The year started badly, with the Robinson and Dyson teams returning their cars as unready for prime time. Casual fans, and potential fans, of sports car racing. YOU try to explain the differences among ALMS, Grand-Am, SRWC, the FIA GT Series, the FIA Sports Car Championship all for what seem to be the same cars. Let s not even consider touring cars, FIA touring cars, the revival of the DTM, Trans-Am, and so on. We pride ourselves on our knowledge of the differences, and enjoy the access to cars and drivers permitted by the small number of attendees at most events.
Sponsors don t see it that way.
Name the outside major sponsors not directly tied to racing, or owned by a driver or his family, in either series. There are legitimate causes for concern in 2001. Both series plan to grow, with the ALMS creating a separate European series, but that growth is fueled by money. Don Panoz has proven his genius with his vision for sports car racing, and there are legendary talents in the racing business in Daytona Beach. The new year may well provide challenges requiring all the abilities in both camps to overcome.