours of Sebring, however, I'm a bit concerned about car counts now.

I understand the state of global economy has it's effects in motorsports right now, but I heard something a bit odd from Robin Miller last night on the SPEED Report.

It's rumored that both new LMP1 teams, DeFerran & HighCroft, will be fielding teams at this years Indy 500.
The ACURA name/brand may be pulling the plug sooner than expected on their new project ( no word on LMP2), after the Indy 500.

If this rumor becomes fact, one is only to wonder the effects it will have on the ALMS series, and their car counts.

Has anyone heard anything on this?

[Insighter]

Miller is a hack.

deFerran wants to race Indy, and they may. But Highcroft is a sportscar team.

Acura may not return to the ALMS in 2010, especially if there is still no competition. But, I can't see them leaving in the middle of the year. That would be negative press.

[DBK927]

Originally Posted by Insighter

Miller is a hack.

deFerran wants to race Indy, and they may. But Highcroft is a sportscar team.

Acura may not return to the ALMS in 2010, especially if there is still no competition. But, I can't see them leaving in the middle of the year. That would be negative press.

Good Point! I'm still concerned about future manufacturers and car count for the ALMS.
As for HighCroft, Miller the Hack (LOL), did say Sharp would be there with Patron sponsorship! I could possibly be wrong on their future intentions.
I agree! why would they leave for a full time IRL program?

[cptkablamo]

Yeah Indycars are desperate to divert attention from themselves and are desperate to get a full field for the 500...

De Ferran said he wants to run a dual program and Highcroft do have Le Mans intentions even if you don't hear Acura saying it publicly (trust me, when you have read as many Brabham interviews as I have, it seems a clear theme...)

And don't worry about the ALMS yet - maybe next year if Porsche/Audi continue to play their silly games but not now...

[diamonddave]

Porsche should be back next year in P1, doubtful that Acura would bail halfway thru a season.

[skidmark]

It would seem unlikely - given the expense to build the car - but without competition all you really have is an expensive test bed.

Perhaps this situation is what has given the good doctor his motivation to start thinking about a P1 effort from his own shop.