Corvette going to move from GT1 to GT2 (more competition)

[gobs3z]

Since the American Le Mans Series was launched in 1999, Corvette Racing has emerged as the dominant manufacturer in the GT1 category, to the point that currently no other automakers even bother to challenge it. And while this experience has helped it capture five GT1 class victories in the ACO's 24 Hours of Le Mans so far, the team is looking to give its E85-powered Corvette C6.R racecar a little more competition in the coming year. So after going for a sixth GT1 Le Mans victory in 2009, midway through the ALMS season the operation will switch to the GT2 class, before readying an all-new C6.R for the 2010 season. GM's Racing Road Racing Group manager Steve Wesoloski says one reason for the move is that "the international regulations are converging around a single, global GT class," and the racing team is looking to run against rivals that "Corvette competes with in the marketplace." So to prepare for the switch, Corvette Racing will continue to run in the GT1 class for the ALMS' Twelve Hours of Sebring and Long Beach Grand Prix, then after next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, return to the series for selected GT2 events through the end of the season. Once the 2010 season comes around, a new version of the C6.R will be ready to race under new international GT class regulations. While Corvette Racing has been the standout ALMS GT1 team since it began ten years ago, competition in GT2 is far more fierce, including cars from Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche, BMW, Ford, and others. Doug Fehan, Corvette Racing's program manager, welcomes the change, saying "competing in GT2 will be a true test of our team's determination, talent and technology." And with that in mind the team is readying an all-new C6.R, which will once-again be based on the production Corvette's chassis and body design. At first a 6.0L version of the car's LS7.R small-block V-8 will be under the hood for GT2 competition in 2009, but this will be replaced by a naturally-aspirated, 5.5L small-block the following year. The chassis and powertrain specs will be submitted to the ACO and FIA for homologation approval, and in accordance with their regulations versions of the racer will be available to independent teams as well. Despite this switch, Fehan also insists the team will maintain its commitment to using cellulosic E85R ethanol racing fuel, both for upcoming GT1 competition and in the next-generation C6.R racer as well. So if Corvette Racing manages to rack up few GT2 wins next year, not only will the team prove it can run with anyone in the world, it'll do it in eco-friendly style, too. Source: GM

http://wot.motortrend.com/6295917/mo...son/index.html

I think it's a great idea. They're right about the competition being greater in GT2, and when you watch ALMS they rarely show the Corvette because its usually leading the Astons or Vipers so it's not much for TV.

[HeilSvenska]

http://www.motorworld.net/forum/showthread.php?t=59173