IMSA Lightens & Unrestricts The Astons

[chop456]

I haven't seen this posted elsewhere.  My apologies if it was.

http://americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?NewsID=1771

Braselton, Ga. - The International Motor Sports Association, the sanctioning body of the American Le Mans Series, has announced a number of rules adjustments for the 2006 American Le Mans Series, which starts with the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 18.

Two deal directly with GT1 entries. Aston Martin Racing's two DBR9s will compete with a minimum weight of 1,125 kilograms, the standard minimum for GT1 cars. That is 50 kilos lighter than was mandated by the ACO following last year's running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, due to changes in the car's aero package since the 24 Hours. That also is a reason for a larger air restrictor, which will allow more air into the engine and produce more horsepower.

[rcutler]

Good news for the aston then!!!

[chop456]

And I guess that means bad news for the Corvettes.   Try not to cry yourselves to sleep tonight, Guys.

[Fax]

Hmm, don't think I like this.  They're taking weight off the Aston (and letting them breathe easier)
but the Vette's are carrying more ballast.  They're trying awful hard to make sure Aston repeats
Fax

[Lorry]

Its just to even out the home advantage.

[johnevans3]

Is that called "fixing the race"?  or just trying to fix the race?

[Barry]

But if the Aston's do very well in ALMS, and are winning by a mile, won't the ACO smack a big weight/restrictor penalty on them for the big race?
This might be a poisoned chalice.

[Fax]

Interesting theory, there are only three ALMS races before Le Mans and as far as I know Aston Martin Racing will only be at Sebring.  If they look to be at an advantage at Sebring they may relax the Corvette ballast.  IMSA does a pretty good job at keeping things fair but the specs for Le Mans will be up to the ACO.
Fax

[Andy Zarse]

Personally, I want ballast and weight taking off both the Vette and the Aston. That way they both go faster! Surely that's what we all want? Except the ACO, of course, who I recall last year wanted GT1's lapping around the 3.45 mark. Think the Vettes and Astons were going about 15 secs a lap quicker than that, so expect restrictions come Le mans time.