Says one Official to the other on the topic of Fiat/Porsche contesting the Vette illegal direct injection:
"Oops... did we overlook that little fact and let the Vettes run hot for a few races so that they could look good, and be immediately competitive out of the box, thus keeping GM happy and more willing to fund future seasons?"
"I think we did sir. What about the 4.0L Porsche flat 6 sir?"
"Oops... hard to believe we let that one go under our nose since it was implemented in the 2008 season. No blind eye turned for the sake of saving Porsche face to keep them competitive, and to keep their money flowing into the series. Publicly giving them concessions beyond the 30lbs would have made the proud company look bad."
"Sir, some people are questioning the recent and sudden improvement in the pace of the BMW's."
"Nonsense! Pure German engineering... Efficient Dynamics. The Ultimate Driving Experience, and nothing more."
"Thank you for the clarification sir. It is good to know that with the recent news that BMW is leaving F1... and will have lots of race-cash floating around, that there would be no temptation to let BMW have some behind the scenes black-box parts swapped into their cars to suddenly make them faster... thus making the program look more successful than it is... and tempting BMW suits to send more money in the direction of GT racing."
The Serpent lesson of the day:
In GT racing, the goal at the end of the day is to get a bunch of different cars on the track that are all competitive with (ideally) similar rules. But life is not that easy, money talks, and changes are made to give fans good racing, and keep manufacturers happy.
Racing is somewhat artificial. The best car doesn't always win. Money and politics always cloud the picture.
Sound like a mess? Sound more like politics than sport? Some things in racing never change.
With all the recent bashing of poor ALMS economic models, NASCAR kind of had it right. They kept fans happy by giving fans the illusion that different makes were actually different cars. They kept manufacturers happy by keeping development costs at a minimum, and performance at par... with the stipulation that manufacturers invest money in the series (with advertising in return). They then learned to focus on the drivers as a storyline. Fans like cars, but they like humans too.
So why don't I watch NASCAR?
Sep 11, 2009
Aug 27, 2009
Batracer: LMES Season results!!!
For it's first ever Batracer LMES season, Gliding Serpent Motorsports ran a two car team. What we lacked in experience we made up in consistency and drive.
Le Mans Endurance Series (#43705 - Private game) – July 2009
Porsche 996 GT3 RSR - Porsche Flat 6 – Pirelli
Team Standings:
1st of 10 in class (4th of 40 overall, all classes)
1106 points; 6 wins; 24 podiums; 11 poles; 6 fastest laps
Individual Standings:
“Soaring Snake” - Thinker, Control Freak, Spatial Awareness
1st in class (3rd overall, all classes)
570 points; 4 wins; 13 podiums; 3 poles; 2 fastest laps
“Gliding Serpent” - Cool, Spatial Awareness, Consistent
3rd in class (10th overall, all classes)
536 points; 2 wins; 11 podiums; 8 poles; 4 fastest laps
40 cars overall
Le Mans Endurance Series (#43705 - Private game) – July 2009
Porsche 996 GT3 RSR - Porsche Flat 6 – Pirelli
Team Standings:
1st of 10 in class (4th of 40 overall, all classes)
1106 points; 6 wins; 24 podiums; 11 poles; 6 fastest laps
Individual Standings:
“Soaring Snake” - Thinker, Control Freak, Spatial Awareness
1st in class (3rd overall, all classes)
570 points; 4 wins; 13 podiums; 3 poles; 2 fastest laps
“Gliding Serpent” - Cool, Spatial Awareness, Consistent
3rd in class (10th overall, all classes)
536 points; 2 wins; 11 podiums; 8 poles; 4 fastest laps
40 cars overall
Aug 20, 2009
16: Gliding Serpent Motorsports Official Press Release
GLIDING SERPENT MOTORSPORTS UNVEILS ALMS GT2 PROGRAM
Atlanta, Georgia (August 20, 2009) – New team, new look, new car, new brand – that was what was unveiled during a press conference today in Georgia. Gliding Serpent Motorsports, Inc. (GSM) establishes a new entity, formed to race Porsche 911 GT3 RSRs in the ALMS GT2 category and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Gliding Serpent Motorsports officially announced a GT2 program for the American Le Mans Series that will see the Georgia, Atlanta-based team unite with the Porsche brand by entering a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR pair for a full-season championship effort in 2010.
“This has always been a childhood dream of mine,” said GSM team principal John Thompson. “We are most fortunate to be able to participate in our dreams, racing in sportscar championships. In particular, driving in cars made by a legend like Porsche. Over the last few months we haven’t spent our time idly; we’ve focused on the creation of a world class race organization. With a partnership in Porsche, we feel like our work with both the ALMS and the ACO will give us a car that is number one: competitive on the track, number two: representative of Porsche’s racing history, and number three: I can’t think of a number three right now, but it will be awesome I promise."
GSM will be entering the ALMS with Porsche as a technical and marketing partner. Porsche has provided vital engineering, information and support to assist the team in the their inaugural year. "The timing is great for us because Porsche is currently eager to shift resources from Grand Am to the ALMS for next season” stated Thompson. Preparation of the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is near completion at the GSM facility (known in the inner circles as the “snake pit”). A parallel engine development process is also underway for the new injected 4-liter normally aspirated engine which will become standard in all 2010 Porsche 911 GT2 cars. “Although there are many high points for Porsche this year, Porsche is 100% committed with its efforts to address issues of reliability. We feel privileged to be part of the development process of an engine that should be revolutionary in terms of fuel efficiency, power, and reliability. Preliminary testing results have been nothing short of astonishing. We want that 30 lbs back.”
GSM will be racing at least 2 “next generation” RSR’s in the ALMS next year, and is working hard to get an entry for Petit Le Mans powered by MAZDA6 this Year. “Right now we have two test mules. One is running the current engine, and the other the next generation engine.” “We hope to run at least one this year at Petit. We are working night and day with Porsche to make this happen.”
“The addition of Gliding Serpent Motorsports speaks volumes about the status of the American Le Mans Series,” said Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the world’s leading sports car series. “Not only does the series add to a world class lineup of manufacturers, but the fact that this addition occurs during such a challenging time in our industry makes the announcement truly significant. I was told not to give away any secrets, but they gave me a look into the development of a next generation Porsche engine, and their revolutionary "color-based-aerodynamics." This team really solidifies the ALMS as a forum for cutting edge racing technology. John is one of the most enthusiastic and innovative people in motorsport and his decision to bring Gliding Serpent Motorsports and it’s development program with Porsche into the American Le Mans Series at this time is the best endorsement we could ask for.”
“Looking back over the decades, I believe Porsche’s finest hours in motorsports have occurred in sportscar racing. The timing of its continued evolution couldn’t be better. Porsche can introduce, develop and showcase their technologies and immediately link the DNA of their racecar to the 911 in the showroom in a way that no other form of motorsport can match. We are very proud to be welcoming John Thompson, Gliding Serpent Motorsports, and the Porsche brand as the newest stakeholders of the American Le Mans Series, and we look forward to seeing them on the track in the very near future”.
Announcements on driver and commercial partners will be made at a later date. “I don’t want to give anything away, but our driver lineup will blow everyone away.” States Thompson. “Porsche is behind us 100%.” “Money talks.”
For more information on Gliding Serpent Motorsports, go to www.glidingserpentmotorsport.com. For information on the American Le Mans Series, go to www.americanlemans.com.
Atlanta, Georgia (August 20, 2009) – New team, new look, new car, new brand – that was what was unveiled during a press conference today in Georgia. Gliding Serpent Motorsports, Inc. (GSM) establishes a new entity, formed to race Porsche 911 GT3 RSRs in the ALMS GT2 category and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Gliding Serpent Motorsports officially announced a GT2 program for the American Le Mans Series that will see the Georgia, Atlanta-based team unite with the Porsche brand by entering a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR pair for a full-season championship effort in 2010.
“This has always been a childhood dream of mine,” said GSM team principal John Thompson. “We are most fortunate to be able to participate in our dreams, racing in sportscar championships. In particular, driving in cars made by a legend like Porsche. Over the last few months we haven’t spent our time idly; we’ve focused on the creation of a world class race organization. With a partnership in Porsche, we feel like our work with both the ALMS and the ACO will give us a car that is number one: competitive on the track, number two: representative of Porsche’s racing history, and number three: I can’t think of a number three right now, but it will be awesome I promise."
GSM will be entering the ALMS with Porsche as a technical and marketing partner. Porsche has provided vital engineering, information and support to assist the team in the their inaugural year. "The timing is great for us because Porsche is currently eager to shift resources from Grand Am to the ALMS for next season” stated Thompson. Preparation of the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is near completion at the GSM facility (known in the inner circles as the “snake pit”). A parallel engine development process is also underway for the new injected 4-liter normally aspirated engine which will become standard in all 2010 Porsche 911 GT2 cars. “Although there are many high points for Porsche this year, Porsche is 100% committed with its efforts to address issues of reliability. We feel privileged to be part of the development process of an engine that should be revolutionary in terms of fuel efficiency, power, and reliability. Preliminary testing results have been nothing short of astonishing. We want that 30 lbs back.”
GSM will be racing at least 2 “next generation” RSR’s in the ALMS next year, and is working hard to get an entry for Petit Le Mans powered by MAZDA6 this Year. “Right now we have two test mules. One is running the current engine, and the other the next generation engine.” “We hope to run at least one this year at Petit. We are working night and day with Porsche to make this happen.”
“The addition of Gliding Serpent Motorsports speaks volumes about the status of the American Le Mans Series,” said Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the world’s leading sports car series. “Not only does the series add to a world class lineup of manufacturers, but the fact that this addition occurs during such a challenging time in our industry makes the announcement truly significant. I was told not to give away any secrets, but they gave me a look into the development of a next generation Porsche engine, and their revolutionary "color-based-aerodynamics." This team really solidifies the ALMS as a forum for cutting edge racing technology. John is one of the most enthusiastic and innovative people in motorsport and his decision to bring Gliding Serpent Motorsports and it’s development program with Porsche into the American Le Mans Series at this time is the best endorsement we could ask for.”
“Looking back over the decades, I believe Porsche’s finest hours in motorsports have occurred in sportscar racing. The timing of its continued evolution couldn’t be better. Porsche can introduce, develop and showcase their technologies and immediately link the DNA of their racecar to the 911 in the showroom in a way that no other form of motorsport can match. We are very proud to be welcoming John Thompson, Gliding Serpent Motorsports, and the Porsche brand as the newest stakeholders of the American Le Mans Series, and we look forward to seeing them on the track in the very near future”.
Announcements on driver and commercial partners will be made at a later date. “I don’t want to give anything away, but our driver lineup will blow everyone away.” States Thompson. “Porsche is behind us 100%.” “Money talks.”
For more information on Gliding Serpent Motorsports, go to www.glidingserpentmotorsport.com. For information on the American Le Mans Series, go to www.americanlemans.com.
Aug 9, 2009
15. Mid-Ohio-Musings
Race Predictions:
The Serpent just wanted to weigh in with his Mid-Ohio predictions. The race is now over but the Serpent is doing his best to avoid all contact with the world until the Race is televised on NBC.
My predictions... Simon and Gil will win P1. Acura will take P2. The Spyder will get P3 (in class). The lizards will again Dominate GT2. The Vettes will place 3rd and 5th (but damn do they look good!!!).
Consider the above fact.
Post Race Analysis:
Pretty close with my predictions... but then this year is getting pretty predictable. At least the Vettes are hitting the ground running and may give the Lizards (edit... the 45) some competition (now that Farnbacher Loles is shifting resources to Satan's racing series). They sure do look good... they made me price Corvette's latest and greatest online. Alas, the consumer offering lacks the sexy wide stance. Plus, the race was not actually on Sunday, and a 911 won.
The Lizards continue to school GT2
Even a 50lbs weight penalty can't stop them. Does the 44 get the weight penalty too? They need to take 50 from the 44 and give it to the 45. Of note, well reputed contacts high within the series (whom I refer to on a first name basis because I am that important... email me any time Scott), told the Serpent that the weight added to the 911's was not for their questionable 4.0L engine block reinforcing... but rather a move by Obama to help promote American engineering. They need all the help they can get.
In response to the 911 engine complaints (notice how they had the same engine since mid season last year with not a peep of complaint?), Porsche removed the extra engine block reinforcement... and moved that mass to the front of the car to further improve balance. The 50lbs penalty ballast was then used to reinforce the engine block.
LMP1
Gliding Serpent's One Sidedly Positive View of all things ALMS does not cover LMP1. The Serpent gets his fill of two car racing from Pinks.
LMP2
Muscle milk should have placed 3rd like the Serpent said it should. Shame on Mazda. Of note... I wonder what Dyson has to say about their old car finishing ahead of them. All the serpent asks is that someone, anyone, beats that damn P2 Acura.
Why Youtube is not a good way to prepare for Mid-Ohio:
Kaffer and Risi. Mental note by Kaffer: Don't watch 13 year old kids drive around Mid-Ohio using a GT racing sim on their computers. A sober reminder of how tight money is this year.
Why Hybrids are all Hype:
Your neighbor... and his trendy hybrid SUV? Purely marketing. He gets 12 miles to the gallon. So does the Zytec P1 Hybrid.
Trading V's:
I should add that it is unfortunate to lose both the Viper and the Vici cars... but at least they are replaced by the very high quality Vettes, which look very competitive out of the box. Would Corvette have it any other way? The Serpent hopes that Audi and Acura returns next year. Expect Porsche and BMW in P1 for 2011... Toytota too. More of my chums in the inner circles of the ALMS told me so.
TV Coverage=AWESOME!!!
The Serpent would like to thank NBC for their great coverage of everything not race at Mid-Ohio. The pole on the official ALMS webpage last week asked it fans wanted more of 1. Interviews 2. Corvette 3. Crowd shots 4. On-track battles and actual racing or 5. Crashes and cars lapping on yellow.
Based on today's coverage we can see that clearly 1, 3, and 5 were the most popular with fans. Thank god the ALMS is catering to fan demand these days. Who actually wants to tune in to see racing anyway??? Who cares about grid counts... 5 cars or 50, I didn't get to see any of them.
The Serpent at Petit
Although not originally part of the team plan, Gliding Serpent Motorsports expects to be at Petit Le Mans this year. Official press release to come. Until then we are working night and day (and I am not talking online racing). Expect a new Gliding Serpent Motorsports Team Webpage soon.
The Serpent just wanted to weigh in with his Mid-Ohio predictions. The race is now over but the Serpent is doing his best to avoid all contact with the world until the Race is televised on NBC.
My predictions... Simon and Gil will win P1. Acura will take P2. The Spyder will get P3 (in class). The lizards will again Dominate GT2. The Vettes will place 3rd and 5th (but damn do they look good!!!).
Consider the above fact.
Post Race Analysis:
Pretty close with my predictions... but then this year is getting pretty predictable. At least the Vettes are hitting the ground running and may give the Lizards (edit... the 45) some competition (now that Farnbacher Loles is shifting resources to Satan's racing series). They sure do look good... they made me price Corvette's latest and greatest online. Alas, the consumer offering lacks the sexy wide stance. Plus, the race was not actually on Sunday, and a 911 won.
The Lizards continue to school GT2
Even a 50lbs weight penalty can't stop them. Does the 44 get the weight penalty too? They need to take 50 from the 44 and give it to the 45. Of note, well reputed contacts high within the series (whom I refer to on a first name basis because I am that important... email me any time Scott), told the Serpent that the weight added to the 911's was not for their questionable 4.0L engine block reinforcing... but rather a move by Obama to help promote American engineering. They need all the help they can get.
In response to the 911 engine complaints (notice how they had the same engine since mid season last year with not a peep of complaint?), Porsche removed the extra engine block reinforcement... and moved that mass to the front of the car to further improve balance. The 50lbs penalty ballast was then used to reinforce the engine block.
LMP1
Gliding Serpent's One Sidedly Positive View of all things ALMS does not cover LMP1. The Serpent gets his fill of two car racing from Pinks.
LMP2
Muscle milk should have placed 3rd like the Serpent said it should. Shame on Mazda. Of note... I wonder what Dyson has to say about their old car finishing ahead of them. All the serpent asks is that someone, anyone, beats that damn P2 Acura.
Why Youtube is not a good way to prepare for Mid-Ohio:
Kaffer and Risi. Mental note by Kaffer: Don't watch 13 year old kids drive around Mid-Ohio using a GT racing sim on their computers. A sober reminder of how tight money is this year.
Why Hybrids are all Hype:
Your neighbor... and his trendy hybrid SUV? Purely marketing. He gets 12 miles to the gallon. So does the Zytec P1 Hybrid.
Trading V's:
I should add that it is unfortunate to lose both the Viper and the Vici cars... but at least they are replaced by the very high quality Vettes, which look very competitive out of the box. Would Corvette have it any other way? The Serpent hopes that Audi and Acura returns next year. Expect Porsche and BMW in P1 for 2011... Toytota too. More of my chums in the inner circles of the ALMS told me so.
TV Coverage=AWESOME!!!
The Serpent would like to thank NBC for their great coverage of everything not race at Mid-Ohio. The pole on the official ALMS webpage last week asked it fans wanted more of 1. Interviews 2. Corvette 3. Crowd shots 4. On-track battles and actual racing or 5. Crashes and cars lapping on yellow.
Based on today's coverage we can see that clearly 1, 3, and 5 were the most popular with fans. Thank god the ALMS is catering to fan demand these days. Who actually wants to tune in to see racing anyway??? Who cares about grid counts... 5 cars or 50, I didn't get to see any of them.
The Serpent at Petit
Although not originally part of the team plan, Gliding Serpent Motorsports expects to be at Petit Le Mans this year. Official press release to come. Until then we are working night and day (and I am not talking online racing). Expect a new Gliding Serpent Motorsports Team Webpage soon.
Gliding Serpent Motorsports Liveries.
1. "Classic Serpent": The original livery. This livery got us an early strong start to the season.
2. "Pink Snake": Released to celebrate our first double podium of the season. A bad choice as the car made true to the original "Pink Pig" history and neither car finished the race despite running with the top 3 through most of the race.
3. "FarnbacherSerpent": Released to celebrate 2 straight DNF's (including a retirement from mechanical failure on the last lap when in second place) for both cars... despite top 3 qualifying and competing amongst the top 3 through most of the race. This streak brought the team from a strong second to near the back of the pack.
4. "Ill-Tempered Serpent": A new more vicious livery has since helped Gliding Serpent Motorsports to claw out of their deep hole in the points standings. 2 races to date with a 1-3 and 1-2 finish.
5. "Serpent Viper": Prototype for the GSM's future move to GTS.
6. Zytec LMP2 Snake:
7. Gliding Serpent/Endurance Syndicate:.
8. Endurance Syndicate LMP2 Zytec:
9. Endurance Syndicate Serpent Zytec:
10. "Gliding Serpent M-Sports Viper"
Below are a few of the current Gliding Serpent Motorsport liveries.
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