NationStates Jolt Archive

Anyone keeping up with this race? The 24 Hours of Le Mans?

I'm trying. I don't have the Speed Channel so I'm having to catch Radio Le Mans but it keeps cutting out on me, I never get more than 3 minutes before I have to re-start it-and even in that three it cuts in and out, so it's very hard to follow. It wasn't doing that yesterday before the race, maybe it's just that so many more people are trying to listen now.

And it has to run on Windows Media Player, which I hate.

LMP appears to be an Audi parade again-Even with the Judds qualifying fastest.

The battle seems to be in GT1, between the Aston Martins and the Corvettes, with the Corvettes in the lead currently. As far as I can tell, the Aston's are faster but the Corvettes are consistant. I don't even know if there is a Saleen in the race. The Ferraris are of no consiquence as far as I can tell.

I honestly don't know who I'm rooting for. Even though the Vettes have won a few by now and are an established force at Le Mans I can't help but regard them as an underdog to the Astons, and I love an underdog. But, I've never been a fan of the Corvette as a car and I've always loved the Aston. I think what I'm rooting for is a good fight, and that I'm getting.

Similar confliction in the GT2-I'm a Porsche man at my core, but when the Panoz, a car I've rooted for since it tried to run a gas electric hybrid so many years back, managed to get in first for a while I was pretty happy. As far as I can tell now they might just be happy with a finish. In GT2 a commentator observed that in this class there is always some [non-descript] Porsche everyone was ignoring all night and dawn comes and suddenly it's in the lead and no one saw it coming. Troopers. But I'm pulling for Panoz as well 'cause I like the guy and what he's done for the sport (and the cars are cool...)

Anyone following this? Anyone getting the Windows Media Player to work straight or have Speed and has more up to date info? Mostly I'm just checking the Le Mans sights and reading thier reports.

Them Corvette Boys Aren't used to having Compition :p

Them Corvette Boys Aren't used to having Compition :p
Didn't they get kicked in their complacency when the Prodrive Ferraris showed up a few years ago? I think Prodrive put these Astons together too. They might have a new slogan-"Prodrive, When You Want to Make Corvettes Sweat...."

I would have an Aston over a Corvette anyday of the week

and the DBR9 looks stunning. I would love to see an Aston win (even if its just a class win)

I would have an Aston over a Corvette anyday of the week

and the DBR9 looks stunning. I would love to see an Aston win (even if its just a class win)


Me too,Just Cause there Rarer Here In the States

I would have an Aston over a Corvette anyday of the week

and the DBR9 looks stunning. I would love to see an Aston win (even if its just a class win)
I don't think the GT1s have much of a chance of catching the LMPs. The Audis are almost a forgone conclusion (Puegot is set to return next year and Audi is talking of an R8 succesor) so I think the only win thats going to matter is the contested one.

I still wish Porsche would turn the Carrera (back) into an LMP and get another couple of wins...that'd be great. Ah well...

If I had to chose between the cars, it'd be Aston no doubt. Maybe thats why I think of the Vette as an underdog.

I don't think the GT1s have much of a chance of catching the LMPs. The Audis are almost a forgone conclusion (Puegot is set to return next year and Audi is talking of an R8 succesor) so I think the only win thats going to matter is the contested one.

I still wish Porsche would turn the Carrera (back) into an LMP and get another couple of wins...that'd be great. Ah well...

If I had to chose between the cars, it'd be Aston no doubt. Maybe thats why I think of the Vette as an underdog.
Arent Peugeot coming with a diesel?

Would be worth their while with the fuel consumption and torque you get in a modern Diesel.

TVR! Thats one I forgot. Apparently it's been in the garage forever and a day so thats why they haven't brought it up. I guess you could root for them to finish. I like TVRs in that "I've never seen one in person because I live in the US" kinda way."

But I guess they just wheeled it back out of the garage and sent it back out.

Arent Peugeot coming with a diesel?

Would be worth their while with the fuel consumption and torque you get in a modern Diesel.
I think I heard the same thing, and even that Audi might run a diesel too. The commentator yesterday, before Radio Le Mans started cutting in and out...grr...said he drove one of the European diesels and said that it had a lot of grunt and was fun to drive. I wish the US was getting some of those.

TVR! Thats one I forgot. Apparently it's been in the garage forever and a day so thats why they haven't brought it up. I guess you could root for them to finish. I like TVRs in that "I've never seen one in person because I live in the US" kinda way."

But I guess they just wheeled it back out of the garage and sent it back out.

I wish They Had the old GT1 Division back

Then they could run:

TVR Cerbera 12 speeds
Bentley Speed 8
Lamborghini Diablo/Mercealago
Saleen S7
Chevroleit Corvette
Maserati
and a couple other ones I'm Missing

I Mean,Just Cause Someone did a double Backflip into the woods means they should Scrap the division. The guy servivede and went on to a nice F1 Carreer

TVR! Thats one I forgot. Apparently it's been in the garage forever and a day so thats why they haven't brought it up. I guess you could root for them to finish. I like TVRs in that "I've never seen one in person because I live in the US" kinda way."

But I guess they just wheeled it back out of the garage and sent it back out.
I like TVRs in that "one of my mates grandads had one and he used to take us out in it" kinda way ;)

I saw a T350C the other day. My jaw hit the floor.

Almost as nice as the DB9 i saw a few weeks ago, which is one of the most beautiful things ive ever seen :D

Anyhow, TVR would do well in racing if they could get the problems sorted out, the road cars are oh-my-fucking-god fast

I think I heard the same thing, and even that Audi might run a diesel too. The commentator yesterday, before Radio Le Mans started cutting in and out...grr...said he drove one of the European diesels and said that it had a lot of grunt and was fun to drive. I wish the US was getting some of those.
Yea, some European diesels are amazing, the BMW 535d is always recommended over the 530i. Without fail. And its a bit more expensive.

They just have ridiculous torque, great fuel consumption, and most of the time you wouldnt know it was a diesel.

Would be great at Le Mans for the consumption.

Tried listening to Radio Le Mans but it kept cutting in and out and pissed me off so I gave up.

I wish They Had the old GT1 Division back

Then they could run:

TVR Cerbera 12 speeds
Bentley Speed 8
Lamborghini Diablo/Mercealago
Saleen S7
Chevroleit Corvette
Maserati
and a couple other ones I'm Missing

I Mean,Just Cause Someone did a double Backflip into the woods means they should Scrap the division. The guy servivede and went on to a nice F1 Carreer
To be fair, both of the Benz' did the air dance and one of the Porsches did the same at Road Atlanta but I think the nail(s) in the coffin where the McLaren which prompted the Porsche GT-1 which prompted the CLK-GTR which prompted the Toyota GTOne which hardly even pretended to be a road car and priced everybody out of the class just like the Nissan/Jaguar/Peugots of the Group C heyday.

I'd like to see GT1 become a fuller field-Lambos, Saleens, Porsche Turbos (anyone know why the aren't there? I really don't know), TVRs, Ford GTs, Vipers (where oh where has the Viper gone?), Jags (not likely to share the track with Astons, but oh well), Ferraris, Maserati....ah the dream.

Unfortunately I have no buying power so no one cares what I think...

Tonissias Random LeMans Pic No1

http://racingsportscars.com/photo/1989/Le_Mans-1989-06-11-019.jpg

1989 Aston Marton C1

Tried listening to Radio Le Mans but it kept cutting in and out and pissed me off so I gave up.
Yeah, it's pissing me off too. I'm glad it's happening to someone else as well, though. At least I'm not doing something wrong.

HeHe I have Speed Channel

Random LeMans pick No2

http://racingsportscars.com/photo/1998/Le_Mans-1998-06-07-033.jpg

Best Looking Lemans Car EVER!!!!!

In a simple AM vs. Vette race i think the Vette Z06 would win because it has more sheer power. The AM looks nicer though.

HeHe I have Speed Channel

Random LeMans pick No2

http://racingsportscars.com/photo/1998/Le_Mans-1998-06-07-033.jpg

Best Looking Lemans Car EVER!!!!!
Ahem... (http://www.starcarhire.co.uk/image/Movie_cars_lee_mans_porsche917K175.jpg)
Though GT3 gave me a fondness for the Nissan. Still, have to go with my loyalties...

I fist shake at your Speed Channel having. Curses. I've only managed one year where I could actually watch Le Mans...

In a simple AM vs. Vette race i think the Vette Z06 would win because it has more sheer power. The AM looks nicer though.
In qualifying the AM was faster by a bunch-so much so that the ACO sent a clarification that the GT1 cars where meant to average no more than 3'55" around the track (they where in the mid 40s.) I think that ruling, or threatened ruling or whatever it is is pretty shady. They're trying to avoid what happened to GT1 in the 90s, but it's a silly way to go about it.

Ahem... (http://www.starcarhire.co.uk/image/Movie_cars_lee_mans_porsche917K175.jpg)
Though GT3 gave me a fondness for the Nissan. Still, have to go with my loyalties...

I fist shake at your Speed Channel having. Curses. I've only managed one year where I could actually watch Le Mans...

At Least Corvette Didn't enter the Monstrosity known as DAY GLOW YELLOW.

Case in point (http://racingsportscars.com/photo/2005/Road_Atlanta-2005-04-17-005.jpg)

Well thats Menards for you, good job they didn't sponser them at Le Mans then.

At Least Corvette Didn't enter the Monstrosity known as DAY GLOW YELLOW.

Case in point (http://racingsportscars.com/photo/2005/Road_Atlanta-2005-04-17-005.jpg)
EDIT:Wait, you're watching. They aren't yellow? What color are they now? I need to do some more thorough poking around...
EDIT THE SECOND: As far as I can tell they are still yellow. I finally saw some pictures of the Aston and the Panoz. The Aston looks very pimp. The Panoz is having issues. I mistakenly thought that the Skryker(?) Spyder was a LMP car. Now I gotta see how it's doing. Not well, I'm guessing since I haven't heard much mention of it.

Oh no, they are still yellow. (http://www.corvetteracing.com/pictures/lemans/images/lemans010.jpg)

I've grown so used to them being yellow that I've grown acustom to it, so much so I can't imagine what color they should be (I saw a black one in my image search that looked pretty cool, but almost all cars look good in black.) I guess it's because if they where red they would blend too much with the Ferraris.

They've always been yellow. Just the normal yellow rather then that horrid day glow yellow.

At Least Corvette Didn't enter the Monstrosity known as DAY GLOW YELLOW.

Case in point (http://racingsportscars.com/photo/2005/Road_Atlanta-2005-04-17-005.jpg)


I quite like that. Reminds me of the late 90s Jordan (RIP) F1 team.

They've always been yellow. Just the normal yellow rather then that horrid day glow yellow.

Almost always yellow (http://racingsportscars.com/photo/1999/Sebring-1999-03-21-003.jpg)

They've always been yellow. Just the normal yellow rather then that horrid day glow yellow.
Ah...I'm color blind so subtlties in the same color are lost on me most of the time. That's a goofy looking sponser. Remember that team a few years back that painted their car checkered and sold each 'check' to sponsers to spread it out instead of relying on a primary sponser? I admire that 'No, we're goin'' spirit.

Even in France they cap on France. The commentator was making fun of the French feeds obsession with slow disolves of tired crew members sleeping with sandwiches on their chests.

Bugger, I totally forgot Le Mans was this weekend. I always barrack for the Porsches, cos I have a bit of a thing for them. I'd love to see them back with the Carrera GT (as mentioned already). Le Mans doesn't seem them same without Porsche challenging for the outright victory. As a Peugeot owner & member of a Pug car club, I'd love to see them back at Le Mans too. A diesel entry would be really interesting. I'm actually thinking of buying one of the new 307 turbo diesels, but don't want to part with my current 306.

Bugger, I totally forgot Le Mans was this weekend. I always barrack for the Porsches, cos I have a bit of a thing for them. I'd love to see them back with the Carrera GT (as mentioned already). Le Mans doesn't seem them same without Porsche challenging for the outright victory. As a Peugeot owner & member of a Pug car club, I'd love to see them back at Le Mans too. A diesel entry would be really interesting. I'm actually thinking of buying one of the new 307 turbo diesels, but don't want to part with my current 306.
I kept jumping the gun. I thought it was two weeks ago, then I thought it was last week. Finally got it right.

I really wish Radio Le Mans would stop cutting out. It seems to do just fine during the ads...grrr.

I have to agree, it's not really Le Mans for me without a Porsche battling up front. Though having Bentley back last year and the Astons, Ferraris, and Corvettes is pretty cool (though, agian, should be some 911 turbos in there and I really don't know why they aren't. Maybe it's a restriction on turbo size/engine size or something like that.) It's like an era I only got to see in film strips and retrospectives.

Wow, they said just said (before it cut out again....)that it's going to be 35 C by the daytime for the end of the race. No rain tires this year.

Yay for bitching!!!

They just adressed that some people have been e-mailing in complaining that the radio feed is buffering constantly and making it hard to listen to (right before he was cut off by buffering) and they have thier internet geeks looking into it. Maybe by the end of the race it'll be cleared!!!

No, I won't be holding my breath.

Yay for bitching!!!

They just adressed that some people have been e-mailing in complaining that the radio feed is buffering constantly and making it hard to listen to (right before he was cut off by buffering) and they have thier internet geeks looking into it. Maybe by the end of the race it'll be cleared!!!

No, I won't be holding my breath.

Can you give me the link to the website? I have to go out for lunch in an hour, but I can listen in the meantime.

Can you give me the link to the website? I have to go out for lunch in an hour, but I can listen in the meantime.
Gladly:
http://journal.autosport-atlas.com/2005/lemans/radio.html
It's still buffering like mad, but hopefully it'll get better.

Gladly:
http://journal.autosport-atlas.com/2005/lemans/radio.html
It's still buffering like mad, but hopefully it'll get better.

Sweet, thanks for that. :)

Sweet, thanks for that. :)
Enjoy! I hope it works-towards the end of the race the commentators start to get punchy, and it thats the best part (well, and the racing)

Bloody hell, I see what you mean about the buffering. Very frustrating. I was really interested in what they were saying about Sebastian Loeb (I didn't even realise he was in the race), but it kept cutting out.

Bloody hell, I see what you mean about the buffering. Very frustrating. I was really interested in what they were saying about Sebastian Loeb (I didn't even realise he was in the race), but it kept cutting out.
It's going for a record sustained burst for me, which means I got the update that ASTON MARTIN HAS TAKEN THE GT1 LEAD!!

This is going to be a great dog fight all day. F'n sweet!

EDIT: Forgot-Jacky Ickxz (damn, forgot how to spell his name)'s daughter is racing and shes up with the leaders. Double bonus-I'm a dude but I want to see more women racers-lots more (damn, there went the buffer-that was long enough to actually hear a whole story) AND I'm a fan of her dads. I don't know what shes driving, as this just reminded me to look it up.

Bloody hell, I see what you mean about the buffering. Very frustrating. I was really interested in what they were saying about Sebastian Loeb (I didn't even realise he was in the race), but it kept cutting out.
yea, he flew straight from winning rally Turkey via helicopter to Le Mans to qualify. On the same day.

I dont like him, I think hes boring (prefer Solberg), but gotta give him credit for that

yea, he flew straight from winning rally Turkey via helicopter to Le Mans to qualify. On the same day.

I dont like him, I think hes boring (prefer Solberg), but gotta give him credit for that
Now thats a racer! Thats old school 'anything with wheels, anywhere.' Gotta dig that.

It's going for a record sustained burst for me, which means I got the update that ASTON MARTIN HAS TAKEN THE GT1 LEAD!!

This is going to be a great dog fight all day. F'n sweet!

EDIT: Forgot-Jacky Ickxz (damn, forgot how to spell his name)'s daughter is racing and shes up with the leaders. Double bonus-I'm a dude but I want to see more women racers-lots more (damn, there went the buffer-that was long enough to actually hear a whole story) AND I'm a fan of her dads. I don't know what shes driving, as this just reminded me to look it up.

Excellent! I loved Jacky Ickxx when I was a kid. He came out & raced in Aus, winning at Bathurst (which is hands down our best track/race) with Allan Moffat.

yea, he flew straight from winning rally Turkey via helicopter to Le Mans to qualify. On the same day.

I dont like him, I think hes boring (prefer Solberg), but gotta give him credit for that

I don't much like Petter. I follow the cars more than the drivers. As a Pug fan, I like to see Marcus & Marko do well. I do wish Sebastian would drive for Peugeot though.

Excellent! I loved Jacky Ickxx when I was a kid. He came out & raced in Aus, winning at Bathurst (which is hands down our best track/race) with Allan Moffat.
She's in the Dallara Judd and the car is currently running 13th over all. The bio on her on the official site is in French-I didn't do so well in French. I haven't been able to find out what happened, because last I heard about her she was in fourth (but she had just gotten out of the car).

Now thats a racer! Thats old school 'anything with wheels, anywhere.' Gotta dig that.

Bit like Valentino Rossi.

I'm off to lunch (my sister's birthday) & then we're going to the footy. Go Pies! I'll have to check back in when I get home.

Bit like Valentino Rossi.
I actually never heard of that cat (I looked him up, I actually thought he was a pre-WW1 driver that I'm fond of and now can't think of that guys name...)-That's pretty impressive-
In 2001 Rossi became the youngest ever rider to win titles in three different classes. The only other two riders to win titles in three classes are Phil Read (125, 250, 500) and Mike Hailwood (250, 350, 500).

It's hard enough for me to follow sports car racing out here-Motorcycle racing always falls through. But I like watching it, I just never know who anyone is, so I just root for the Ducatis because they sound like monsters.

I'm off to lunch (my sister's birthday) & then we're going to the footy. Go Pies! I'll have to check back in when I get home.
Half way point, good time to finally eat since my stomach has decided if I'm not going to do anything it'll just start eating itself until I pay attention...

I actually never heard of that cat (I looked him up, I actually thought he was a pre-WW1 driver that I'm fond of and now can't think of that guys name...)-That's pretty impressive-


It's hard enough for me to follow sports car racing out here-Motorcycle racing always falls through. But I like watching it, I just never know who anyone is, so I just root for the Ducatis because they sound like monsters.
Rossi also tested for Ferrari F1, and is rumoured to be going into F1 in the next few years.

Rossi also tested for Ferrari F1, and is rumoured to be going into F1 in the next few years.
Thats pretty cool. Wasn't Damion Hill a motorcycle racer first? I think the two compliment each other. I'll have to keep an eye out for him. Hopefully this summer will mean that I'll be better equiped to keep up with racing for a while.

Thats pretty cool. Wasn't Damion Hill a motorcycle racer first? I think the two compliment each other. I'll have to keep an eye out for him. Hopefully this summer will mean that I'll be better equiped to keep up with racing for a while.
yea, Hill was a bike racer first, but he was never anywhere near the skill level of Rossi. But its the same idea...

there are precendents though, John Surtees was a 7x (i think) 500cc world champion, moved to F1, and won the 1964 World Championship. And Mike Hailwood as well, who was a multiple bike champion.



You havent been following the events at Indy this weekend with the US GP?

Heres a link to the latest news: http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/17692/

yea, Hill was a bike racer first, but he was never anywhere near the skill level of Rossi. But its the same idea...

there are precendents though, John Surtees was a 7x (i think) 500cc world champion, moved to F1, and won the 1964 World Championship. And Mike Hailwood as well, who was a multiple bike champion.



You havent been following the events at Indy this weekend with the US GP?

Heres a link to the latest news: http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/17692/
Yipes! I heard them mention something like that on Radio Le Mans (before it cut out) but I didn't know what was going on (or, dummy me, that the US GP was this weekend too).

The article didn't explain why Michelen wasn't able to provide a tire that could run the course. What's up with that? Is the course different? Did they really just tell the world that Bridgestone makes a better tire? Did they really think a chicane could be added overnight? Damn, drama. I'm gonna have to find out who's carrying the race tommorrow. (pleasenotspeedpleasenotspeed)

Yipes! I heard them mention something like that on Radio Le Mans (before it cut out) but I didn't know what was going on (or, dummy me, that the US GP was this weekend too).

The article didn't explain why Michelen wasn't able to provide a tire that could run the course. What's up with that? Is the course different? Did they really just tell the world that Bridgestone makes a better tire? Did they really think a chicane could be added overnight? Damn, drama. I'm gonna have to find out who's carrying the race tommorrow. (pleasenotspeedpleasenotspeed)
Its strange seeing as this is the 6th year theyve run the exact same course at Indy, complete with banking (in cars that arent designed to even look at banking)

But theres a new tyre rule that says that drivers have 3 sets of tyres per weekend, and Michelin (who have won every GP so far this year due to having tyres way better than Bridgestone, and because McLaren and Renault are just awesome) just appear to have got their construction wrong.

Every track has a different tyre, and they just got it wrong.

So it will be interesting to see what happens...especially seeing as this is the most interesting championship in years (i think this is the 8th race, and Schumacher hasnt won....his longest gap since 1993 or something)

I dont know how the FIA could possibly run a race with 6 cars.

Its strange seeing as this is the 6th year theyve run the exact same course at Indy, complete with banking (in cars that arent designed to even look at banking)

But theres a new tyre rule that says that drivers have 3 sets of tyres per weekend, and Michelin (who have won every GP so far this year due to having tyres way better than Bridgestone, and because McLaren and Renault are just awesome) just appear to have got their construction wrong.

Every track has a different tyre, and they just got it wrong.

So it will be interesting to see what happens...especially seeing as this is the most interesting championship in years (i think this is the 8th race, and Schumacher hasnt won....his longest gap since 1993 or something)

I dont know how the FIA could possibly run a race with 6 cars.
Man. Thats drama.

Say what you will about the different types of racing-when NASCAR wanted to slow down the cars, they slowed down the cars. F1 just seems to make things weird when they try and slow things down.

I'm gonna have to keep up on that. I didn't know the season was that interesting. I didn't want to watch a race for second. Too bad I missed half the season in my snit.

I have to eat. I don't know if it's make food, order food, or get food. I need soda so I think it's get food.

Man. Thats drama.

Say what you will about the different types of racing-when NASCAR wanted to slow down the cars, they slowed down the cars. F1 just seems to make things weird when they try and slow things down.

Yup. They do stupid things on the off chance they will work....the thing about F1 is that every team goes away and designs their own car, and thats always been a central thing, so the FIA are very reluctant to impose standard components for anything.

Although, Mclaren in practice ran quicker than any other team did last year at Indy, despite the FIAs attempts.

I'm gonna have to keep up on that. I didn't know the season was that interesting. I didn't want to watch a race for second. Too bad I missed half the season in my snit.
Yea, its a really good season.

Raikkonen (my favourite since long before he started in F1) and Alonso are the two running for the championship. Raikkonen should be up with Alonso in the standings but he had a few mechanical problems in early races which dropped him back, allowing Alonso to race into a bit of a lead, but Raikkonen has won 3 out of the last 4 races so hes catching him quicky, but because of the points system it should be a while before he catches him.

And the races this year have all been alot more exciting than the last few years.

Should make for a very, very entertaining season. Just one example why F1 is the "pinnacle of motorsport"....it may not have the best out and out racing....but it draws me back every time

Rossi in F1?
I hope not, I don't like that guy. Motorcycle racers always seem so pretencious, so..so.. unlikable on TV.
I entered a competition the other day, if I win I get a hot lap around Fiorano in a Ferrari road car with Michael.
That'll be good.

Yup. They do stupid things on the off chance they will work....the thing about F1 is that every team goes away and designs their own car, and thats always been a central thing, so the FIA are very reluctant to impose standard components for anything.

Although, Mclaren in practice ran quicker than any other team did last year at Indy, despite the FIAs attempts.


Yea, its a really good season.

Raikkonen (my favourite since long before he started in F1) and Alonso are the two running for the championship. Raikkonen should be up with Alonso in the standings but he had a few mechanical problems in early races which dropped him back, allowing Alonso to race into a bit of a lead, but Raikkonen has won 3 out of the last 4 races so hes catching him quicky, but because of the points system it should be a while before he catches him.

And the races this year have all been alot more exciting than the last few years.

Should make for a very, very entertaining season. Just one example why F1 is the "pinnacle of motorsport"....it may not have the best out and out racing....but it draws me back every time
Time and access make it easy to slip away. I don't even know who carries F1 right now in the states. I'd like to be more on it, there are some drivers in there I like a lot. Now that it's racing again I'm even more amped.

Audis still have it. Suprise. I wish oh wish it was McNish. Porsche alum get my proxy vote. GAAAHHHH It buffered during the GT1 update...now I have to hunt...

YES! The commentators are getting punchy! (and 10 straight minutes w/o a buffer!) Apparently there is a tradition of sending out a white car to fetch stranded drivers, fitted with blue lights. The old british guy kept thinking it was a caution on the track and the american dude knew what was up. Now they're kinda snipping (still friendly) back and forth. And the American comentator is starting to do voices again...I love this part.

The consesus is that the Aston has started to walk away from the 'Vettes. Before I went to feed I heard the 'Vette guys say that the Astons where pulling way ahead on the straights and they have to catch them on the brakes and in the turns. I never in a million years thought I'd hear 'Vette people say "We'll catch 'em in the turns." Wow...

So, let me get this right, a US car company is running well in the Lemans?

So, let me get this right, a US car company is running well in the Lemans?
In that catagory, the US has held sway for a while. It started with the Viper, then the Corvette. The only pause has been for a brief surge from the Ferrari. And get this-the two things that have been giving the Viper and the Corvette the edge? Handling and reliability. Weird, huh?

In that catagory, the US has held sway for a while. It started with the Viper, then the Corvette. The only pause has been for a brief surge from the Ferrari. And get this-the two things that have been giving the Viper and the Corvette the edge? Handling and reliability. Weird, huh?

Well, talk about a wasted marketing effort. Maybe they should make this known to the general public.

I did rent a ford focus last year, it was surprisingly not horrible.

I turned the speed channel on, they have a Geordie commentating. Well done!

Well, talk about a wasted marketing effort. Maybe they should make this known to the general public.

I did rent a ford focus last year, it was surprisingly not horrible.
The Vette is damned by plastic in Europe. No one, it seems (and there is some merit to it) can get past plastic in the cockpit-puts them off the whole thing. The 'Vette has an almost unsurmountable bias to overcome in Europe. I don't think they have any problem selling them here.

That is certainly true for the Viper. I think that enjoyed a good reputation everywhere.

The overall has been elusive. The Cadilac was barely able to prove it belonged at the track, the Panoz' have struggled for the overall but never came close (they just don't have the pockets to match BMW and Audi).

But yeah, they could make more of it. Though in the US it's "The 24 hours of what? They do what for how long? Wait, is this in France? Oh, this guy at the office gave me some great new France jokes..." and their lost. Makes you wonder why they bother, but I'm glad they do. I'd like to see more than two serious contenders go at it-Viper full effort, Ferrari full effort, Aston full effort, Corvette. Have a massive battle.

The Aston has 2+minutes on the Vette right now. None of the top 4 cars have had any repairs yet in GT1. Hammerin', I love it!

I turned the speed channel on, they have a Geordie commentating. Well done!
I think I heard the Radio guys saying they are taking over for Speed for a bit. You can tell they're on TV because they've 'straightened up' quite a bit...;) Not as punchy all of a sudden...

The Vette is damned by plastic in Europe. No one, it seems (and there is some merit to it) can get past plastic in the cockpit-puts them off the whole thing. The 'Vette has an almost unsurmountable bias to overcome in Europe. I don't think they have any problem selling them here.

That is certainly true for the Viper. I think that enjoyed a good reputation everywhere.


Well, I do know that in the UK there is a tremendous anti-US sports car bias. (And to a lesser extent here in the NYC tri-state). No-one believes that the US can produce a world class car, but I don't think that is necessarily the case. I just think it is a shame that GM seems unable to capitalize upon this, even if it does not win.

Well, I do know that in the UK there is a tremendous anti-US sports car bias. (And to a lesser extent here in the NYC tri-state). No-one believes that the US can produce a world class car, but I don't think that is necessarily the case. I just think it is a shame that GM seems unable to capitalize upon this, even if it does not win.
A lot has to do with the reputation of the Corvette as a thug of a sports car. It's really they way we do sports cars-the Corbra, take a British sports car and put a big ass engine in it. The Vette, two seater with a big ass engine in it. The next closest car we have is the Mustang, which is really a muscle car.

It's a crude, hamfisted approach that works on our huge open roads really well but not so much in Europe's small twisty roads.

But the 'Vette isn't that car anymore. American magazines recognize it but all Europe can talk about in theirs is the plastic in the cockpit. But honestly, since when is a sports car about 'niceties?' It's really about delivering the goods, driving joy and satisfying hammer to put down.

They didn't even sell the 'Vette in Europe until after they got the thing its first win at La Sarthe. I think track success is the only thing that keeps them from pushing them off the boat at the docks.

I have a love hate. I love Porsches and in the 60s in California they where rivals. Plus, they are completely different approaches. But, just like a little kid playing chase, it's no fun if no one chases you. I want the Corvette to be good and I want Porsches to beat them. So I have this pocket of respect for them and desire for them to do well. Just, I want the Porsche to do better. Preferably in a good, hard fought race.

Right now it's the Aston that's doing the job. At this point I'm inclined to root for the Vettes for the come from behind against what is essentially a more powerful car.

Sweet, MG-Lola just took the LMP2 lead. I like MGs, though the new ones look kinda dumpy.

Sweet Slappy McHappy-Porsche Will Come Back!!!! (http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publish/Motorsport_News/printer_1211.shtml)

They where interviewing some dude and there was a passing mention of Porsche and Penske getting together to make an LMP2 car. F'n great! The last time these two got together to make a sports car it spawned the greatest monster racing has ever seen, the 917/30. Oh yes.

It's a crude, hamfisted approach that works on our huge open roads really well but not so much in Europe's small twisty roads.


Which is ironic, because I grew up in the north of england, which has really small twisty roads - like super small twisty single lane you are fucked if you try and use second gear on some of the inclines twisty - and most people from the south of england can't drive for shit in those conditions. Frankly they are a menace on the local roads. So these people should have the last say on what is suitable.

It's also funny because when the F-40 came out, it was well liked. And that is possibly the most plasticy car I can think of. (Apparently it has GM inicator stalks).

The big thing there is to have a german car. No-one can exaplain why. (Personally my favorite car that I ever had was a SAAB, the seats were dead comfy and it had plenty of poke).

Sweet Slappy McHappy-Porsche Will Come Back!!!! (http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publish/Motorsport_News/printer_1211.shtml)

They where interviewing some dude and there was a passing mention of Porsche and Penske getting together to make an LMP2 car. F'n great! The last time these two got together to make a sports car it spawned the greatest monster racing has ever seen, the 917/30. Oh yes.

Was the 917 the one that did well back in the late sixties/early seventies?

(I really don't know shit about racing, so don't pick on me if I fucked this up).

Was the 917 the one that did well back in the late sixties/early seventies?

(I really don't know shit about racing, so don't pick on me if I fucked this up).
Yes (though more 70s than 60s, the GT-40 and the 917 never had a proper battle). It's this (http://www.nexttestdrive.net/internalimages/gallery/Porsche_917.jpg) (I was trying to find a picture of the long tail, but this will do). The 917/30 was this (http://web.ivenue.com/classicimpressions/images/IMG_032.jpg) beast. Reports of anything from 1100 hp to 1300 hp. All balls. I saw that car at the Monterey Historics and it made the ground shake, it would lean back on its haunches and spit fire out of Turn 8 and SCREAMED down the straight.

EDIT: And I'd never pick on someone for not knowing about some part of racing. I'm glad to encourage fans and also more than happy to learn from others who know more than I do. I miss a lot. (that article about Porsche was dated April and I had no idea.)

EDIT: And I'd never pick on someone for not knowing about some part of racing. I'm glad to encourage fans and also more than happy to learn from others who know more than I do. I miss a lot. (that article about Porsche was dated April and I had no idea.)

Well if it is not too much of an imposition I would like something explained. (like I said I don't really know much about racing).

My GF is a big nascar fan, and she claims that it is the most competitive from of racing. I have heard other people say this is out and out rubbish, and that nascar is second rate.

I am really not taking the piss here, you seem to know a lot about this, and frankly I am clueless when it comes to "which race is the best".

(My own opinion is, from what I have seen, that nascar is probably scarier because they drive so close together. Other than that I can't say).

Well if it is not too much of an imposition I would like something explained. (like I said I don't really know much about racing).

My GF is a big nascar fan, and she claims that it is the most competitive from of racing. I have heard other people say this is out and out rubbish, and that nascar is second rate.

I am really not taking the piss here, you seem to know a lot about this, and frankly I am clueless when it comes to "which race is the best".

(My own opinion is, from what I have seen, that nascar is probably scarier because they drive so close together. Other than that I can't say).
NASCARs claim to fame, really, is that anyone could win at anytime. They achieve this through what they are critisized for. They use a 'spec' (everyone gets the same one) chassis and a very specific engine architecture.

The cars also have to match a specific template, a real template they put over the car. The cars are very very even and the tracks, for the most part, are also even. So they trade leaders and positions, drive lap after lap two or three wide, and bang into each other trying to eek out that last little advantage in the wind or the tires or the gas tank. Even though it's on an oval, it's a driver and crew battle. And very tight. You are more likely to get a good close finish in NASCAR. Twice a year they hit road courses and it gets very interesting.

But, like baseball or golf, if you don't know whats going on it is boring as all hell. Pit windows, drafting, tires and fuel consumption plus adjustments and where on the track is the sweet spot (it moves as the day goes on) are the elements that drive the drama there.

For me, this is the pinacle-endurance sports cars. 24 hours, race cars based on road cars-fast as all hell. A variety of different approaches to the speed, distinct cars and yet you still get close racing action.

Rally is the truist test, road legal cars on messed up roads and logging trails over the course of several days(in stages. they get rest), one driver and a navigator. But-not very visual for the compitition. They are racing against the clock, so while it's cool to watch them do thier thing, you never can get a grasp of the race that they are in.

F1 is widely considered the 'best of the best' or as a character in the classic Grand Prix said "Only 17 people in the world are good enough to do this." It's supposed to be the best drivers in the best equipment, formula cars which are open wheeled single cockpit cars-like Indy cars but smaller. It can get one sided now and then, and there isn't a lot of passing. But, as I've been told in this thread, all that is different this year.

But, like baseball or golf, if you don't know whats going on it is boring as all hell. Pit windows, drafting, tires and fuel consumption plus adjustments and where on the track is the sweet spot (it moves as the day goes on) are the elements that drive the drama there.


Uh-huh. I took her to pocono last year. Honestly, I want my day back. She seemed to like it though.

Thanks for taking the time to post that though, much apprieciated. Seriously. (Though it indicates that I should pay more attention when she tries to explain why Mark Martin is the most underated driver in history, and that is not going to happen :rolleyes: )

Uh-huh. I took her to pocono last year. Honestly, I want my day back. She seemed to like it though.

Thanks for taking the time to post that though, much apprieciated. Seriously. (Though it indicates that I should pay more attention when she tries to explain why Mark Martin is the most underated driver in history, and that is not going to happen :rolleyes: )
He might just be, but I'll leave that to your girlfriend. Your a sport to go to Pocono. I don't think I could sit through a speedway live and I'm a fan. I only go to the road race they do up here in NorCal. And even then sometimes I'd rather watch it on TV (one year I turned just before I got to the track and watched it in an air-conditioned bar instead.)

Watch it on TV so you can get up, you aren't surrounded by the fans, and someone will let you in on whats going on. And if you miss something good, they'll play it again.

Man, it'd be fantastic to date a racing fan. You know, if things don't work out between the two of you...(j/k)

Anyone keeping up with this race? The 24 Hours of Le Mans?

Anyone following this? Anyone getting the Windows Media Player to work straight or have Speed and has more up to date info? Mostly I'm just checking the Le Mans sights and reading thier reports.

Though I would like to keep up with the 24 hours of LM, I play NS too much to have time for it. Which begs the question...

Where are my priorities? :eek: :confused:

Though I would like to keep up with the 24 hours of LM, I play NS too much to have time for it. Which begs the question...

Where are my priorities? :eek: :confused:
Why decide? I'm doing both! (radio Le mans, which has gotten better all of a sudden)

Why decide? I'm doing both! (radio Le mans, which has gotten better all of a sudden)

Two reasons. 1. No radio. 2. No headphones so even if I could get it off the 'net I couldn't hear a thing.

*sigh* I should really be working on a paper for my summer course anyway.

Why decide? I'm doing both! (radio Le mans, which has gotten better all of a sudden)

Half your luck, mine's buffering something shocking now.

He might just be, but I'll leave that to your girlfriend. Your a sport to go to Pocono. I don't think I could sit through a speedway live and I'm a fan. I only go to the road race they do up here in NorCal. And even then sometimes I'd rather watch it on TV (one year I turned just before I got to the track and watched it in an air-conditioned bar instead.)

Watch it on TV so you can get up, you aren't surrounded by the fans, and someone will let you in on whats going on. And if you miss something good, they'll play it again.

Man, it'd be fantastic to date a racing fan. You know, if things don't work out between the two of you...(j/k)

Yeah, they have a race in Napa right? I could live with touring the vineyards while she watches the race. Sounds civilized. Meanwhile I am threatened with a joyous day at Watkins Glen. Oh Joy.

And I always remain on good terms with exes. So if this doesn't work out, I'll put the word in for you. I am sure the pair of you could have long and meaningful discussions about what Jeff Gordon really means for the sport. ;)

(And for some reason she hates the Earnharts, and worships Cale Yarborough (sp-?)).

Two reasons. 1. No radio. 2. No headphones so even if I could get it off the 'net I couldn't hear a thing.

*sigh* I should really be working on a paper for my summer course anyway.
It's only on the net. (eviltemptationeviltemptation (http://journal.autosport-atlas.com/2005/lemans/radio.html))


You've got 5 1/2 hours of race left to find some headphones...

Half your luck, mine's buffering something shocking now.
Now mine is too. I think I jinxed it.

It's only on the net. (eviltemptationeviltemptation (http://journal.autosport-atlas.com/2005/lemans/radio.html))


You've got 5 1/2 hours of race left to find some headphones...

So I need to race to find some headphones so I can hear a race. There's something to it. :)

Yeah, they have a race in Napa right? I could live with touring the vineyards while she watches the race. Sounds civilized. Meanwhile I am threatened with a joyous day at Watkins Glen. Oh Joy.

And I always remain on good terms with exes. So if this doesn't work out, I'll put the word in for you. I am sure the pair of you could have long and meaningful discussions about what Jeff Gordon really means for the sport. ;)

(And for some reason she hates the Earnharts, and worships Cale Yarborough (sp-?)).
Alright, this always sounds like bullshit when I say it, but whatever-I started racing at the same time and on the same track with Jeff Gordon (Quarter Midgets in Rio Linda). One of us was a natural. I'll let you guess which one...

I liked Dale Sr. (because he was big when I was a kid and he drove a black car called 'The Intimidator'...for a kid thats just badass....). Not so much Jr.

I'd like to go to Watkins Glen one day.

The vineyards aren't that close to the track, and summer in Sonoma is not for the alergic. But it's a nice place. Not as picturesque as Laguna Seca, though. Monterey is fantastic.

Corvette is now leading in the GT1.

Corvette is now leading in the GT1.
CRAP! I wasn't paying attention, now I have to go find out what happened...

Alright, this always sounds like bullshit when I say it, but whatever-I started racing at the same time and on the same track with Jeff Gordon (Quarter Midgets in Rio Linda). One of us was a natural. I'll let you guess which one...


Wow. That is so cool. Is he really that good? (GF has a love hate thing with him, though I am fairly sure that if he offered I ride I would be left on the curb :mad: ).

Her thing with the Earnhardt's is to do with "seeing" the air. She hates that. I tell her it is not possible, but .........what do I know.

I'll tell you how watkins is if I go.

I think the Aston had some kind of trouble, but my radio just keeps buffering.

Wow. That is so cool. Is he really that good? (GF has a love hate thing with him, though I am fairly sure that if he offered I ride I would be left on the curb :mad: ).

Her thing with the Earnhardt's is to do with "seeing" the air. She hates that. I tell her it is not possible, but .........what do I know.

I'll tell you how watkins is if I go.
Yes, he is. But largely because his dad was obsessed with getting him to be able to comunicate what was happening with the car to him. (he would send him out for three laps, bring him in and change one thing and send him back out and ask what was different. If he got it wrong, back out he went.)

Though, since I too was only 5-12 years old I only really remember him as that guy with the square-backed car that was hard to beat.

Yes, he is. But largely because his dad was obsessed with getting him to be able to comunicate what was happening with the car to him. (he would send him out for three laps, bring him in and change one thing and send him back out and ask what was different. If he got it wrong, back out he went.)

Though, since I too was only 5-12 years old I only really remember him as that guy with the square-backed car that was hard to beat.

Actually that's good to know. Now I have a Gordon "back story" to annoy her with for a change. Once again, thanks.

Edit: Exausted. five am here. Thanks for your help CTOAN, maybe corvette will win. :) Going to bed now however.

I think the Aston had some kind of trouble, but my radio just keeps buffering.
It seems like it's pit stop shuffling. Still too soon for it to be in text reports.

Stupid buffer, I shouldn't have said anything....grr...

It seems like it's pit stop shuffling. Still too soon for it to be in text reports.

Stupid buffer, I shouldn't have said anything....grr...

Which sites are you looking at for text reports? I'm struggling to find one that's very informative.

Which sites are you looking at for text reports? I'm struggling to find one that's very informative.
The Official Site (http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/pages/accueil_gb.html). It's not very informative, but I don't have to hunt around too much.

Tortoise beats hare in both cases.

With 50 minutes to go it looks like the Astons are out of the running (they'll finish, but they're not going to worry the Corvettes anymore-both of them downed with trouble at the same time (and at the same time the TVR finally gave up-I suspect that 007 failed and the evil villian pulled off his well timed plan to sideline the Brits, taking out the Astons, the TVR and the MG-Lola all at once.

All three of the GT3 top teams are American teams-I believe two of them are from NorCal-NorCal, suckas!!!

With the lead Audi being a Champion Audi out of Florida it looks like a good showing for American teams/drivers/cars (depending) in a race a lot of Americans have no idea exists. Ah well.

Looks like most of the tension is off-the Judd has had problems and no longer is hassling the Audi (the other Tortoise beating Hare). Now it's maintain for 40 minutes.

This has been a really good race. I'm looking forward to next year and the rematches...

The Vette won. Anyone else not shocked?

The Vette won. Anyone else not shocked?
Yeah, not so much. I've been into this race long enough to know that steady and reliable win out more often than not. To win on your first outing with a car, even if you are an experienced team, doesn't happen that often. I wonder how the 'Vette team is going to deal with the straight line speed of the Aston. How much more can they squeeze out? Another special edition of the Vette to homologate a bigger engine? (another Grand Sport)

Ron sounds really relieved. That was a quality race-the strategy it seems was to push the Aston until it broke, gambling on the Vette being able to outlast it. Worked.