Although the ALMS is currently in it's longest break of the schedule and most of our focus has been fixed on the escapades in the F1 world, we are in critical times. Let us begin our first of a 7 part analysis of the shape of the ALMS to come...
A little bird says that "Grand-Am was going to buy the ALMS."
'Was' going to buy the ALMS or 'is' going to buy the ALMS? Clarify your rumors chump. Let's assume he meant is, and that he is correct. This is the best news ever! Why? Well, if saving money is the goal, joining up with Grand-Am is perfect. This way everyone will save money. "How is that oh wise Glider?" Hear me out, I have done a thesis on this topic... here is the abridged version:
A. Synergy of Techknowlogy. Everyone thinks that the ALMS is the most advanced and forward thinking series in NA, but let us not forget that Grand Am has a lot of novel techknowogy to share with the ALMS. Such synergy of technowlogy will be invaluable to both series. For example: Grand Am prototypes save tens upon tens of dollars (and a few pounds of weight), using cutting edge lightweight stickers on their cars. Their headlights are stickers, their grills are stickers, and so are their second drivers and 1/3 of the crowd. Watch closely next broadcast and you will see what I mean. Rumor is that they save even more money with engine stickers. The cars are truly powered by the drivers. Big savings for costly ALMS cars. Imagine how easy this would be to market as part of the Green Challenge!
B. Panoz. Joining GA will be the best thing that could happen to the rumored Panoz prototype. People have been heavily criticizing the rumored project as it supposedly centers around a chassis that has been around longer than most people's children. Guess what?... so have most of the GA chassis. Perfect fit!!!
C. Fans save money too!! How? Simple. Do you notice how many fans of GA show up to their races? All I can say is that that turns in to a lot of money saved by Joe Sports Car Fan.
Stay tuned for part 2... "How bake sales will save the ALMS financially"
You are welcome.
Jun 28, 2009
Jun 15, 2009
09: The 2009 Le Mans is now officially over.
Some may think that the 2009 Le Mans is over, but we all know that as per tradition, it is not truly over until the Serpent has his final say on the matter. Let me begin.
Audi cutbacks = Le Mans blunder?
We all know that Audi's chances for victory were lost as soon as I published my previous article. However, some would argue that cutbacks to their 2009 program may have also factored in. I can't disagree. Audi has relied on two things to elements for their dominance in the past: A lack of true competition, and (when there is competition) damn hard work at perfecting the little things. This year saw true competition, and the little things went down the drain. The Pugs pulled off a truly Audi-esque performance. The over-heating and lost times spent in the pits last year? Fixed by easily removable/replacable screens in front of their radiators. Audi... well they looked like Pug from last year, radiators and all.
Would running a few more races in the ALMS/LMS have helped Audi's effort? Maybe not in regards to their Le Mans setup... but it would have helped to keep the entire team sharp in a real world racing environment, and the time would surley help to identify weak links in the car. The big question now is how badly does Audi want to win next year? If they really want it bad, expect them to return to the ALMS and maybe even LMS asap. The second question is: Will the boys in charge of the cash let them do it? I have let them know they should. Hopefully they will have the wisdom to heed the Serpent's call.
Oh yeah. Reputable sources say that Pug is working on a doc retelling the story of their victory. The first line will be: "It does not always rain at Le Mans."
Kolles: Impressive?
Much has been said of how much the R10's impressed and surprised at Le Mans. All I have to say is that they were no where near being in the running for a podium. I think people, including the Serpent, were surprised only because the team had set such poor expectations prior to Le Mans. Still.. 2 drivers over 24 hours deserves respect. I give you permission.
Why a Ferrari Sweep in GT2 is the worst thing that could happen for the future of GT2 at Le Mans
The Fiats outnumbered the porkies by about 2:1... and all that was left was a Spyker and an Aston Martin. Maybe I am spoiled by the current ALMS GT2 field, but the lack of diversity was pretty unimspiring, especially once the morning hit and the only Porsche in sight was Endurance Team Asia (... who was only running because they were in the garage most of the night due to mechanical troubles appearing between hours 3 and 4). Only the Lizard 911 did not leave from mechanical failure... unless you consider hitting a wall of tires a mechanical failure (they should have taken 3rd).
As a self proclaimed 911 fan... I will admit that the porkies were outdone. The Serpent was so hoping a nice big piece of pork would have been sitting in the centre of the podium... as a big middle finger to the high brass at Ferrari. This year the Serpent advocated this more than ever: Not because it was Ferrari's 60th, but because they spent so much effort taunting sports car fans over the F1 fiasco. Shame on them.
So why is the Fiat podium sweep a poison for GT2 at Le Mans? Because next year you can expect even more Fiats (and a new one at that). Can you say boring? Lets just hope GM scrapes by well enough to send a couple of GT2 Vettes.
Dempsey. Team Asia. The Lambo.
Word on the street is that there is some upset and concern over the fact that teams like Advanced Engineering (With Patrick Dempsey... you may have heard of him), Team Endurance Asia, and "that Lambo" (They were easy to miss on the actual race track but you may have seen them lapping a few times very slowly before they retired...) got invites while other loyal teams that are actively part of Le Mans related series did not.
How did the JLOC Lambo get in? Easy... to fill out the "exclusive" GT1 class. The fact that they got in tells you what you can expect from GT1 for next year. Lets just say that it will be VERY exclusive. TEA and Dempsey? I will point out that these teams were put high on the reserves list... i.e. this was a move to say "you will be able to come, but we put you on the reserve list to minimize offense to loyal teams that are actively part of Le Mans related series that we shafted." That being said, I can assure you that including these teams has NOTHING to do with politics. It was in no way an attempt to lure a Hollywood star and his trail of free publicity into the fold. There was NO ATTEMPT to cross promote the Asian Le Mans and rekindle interest from the East.
I compare getting your entry accepted to Le Mans as being equivalent to getting into that trendy and exclusive night club. The "good old boys" get in, friends of the owner get in, anyone willing to hand the bouncer a fat wad of cash gets in, hot girls in short skirts get in, famous people get in, but you may not, even if you are near the front of the line and show up early every year.
I am (naturally) so great...
The serpent would like to finish this article with the most important subject of all: How great I am. Now I am not just talking about great in a general everyday sense (that is a topic for an upcoming article). I am talking about my god-given talent of divining the future. Not only were my Le Mans predictions correct, but they were frighteningly correct. "This strongly points to Audi and their aerodynamic design of the R15, and it's TDI engine. The reversal of this card also hints that the cleverness of Audi will be their downfall. Technical innovation will betray team Audi. This could only mean a victory for Peugeot." Sound familiar? Is should, because the new Audi aero gave them nothing but troubles with understeer for the first half of the race. The TDI engine... overheating. The winner... Peugeot. I told my loyal fans to consider it fact, and it was. Take note my students, this is a lesson to be remembered.
I would also like to take credit for my predictions of the factory Vettes and Porsche Spyders taking GT1 and P2... but anyone who could not predict that deserves a punch in the mouth. I had a feeling Risi would repeat in GT2, but the 2nd Risi on the Podium was a surprise to even the great Glider.
p.s. The keen amung you may remember me asking: "Who's speculation can we trust enough for betting our hard earned dollars (i.e. the kids "education" fund)?" Lets just say that when you mix the Serpent, his Audi backing friend, a few drinks, and a betting scheme that pays based on how many laps one team wins over the other... you suddenly find youself able to send many "children" to "university." All I will say for now is that I don't believe in education, and I will reinvest in the sport from which I grew... stay tuned dear fans...
You are Welcome!
Audi cutbacks = Le Mans blunder?
We all know that Audi's chances for victory were lost as soon as I published my previous article. However, some would argue that cutbacks to their 2009 program may have also factored in. I can't disagree. Audi has relied on two things to elements for their dominance in the past: A lack of true competition, and (when there is competition) damn hard work at perfecting the little things. This year saw true competition, and the little things went down the drain. The Pugs pulled off a truly Audi-esque performance. The over-heating and lost times spent in the pits last year? Fixed by easily removable/replacable screens in front of their radiators. Audi... well they looked like Pug from last year, radiators and all.
Would running a few more races in the ALMS/LMS have helped Audi's effort? Maybe not in regards to their Le Mans setup... but it would have helped to keep the entire team sharp in a real world racing environment, and the time would surley help to identify weak links in the car. The big question now is how badly does Audi want to win next year? If they really want it bad, expect them to return to the ALMS and maybe even LMS asap. The second question is: Will the boys in charge of the cash let them do it? I have let them know they should. Hopefully they will have the wisdom to heed the Serpent's call.
Oh yeah. Reputable sources say that Pug is working on a doc retelling the story of their victory. The first line will be: "It does not always rain at Le Mans."
Kolles: Impressive?
Much has been said of how much the R10's impressed and surprised at Le Mans. All I have to say is that they were no where near being in the running for a podium. I think people, including the Serpent, were surprised only because the team had set such poor expectations prior to Le Mans. Still.. 2 drivers over 24 hours deserves respect. I give you permission.
Why a Ferrari Sweep in GT2 is the worst thing that could happen for the future of GT2 at Le Mans
The Fiats outnumbered the porkies by about 2:1... and all that was left was a Spyker and an Aston Martin. Maybe I am spoiled by the current ALMS GT2 field, but the lack of diversity was pretty unimspiring, especially once the morning hit and the only Porsche in sight was Endurance Team Asia (... who was only running because they were in the garage most of the night due to mechanical troubles appearing between hours 3 and 4). Only the Lizard 911 did not leave from mechanical failure... unless you consider hitting a wall of tires a mechanical failure (they should have taken 3rd).
As a self proclaimed 911 fan... I will admit that the porkies were outdone. The Serpent was so hoping a nice big piece of pork would have been sitting in the centre of the podium... as a big middle finger to the high brass at Ferrari. This year the Serpent advocated this more than ever: Not because it was Ferrari's 60th, but because they spent so much effort taunting sports car fans over the F1 fiasco. Shame on them.
So why is the Fiat podium sweep a poison for GT2 at Le Mans? Because next year you can expect even more Fiats (and a new one at that). Can you say boring? Lets just hope GM scrapes by well enough to send a couple of GT2 Vettes.
Dempsey. Team Asia. The Lambo.
Word on the street is that there is some upset and concern over the fact that teams like Advanced Engineering (With Patrick Dempsey... you may have heard of him), Team Endurance Asia, and "that Lambo" (They were easy to miss on the actual race track but you may have seen them lapping a few times very slowly before they retired...) got invites while other loyal teams that are actively part of Le Mans related series did not.
How did the JLOC Lambo get in? Easy... to fill out the "exclusive" GT1 class. The fact that they got in tells you what you can expect from GT1 for next year. Lets just say that it will be VERY exclusive. TEA and Dempsey? I will point out that these teams were put high on the reserves list... i.e. this was a move to say "you will be able to come, but we put you on the reserve list to minimize offense to loyal teams that are actively part of Le Mans related series that we shafted." That being said, I can assure you that including these teams has NOTHING to do with politics. It was in no way an attempt to lure a Hollywood star and his trail of free publicity into the fold. There was NO ATTEMPT to cross promote the Asian Le Mans and rekindle interest from the East.
I compare getting your entry accepted to Le Mans as being equivalent to getting into that trendy and exclusive night club. The "good old boys" get in, friends of the owner get in, anyone willing to hand the bouncer a fat wad of cash gets in, hot girls in short skirts get in, famous people get in, but you may not, even if you are near the front of the line and show up early every year.
I am (naturally) so great...
The serpent would like to finish this article with the most important subject of all: How great I am. Now I am not just talking about great in a general everyday sense (that is a topic for an upcoming article). I am talking about my god-given talent of divining the future. Not only were my Le Mans predictions correct, but they were frighteningly correct. "This strongly points to Audi and their aerodynamic design of the R15, and it's TDI engine. The reversal of this card also hints that the cleverness of Audi will be their downfall. Technical innovation will betray team Audi. This could only mean a victory for Peugeot." Sound familiar? Is should, because the new Audi aero gave them nothing but troubles with understeer for the first half of the race. The TDI engine... overheating. The winner... Peugeot. I told my loyal fans to consider it fact, and it was. Take note my students, this is a lesson to be remembered.
I would also like to take credit for my predictions of the factory Vettes and Porsche Spyders taking GT1 and P2... but anyone who could not predict that deserves a punch in the mouth. I had a feeling Risi would repeat in GT2, but the 2nd Risi on the Podium was a surprise to even the great Glider.
p.s. The keen amung you may remember me asking: "Who's speculation can we trust enough for betting our hard earned dollars (i.e. the kids "education" fund)?" Lets just say that when you mix the Serpent, his Audi backing friend, a few drinks, and a betting scheme that pays based on how many laps one team wins over the other... you suddenly find youself able to send many "children" to "university." All I will say for now is that I don't believe in education, and I will reinvest in the sport from which I grew... stay tuned dear fans...
You are Welcome!
Jun 9, 2009
08: Lou G. and the Serpent talk about racing, tires, scandal, and pissing into the wind.
Welcome back my great fans! You have asked for it, and I have given: an exclusive interview with the man, the myth, the legend, a long time friend of the Serpent… Lou Gigliotti.
Q: Lou, what would you say is your best memory from your ALMS experience to date?
A: Finding out how good the IMSA and ALMS staff is and just being able to race there.
Q: The staff are pretty good eh? I bet they are. Say no more, say no more. Wink wink, nudge nudge. And what would you say is your worst ALMS memory?
A: Long Beach 09 in the last 4 minutes.
Q: Is there anyone in the ALMS that you would like give a flying drop-kick?
A: No, but there is a general arrogance displayed by the "Michelin teams" toward the non-Michelin teams as if there is some sort of superiority inherent in their effort. (It’s the tires stupid). All this while totally disregarding the impact of having the only tire that has won 100 races out of maybe 100 races. Even the might of BMW, with their huge "funding," cannot "measure up" without that tire. It is also the "tire situation" that keeps some great teams from coming to the ALMS, and no other reason. But hey, "Purity to the death."
Q: Your car and trailer are for sale, although it is said that you might return for Petit or even Mosport. Have your plans to "stick it" to the new Corvette Racing GT2's changed?
A: See above. There is no chance of a non-Michelin tired car winning anything. And the phrase, "Pissing into the wind" comes to mind. Porsche and Ferrari can "make the call" to get Michelins for their teams but GM would not make THAT call for our Corvette. In fact, the word is that they did the opposite. I also think Corvette racing has "stuck it to themselves" and they will have to become slave to the "Green" propaganda machine to ensure future funding. But, as of the moment of the bankruptcy, their contract is null and void. IT will have to be revisited by the 31 year old GM dismantler before they can continue past what funding they already have.
Q: What is the application process like to get the tires? Do you need to run the gauntlet or perform some equivalent feat of strength?
A: The application process is as follows: A team begs Michelin to sell them tires. Michelin contacts the car Manufacturer. If they say yes, then Michelin sells you tires. That was how it was in 2008 with 22 teams (23 when de Ferran came in).
Then in 2009, with only 11 teams back with them, Michelin actually called us. We were on a path to be allowed to buy Michelin tires. But then they called GM and Corvette racing and 2 days later we got the thumbs down and were refused by Michelin. (but hey, GM's Wesoloski was "Fired" and last I saw, GM was bankrupt, Hmmm?) Sorry if I sound bitter but the truth is the ultimate defense.
Q: Can we expect you to return to the series in the seasons to come? What would it take to have you return?
A: A spec tire, good TV with equal time for GT2 cars, and a focus on the drivers as the stars. No more "Pit Puppy Cub Reporters" that make the brave and daring drivers look like spoiled brats. Did I say "Spec tire"?
Q: You just won the lottery. Money is no object, but the fine print says that you need to spend the money racing in GT2 of the ALMS. What car would you race?
A: Well, I am Italian, but my business is Corvette based. But if money was no object, and there was a spec tire, I would race a Ferrari. Ciao.
Q: Lou, do you have any interest in joining other racing series? What makes ____ series appealing?
A: Yes. Any series where there is an even shot for a team to compete on equal rubber and with equal rules.-- Drivers with talent usually don't have money, and drivers with money usually don't have talent. (Editor's note: I guess that makes the Gliding Serpent filthy rich.) So I guess I would have to pick a very fast under funded driver. I don't deny that I am close to the end of my "fast years," but no matter what fast drivers we put in our car, I am still within a half second of the best that we have had in the car with only race weekend testing. I am still faster than everyone else we have tested, so I am not ready to pack it in yet.
Each team has two drivers, and at each track one will inevitably out-shine the other. But in a non-Michelin team, the perception is that both drivers are slow because the average fan does not know how much the tires affect the performance.
The tire thing really guts me because is it like flushing money down the toilet just trying to be at the race. We all know that a non-Michelin tired car will just be "Soybean Filler in the ALMS Hamburger".
Q: Some fans of the series have had a lot of criticism of ALMS management. Others would say that they are doing their best given the tough economic times. How would you say management is doing from a privateer perspective? Do you have any suggestions to make the series more "team friendly?"
A: The ALMS management has done a fantastic job. Especially IMSA group. The only thing holding the series back is the tire situation. If Formula One can run a Spec tire, then why is it not good for the ALMS? Le Mans can open up the tire rule for the one 24 hour race but in America there has to be a spec tire to bring in more teams. NO team will come into the series if they can not get Michelins. Would Penske have come in on FULDA tires or whatever? NO. Acura would not let de Ferran compete if they did not get Michelins. So the powers had to step in because they felt he was an asset. So why is there not similar importance assigned to every team that wants to enter?
I would suggest to management that they make Yokohama or Dunlop the spec tire for GT2 and give the other tire manufacturer the rest. And for killing the series, I would send Michelin home.
Q: Do you think that all of you bridges have been burned with GM?
A: Yes, GM Burned all their bridges with me, and they will have to apologize to me for me to repair the bridges that THEY burned. In 2005, GM racing promised me $80,000 to fall on my sword and let Fellows by at Mosport to help Caddy win. I did and finished second. GM still owes me $70,000, so who burned what bridge?
Q: Do you think taxpayers should be paying for GM’s racing program?
A: I am still under the notion that GM should not spend taxpayers money on racing. They have the Unions to pay don't they?
Q: What is your daily driver?
A: 2009 Corvette Z06, Cadillac CTSv, Chevy 1 ton dually. Wow, all these GM cars and they still went bankrupt? They sold over 9 million cars and still lost money??? If I sold 9 million of ANYTHING, I guarantee that I would not lose money!
Q: A few people have noticed that grid numbers are "a little down" this year. Do you think the ALMS has hit bottom yet? Why/Why not? Any predictions for the health of the series next year?
A: I can tell you that the same theme from above applies here. No spec tire, no growth. Keep the races under 2 hours except for Petit and Sebring. Do more races with the IRL. Put the TV on Versus TV like IRL and stop trying to be a fill in the gaps for NASCAR Speed channel. Versus can grow bigger than Speed just like speed did when they were doing Morris Mini commercials for free and GIVING AWAY TV time. BE BOLD. Join the IRL on Versus TV. If you are Going to be competing with Grand AM head to head, then compete all the way, don't just accept the scraps. That will allow the TV money that comes from tire sponsors to be eliminated due to the spec tire, and with cheaper TV and an 8 year contract, you can grow the channel and Grow ALMS at the same time.
Q: Any thoughts on who will win P1 at Le Mans this year? P2? Gt2? Are you pulling for the Vettes in GT1 or would you rather see them crash and burn?
A: NO one should burn!
P1-Michelin (P1 and GT2 are the only real races there. Take the hint and make just 2 classes immediately)
P2 - Michelin
GT1 - there are no winners other than the hospitality vendors
GT2 - Michelin, and I truly hope it is either Risi or Lizards.
Q: Marilyn Monroe or Angelina Jolie?
A: Neither… My wife of 27 years trumps them both.
Just let me say a couple of things. The drivers and teams in this series are great. The series itself is great. The issues stated above are easily fixed. Much easier than watching the demise of the series if they are not. Tough times require tough actions. And continuation of the mind set, "Purity to the death" should not even come into the equation. Don't let stubbornness kill the series, and lose all the great teams.
The unknown here is if the current White House administration will even "allow" auto racing at all. We may be racing Smart cars and hybrids and towing them to the track with a VW Bus. (Don't laugh). Aligning with the Government cannot lead to a better result.
Racing is the ultimate display of freedom. It is the last clean wholesome fun left in America but its time might be short. God Bless America, Chevrolet and Apple pie!
Thanks
Lou Gigliotti
LGM
Q: Lou, what would you say is your best memory from your ALMS experience to date?
A: Finding out how good the IMSA and ALMS staff is and just being able to race there.
Q: The staff are pretty good eh? I bet they are. Say no more, say no more. Wink wink, nudge nudge. And what would you say is your worst ALMS memory?
A: Long Beach 09 in the last 4 minutes.
Q: Is there anyone in the ALMS that you would like give a flying drop-kick?
A: No, but there is a general arrogance displayed by the "Michelin teams" toward the non-Michelin teams as if there is some sort of superiority inherent in their effort. (It’s the tires stupid). All this while totally disregarding the impact of having the only tire that has won 100 races out of maybe 100 races. Even the might of BMW, with their huge "funding," cannot "measure up" without that tire. It is also the "tire situation" that keeps some great teams from coming to the ALMS, and no other reason. But hey, "Purity to the death."
Q: Your car and trailer are for sale, although it is said that you might return for Petit or even Mosport. Have your plans to "stick it" to the new Corvette Racing GT2's changed?
A: See above. There is no chance of a non-Michelin tired car winning anything. And the phrase, "Pissing into the wind" comes to mind. Porsche and Ferrari can "make the call" to get Michelins for their teams but GM would not make THAT call for our Corvette. In fact, the word is that they did the opposite. I also think Corvette racing has "stuck it to themselves" and they will have to become slave to the "Green" propaganda machine to ensure future funding. But, as of the moment of the bankruptcy, their contract is null and void. IT will have to be revisited by the 31 year old GM dismantler before they can continue past what funding they already have.
Q: What is the application process like to get the tires? Do you need to run the gauntlet or perform some equivalent feat of strength?
A: The application process is as follows: A team begs Michelin to sell them tires. Michelin contacts the car Manufacturer. If they say yes, then Michelin sells you tires. That was how it was in 2008 with 22 teams (23 when de Ferran came in).
Then in 2009, with only 11 teams back with them, Michelin actually called us. We were on a path to be allowed to buy Michelin tires. But then they called GM and Corvette racing and 2 days later we got the thumbs down and were refused by Michelin. (but hey, GM's Wesoloski was "Fired" and last I saw, GM was bankrupt, Hmmm?) Sorry if I sound bitter but the truth is the ultimate defense.
Q: Can we expect you to return to the series in the seasons to come? What would it take to have you return?
A: A spec tire, good TV with equal time for GT2 cars, and a focus on the drivers as the stars. No more "Pit Puppy Cub Reporters" that make the brave and daring drivers look like spoiled brats. Did I say "Spec tire"?
Q: You just won the lottery. Money is no object, but the fine print says that you need to spend the money racing in GT2 of the ALMS. What car would you race?
A: Well, I am Italian, but my business is Corvette based. But if money was no object, and there was a spec tire, I would race a Ferrari. Ciao.
Q: Lou, do you have any interest in joining other racing series? What makes ____ series appealing?
A: Yes. Any series where there is an even shot for a team to compete on equal rubber and with equal rules.-- Drivers with talent usually don't have money, and drivers with money usually don't have talent. (Editor's note: I guess that makes the Gliding Serpent filthy rich.) So I guess I would have to pick a very fast under funded driver. I don't deny that I am close to the end of my "fast years," but no matter what fast drivers we put in our car, I am still within a half second of the best that we have had in the car with only race weekend testing. I am still faster than everyone else we have tested, so I am not ready to pack it in yet.
Each team has two drivers, and at each track one will inevitably out-shine the other. But in a non-Michelin team, the perception is that both drivers are slow because the average fan does not know how much the tires affect the performance.
The tire thing really guts me because is it like flushing money down the toilet just trying to be at the race. We all know that a non-Michelin tired car will just be "Soybean Filler in the ALMS Hamburger".
Q: Some fans of the series have had a lot of criticism of ALMS management. Others would say that they are doing their best given the tough economic times. How would you say management is doing from a privateer perspective? Do you have any suggestions to make the series more "team friendly?"
A: The ALMS management has done a fantastic job. Especially IMSA group. The only thing holding the series back is the tire situation. If Formula One can run a Spec tire, then why is it not good for the ALMS? Le Mans can open up the tire rule for the one 24 hour race but in America there has to be a spec tire to bring in more teams. NO team will come into the series if they can not get Michelins. Would Penske have come in on FULDA tires or whatever? NO. Acura would not let de Ferran compete if they did not get Michelins. So the powers had to step in because they felt he was an asset. So why is there not similar importance assigned to every team that wants to enter?
I would suggest to management that they make Yokohama or Dunlop the spec tire for GT2 and give the other tire manufacturer the rest. And for killing the series, I would send Michelin home.
Q: Do you think that all of you bridges have been burned with GM?
A: Yes, GM Burned all their bridges with me, and they will have to apologize to me for me to repair the bridges that THEY burned. In 2005, GM racing promised me $80,000 to fall on my sword and let Fellows by at Mosport to help Caddy win. I did and finished second. GM still owes me $70,000, so who burned what bridge?
Q: Do you think taxpayers should be paying for GM’s racing program?
A: I am still under the notion that GM should not spend taxpayers money on racing. They have the Unions to pay don't they?
Q: What is your daily driver?
A: 2009 Corvette Z06, Cadillac CTSv, Chevy 1 ton dually. Wow, all these GM cars and they still went bankrupt? They sold over 9 million cars and still lost money??? If I sold 9 million of ANYTHING, I guarantee that I would not lose money!
Q: A few people have noticed that grid numbers are "a little down" this year. Do you think the ALMS has hit bottom yet? Why/Why not? Any predictions for the health of the series next year?
A: I can tell you that the same theme from above applies here. No spec tire, no growth. Keep the races under 2 hours except for Petit and Sebring. Do more races with the IRL. Put the TV on Versus TV like IRL and stop trying to be a fill in the gaps for NASCAR Speed channel. Versus can grow bigger than Speed just like speed did when they were doing Morris Mini commercials for free and GIVING AWAY TV time. BE BOLD. Join the IRL on Versus TV. If you are Going to be competing with Grand AM head to head, then compete all the way, don't just accept the scraps. That will allow the TV money that comes from tire sponsors to be eliminated due to the spec tire, and with cheaper TV and an 8 year contract, you can grow the channel and Grow ALMS at the same time.
Q: Any thoughts on who will win P1 at Le Mans this year? P2? Gt2? Are you pulling for the Vettes in GT1 or would you rather see them crash and burn?
A: NO one should burn!
P1-Michelin (P1 and GT2 are the only real races there. Take the hint and make just 2 classes immediately)
P2 - Michelin
GT1 - there are no winners other than the hospitality vendors
GT2 - Michelin, and I truly hope it is either Risi or Lizards.
Q: Marilyn Monroe or Angelina Jolie?
A: Neither… My wife of 27 years trumps them both.
Just let me say a couple of things. The drivers and teams in this series are great. The series itself is great. The issues stated above are easily fixed. Much easier than watching the demise of the series if they are not. Tough times require tough actions. And continuation of the mind set, "Purity to the death" should not even come into the equation. Don't let stubbornness kill the series, and lose all the great teams.
The unknown here is if the current White House administration will even "allow" auto racing at all. We may be racing Smart cars and hybrids and towing them to the track with a VW Bus. (Don't laugh). Aligning with the Government cannot lead to a better result.
Racing is the ultimate display of freedom. It is the last clean wholesome fun left in America but its time might be short. God Bless America, Chevrolet and Apple pie!
Thanks
Lou Gigliotti
LGM
Jun 8, 2009
07: Dark predictions for overall victory at Le Mans
The 2009 Le Mans is now upon us! Who will win oh great Serpent? Will Audi repeat victory yet again? Will Aston Martin pull off a miracle victory? Will the corvettes prevail in their final season in GT1? The voices of my fans ring a loud yet childish "uh-oh" in my in-box... I try to filter the tide of questions to my junk mail... yet more get through what appears to be a poor software filter design. Speculation for 2009 Le Mans victory currently runs rampant on the Interweb... who's predictions do we believe? Who's speculation can we trust enough for betting our hard earned dollars (i.e. the kids "education" fund)? Certainly not the left-wing corrupt self-proclaimed insiders of this sport!!!
Fear not my World Class(TM) fans... the Serpent is a master of many skills, and I will now use my exquisite control over the dark powers of Tarot card reading to predict who will be victorious this year.
Oh dark magic! Who will win Le Mans in 2009? Let us begin...
The Five of swords. The first card represents an important element of the past. Swords and warriors are strewn about. We see three noble warriours, growing hardened from years of battle. The warriors clearly represent the #1, #2, and #3 Audi cars. At their side is the loyal companion Joest, strong and courageous, never straying. The numerous swords represent the many weapons used in battles of Audi's past (The R8 and R10. The R15 is held ready for future battles). The castle on the distant hill represents the kingdom that has resulted from prior Le Mans dominance. The wilted tree on the top left represents fragility. This is a dark forewarning that all kingdoms eventually fall.
The Knight of Coins (reversed). This represents a key deciding element of the present . The night of coins is a powerful card. This represents destiny. Our swordsman is now a knight of valor, seasoned and well rewarded for his heroic battles of past. The Gold coin represents Audi's bountiful factory support. Few can challenge his might. Upside down, the Knight of Coins represents a turn of fortune... a turn into financial turmoil. The loyal Joest remains at side. This card clearly describes the financial climate that has brought cutbacks into the current Audi racing program. This is a destiny that Audi cannot avoid despite their previous dominance and aquired might.
The Seven Wands of Valor (reversed). The final card represents that which has not yet come to pass. A very interesting card indeed. Much energy comes from this card. Walking on magical wands the combatant uses a clever rue to gain tactical advantage over his opponents. He has both leverage for striking his foes, and the element of surprise. This strongly points to Audi and their aerodynamic design of the R15, and it's TDI engine. The reversal of this card also hints that the cleverness of Audi will be their downfall. Technical innovation will betray team Audi. This could only mean a victory for Peugeot. (AM won't win because... well... because they won't).
Peugeot will win Le Mans in 2009. Consider it fact.
You are welcome.
Fear not my World Class(TM) fans... the Serpent is a master of many skills, and I will now use my exquisite control over the dark powers of Tarot card reading to predict who will be victorious this year.
Oh dark magic! Who will win Le Mans in 2009? Let us begin...
The Five of swords. The first card represents an important element of the past. Swords and warriors are strewn about. We see three noble warriours, growing hardened from years of battle. The warriors clearly represent the #1, #2, and #3 Audi cars. At their side is the loyal companion Joest, strong and courageous, never straying. The numerous swords represent the many weapons used in battles of Audi's past (The R8 and R10. The R15 is held ready for future battles). The castle on the distant hill represents the kingdom that has resulted from prior Le Mans dominance. The wilted tree on the top left represents fragility. This is a dark forewarning that all kingdoms eventually fall.
The Knight of Coins (reversed). This represents a key deciding element of the present . The night of coins is a powerful card. This represents destiny. Our swordsman is now a knight of valor, seasoned and well rewarded for his heroic battles of past. The Gold coin represents Audi's bountiful factory support. Few can challenge his might. Upside down, the Knight of Coins represents a turn of fortune... a turn into financial turmoil. The loyal Joest remains at side. This card clearly describes the financial climate that has brought cutbacks into the current Audi racing program. This is a destiny that Audi cannot avoid despite their previous dominance and aquired might.
The Seven Wands of Valor (reversed). The final card represents that which has not yet come to pass. A very interesting card indeed. Much energy comes from this card. Walking on magical wands the combatant uses a clever rue to gain tactical advantage over his opponents. He has both leverage for striking his foes, and the element of surprise. This strongly points to Audi and their aerodynamic design of the R15, and it's TDI engine. The reversal of this card also hints that the cleverness of Audi will be their downfall. Technical innovation will betray team Audi. This could only mean a victory for Peugeot. (AM won't win because... well... because they won't).Peugeot will win Le Mans in 2009. Consider it fact.
You are welcome.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
