Re: GT3 Win @ Daytona

["Dave Lehmann" <DaveLehmann@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Alex Job Racing did an excellent job of preparing their #23 Porsche and
deserved the win.
The only way BMW can beat the Alex Job team is by out driving them ( no
problem there for Bill and Boris ) or out lasting them ( that just didn't
happen).  Even if the M3's kept running, the #23 would have probably still
won.  You didn't see them in the pits with constant mechanical problems.  It
was their day. ( Their #22 did have problems and had to have a new gear box
in the first hour of the race and encountered numerous other problems before
retiring ).

It's too bad that most people don't know about the rules advantage that
favors the Porsche's over the M3's.  BMW starts in the hole and must
overcome the following:

Porsche has a bigger engine;  the M3 has to carry and additional 250lbs. of
weight;  the M3 must be rev limited and is not allowed to make full power;
the Porsche gets 2 inches more rubber in the rear;  BMW no longer allowed to
use 6 speed transmission.

BMW must pay severely for winning the past 2 years.  Professional racing has
become more of a challenge against the rules.  The Ferrari would have won
the 24 Hours if they didn't have such small air intake restricters.  The
advantage clearly favored the V8 engines.  Bill France wouldn't have it any
other way.

On to Sebring.  I was told by a "BMW Motorsport" driver that the current
plan is to run 4 of the new V12 LMR race cars at "Sebring" this March.
Those cars will be testing in Europe in mid Feb.

We can also expect to see a private effort race a Mercedes in the ALMS in
GT3 later in the year.


Dave Lehmann
BMW CCA 133006
Peachtree Chapter
'96  S1 Dinan 3

------------------------------