Acura ALMS project

[Christopher]

Does anyone know anything more about this, other than the standard press release made earlier this year.

Do they have a car up and running yet?

Is it a Lola or Courage chassis?

Is there a plan to run with European based teams also?

Any info would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[hgb]

The project is well under way:
http://www.the-paddock.net/content/view/240575/
http://www.the-paddock.net/content/view/240573/
http://www.the-paddock.net/content/view/240381/
http://www.the-paddock.net/content/view/240369/

[Christopher]

Thanks for that.

Seems things are progressing then.

But still no talk of entering the ELMS.......but then that would mean trying ot expain to us Europeans what an Acura is.......

[Fax]

Christopher, I suspect they want to get the program up & running before worrying about expanding it overseas.  The three teams nominated will have a busy winter sorting out the new engine-chassis combinations before Sebring in March.  The Porsche RS Spyder will have a year of racing & development under it I would imagine the Honda/Acura program will need a similar amount of work before they start sending engines to everyone who wants one.
Look on the bright side, the Porsche RS Spyder is a definite go for Le Mans next year.
Fax

[Nordic]

Look on the bright side, the Porsche RS Spyder is a definite go for Le Mans next year.
Fax

Not heard it confirmed that a spyder is certain to run yet. Is it going to be Penske or a Euro team?

[Fax]

Afternoon Nordic, I read in the latest issue of Racer magazine.  Can't remember for certain but I think Penske will be running the LM effort.  Unfortuantely my nephew now has my copy of it, Matt may be able to follow up on this, he subscribes to it as well.
Fax

[Nordic]

Thats really welcome news. Not sure how the cars will fair there but if its Penske running them it will be a very serious effort.

[hgb]

More Acura news...

http://www.the-paddock.net/content/view/240803/49/
http://www.the-paddock.net/content/view/240805/49/

[chop456]

Penske won't be at Le Mans.  I believe he said it at Laguna Seca.

Bryan Herta will be in the Andretti-Green Courage/Acura.  No doubt a welcome change for him as he made no secret of his dislike for the dangerous pack racing nonsense of the irl.

It would surprise me if Franchitti wasn't another.

[Andy Zarse]

Penske won't be at Le Mans.  I believe he said it at Laguna Seca.

They are no doubt aware that the word "Acura" means absolutely jack sh*t to us Europeans. It's called plain old "Honda" over this side of the pond.

[chop456]

Penske runs the P2 Porsche RS Spyders and won't be at Le Mans.

I doubt if anyone, American, European, British or Slobovian gives a rat's ass if anyone runs a Honda/Acura/Whateverthehell next June. 

[Lorry]

I doubt if anyone, American, European, British or Slobovian gives a rat's ass if anyone runs a Honda/Acura/Whateverthehell next June. 

Unless it can beat those damn Audis

First time out - no chance.

[termietermite]

Penske won't be at Le Mans.  I believe he said it at Laguna Seca.

They are no doubt aware that the word "Acura" means absolutely jack sh**t to us Europeans. It's called plain old "Honda" over this side of the pond.

My own feeling is that Honda has given up trying to compete with Merc and BMW etc in this section of the market so we've never been "treated" to Acuras over here - Acura is to Honda as Lexus is to Toyota, no?  That's the way I have always understood it.

[Jay (Team Cannonball)]

Mr Dario Franchitti is going to drive the AGR Courage-Acura with Bryan Herta except when there is conflict with his IRL schedule (Houston, Lime Rock, Road America and Mosport).

[termietermite]

And David Brabham is driving for Highcroft Racing
http://www.highcroftracing.com/Releases/dec3_1.htm