An Semi-World's Championship in 2011???

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Originally Posted by Mark in Oshawa

I have a few objections. One...lol..Mosport didn't make the list.

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Why did IMSA shorten the races in the 1980s?

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Originally Posted by AndyRAC

Having two 1 Hour races is most certainly not the way to go. Big mistake, methinks. GT and Endurance go together......

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I basically agree. I can see Ratel's point absolutely, but while shorter races are fine in formulae where the racing is close and exciting, GTs or other forms of sportscars are another matter.

I'm for anything that raises the profile of sports car racing globally, and especially in the U.S. I'm not sure if or when this will be seen in the U.S. (please, let it not be on Versus!), but maybe the FIA GT1 World Championship will be a good start.

Of course, my only (major) gripe is that Jaguar isn't in the mix. :p : But from the list, it looks like there will be some very interesting vehicles in there.

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Six manufacturers and twelve teams will line-up to contest the inaugural season, Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford, Lamborghini, Maserati and Nissan will each supply two private teams with two cars, making up a grid.of 24 GT1 super-cars. The series will be the FIA's only world championship aimed soley at private teams, a move designed to keep control of costs.

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FIA launch GT1 World Championship

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Originally Posted by wedge

Why did IMSA shorten the races in the 1980s?

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TV....and costs. IMSA runs all the ALMS events outside of Sebring and Petit to fit in a 3 hour TV window at 2:45. THAT ensures a lead in show and the winner's circle at the end. When you are buying TV time, extra hours cost money AND the teams also know the extra hours are expensive, and you see only 2 long events on the sched for that reason.

For most sportscar events, I think 3 hours is a fine distance.....but I do like the idea of 2 to 4 events like LeMans, Sebring, Petit, and maybe a 6 hour race some place.

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Originally Posted by Mark in Oshawa

TV....and costs. IMSA runs all the ALMS events outside of Sebring and Petit to fit in a 3 hour TV window at 2:45. THAT ensures a lead in show and the winner's circle at the end. When you are buying TV time, extra hours cost money AND the teams also know the extra hours are expensive, and you see only 2 long events on the sched for that reason.

For most sportscar events, I think 3 hours is a fine distance.....but I do like the idea of 2 to 4 events like LeMans, Sebring, Petit, and maybe a 6 hour race some place.

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Ah, I've wondered why the short races are run 2hr 45mins.

It's a good mix of race distances. I would love to see a 6hr race at Millers.

I don't care what the schedule is or how it gets done, only that it gets done. Le Mans NEEDS a world championship, and the sooner it gets done the better!