This past weekend, JDC-Miller MotorSports represented the first privateer to enter the ranks of the new IMSA GTP class. Will more privateers follow? We asked representatives from the four active brands–Acura, BMW, Cadillac and Porsche–if more customer cars are on their way.
Well, most of them didn't not say no, so I take that as a win.
In reply to Colin Wood :
It wouldn't surprise me if some watch how Porsche does. It's fairly unconventional (not unheard of, though) for a manufacturer to offer a customer car in the same year of its debut.
There also seems to be some supply-chain troubles still for parts. That doesn't help either.
Maybe this is a case of history repeating itself. I’m trying to recall what other OEs besides Porsche offered successful GTP customer programs.
Audi had customer cars back in the ALMS days.
So, a related thought. Back in the day, aside from Porsche, GTP was dominated by the factories, meaning Nissan and Toyota, with independents (and other factory efforts) filling the ranks.
But the privateers also had a home in Camel Lights and the GT classes. Some cars came from customer programs while many were home grown.
The days of home-built pro cars has largely ended, but could be returning to something similar: Factories at the top tier yet everyone else still having a place to race?
David S. Wallens said:Maybe this is a case of history repeating itself. I’m trying to recall what other OEs besides Porsche offered successful GTP customer programs.
Given their performance thus far, barring a massive performance jump, letting Porsche be the only ones who have customers seems like Acura and Cadillac would be leaving money on the table.
David S. Wallens said:So, a related thought. Back in the day, aside from Porsche, GTP was dominated by the factories, meaning Nissan and Toyota, with independents (and other factory efforts) filling the ranks.
But the privateers also had a home in Camel Lights and the GT classes. Some cars came from customer programs while many were home grown.
The days of home-built pro cars has largely ended, but could be returning to something similar: Factories at the top tier yet everyone else still having a place to race?
Porsche has repeatedly stated that their GTP/LMDh program only makes financial sense if they sell customer cars, like they did back in the day. Cadillac seems likely to do it as well with the WEC and IMSA efforts, but they're spooling up their first global GT3 program with the Corvette program so it seems reasonable that they'd wait.
Acura remains the odd one out, their unwillingness to go against Toyota in WEC means they're going to be financing a large racing project without taking advantage of the potential global reach.
Otherwise GT3 is the 'everyone else' tier, surely. Pick your car, sign on the dotted line and go racing. Manufacturers provide full parts support for the season.
In reply to jb229 :
The fact that Acura is primarily a North American brand could be their reason for avoiding the WEC. Rebadge the race car as a Honda?
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