The future of Ford GT racing

[BtwoG]

Very interesting commentary from Marshall Pruett on the future of IMSA and WEC racing.

PRUETT: Ford’s GT decision a harsh reality check

In the latest episode of endurance racing’s No. 1 drama “What Will Ford Do Next?,” the plot thickens as the Blue Oval finally makes a hard choice after months of indecision. Of the five scenarios f…

racer.com

Not a very rosey future for the drivers it seems. Hopefully Ford and CGR can get the band back together in the near future.

BMW is exiting as well.

 

[THamonGT]

I read this editorial posted by another member of the Forum this afternoon and immediately started drinking Tito’s and Orange juice . Very depressing! Now it’s time to go to bed and I hope I don’t dream of this happening!

 

[Stef]

That article really bummed me out too.

 

[Vince H]

I don't blame Ford for pushing the interest that they believe will benefit their business plan. I do feel for the CGR Crew and Drivers. They have given nothing but their very best. What a privilege to have been a fan during this time. I hope WEC, AOC and IMSA try to fix the dam with something more than a band aid but I'm kidding myself if there is anything more than the thinnest of chances.

Vince H

 

[ENZO BTR]

 

[PeteK]

I can't fault Ford for the decision either. WEC is less relevant to marketing, and as we all have groused, the BOP formula keeps changing the playing field so everyone gets a trophy. I wonder what the other manufactures will do next.

 

[PL510*Jeff]

Other manufacturers and race teams are thereatening too. Firm rules for the future needed. Engine rules especially as the cost to make new motors is huge. Nothing new here. It's up to the ACO.

 

[STORMCAT]

bummer.. was hoping the Hyper car class would come about. would be fun to see Ford and maybe Glikenhaus and others come up with some cool offerings

 

[jlhoyt]

that's a downer....I'm glad I made it down to see them race in the Rolex 24 this year.

 

[ByeEnzo]

Looks like Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta is the last hurrah...

 

[BtwoG]

Glimmer of hope for WEC

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/multimatic-in-last-minute-bid-for-2019-20-ford-gt-effort/

 

[Sinovac]

Encouraging news. Speaking about lap times of a less-restricted GT, Holt had this to say:

“Every time someone interviews me about how quick a Ford GT GTE-Plus car could go, and I always say 3:30 because that’s the time they want. It could probably do a 3:20-25. There are around 490 horsepower.”

3:20-25 is between current P1 and P2 Le Mans times. I’d love to see the GT run at these speeds and compete in a hyper car top class. The GT is too special a race car to be mothballed early. Come on Mr. Hackett, even a mobility company needs excitement.

More from Racer.....

Multimatic still weighing WEC Ford GT options for 2019/20

Multimatic, which runs the outgoing Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK effort in the FIA WEC, has not given up on racing Ford GTs in the 2019/20 FIA WEC season, RACER has learned. The formal deadline for fu…

racer.com

 

[BtwoG]

Update on GTs in IMSA next year. Would be great to see them back, but with Keating running WEC, not sure who would run the cars. A couple interesting data points
- The proposals include all pro driver lineups
- They are handicapping their chances at 40-50%

Ganassi Still Working on Ford GT Options for 2020 – Sportscar365

Possible privateer Ford GT deal being discussed for

sportscar365.com

 

[TO AWSUM]

To get back to "Race on Sunday, buy on Monday" sponsor motivation for the car manufacturers, maybe stop racing internal combustion engines since innovation has been stifled through BOP. Instead of internal combustion engine races, maybe have an unrestricted competition between, electric, hydrogen, nuclear, etc. vehicles. Manufacturers could use these races to advance new technologies. Maybe an Uber class or a self-driving car class? Maybe a self-driving car against professional racer class like playing a game against the computer. How about a remote control car class?

Kind of reminds me of the transition in the 1900s from horse racing to car racing.