2023 Le Mans 24Hr

[phefner]

Qualifying starts Wednesday. Looks like MotorTrend+ is carrying some of the pre-race action.

[G30M]

looked at the start list - seems to be only a handful of car types

[phefner]

In terms of there being no BMW HyperCar or LMGTE, yes. Disappointing. I didn't realize so what a wasted opportunity for BMW.

If you like Ferrari or Porsche there will be a lot to root for.

Does Toyota walk away with it like they have been in most every other endurance race this year?

This poster was on top of BMWs absence:


https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1998228

[3798j]

There's added interest to this year's running...the addition of Garage 56's modified NASCAR Camaro entry with Jenson Button, Mike Rockenfeller, and Jimmie Johnson driving.

[phefner]

Some practice action.

Get our first look at that Garage 56 Nascar entry at a little over 2 min in. Sounds nice.

Toyota #7 went off...damaged.

[bagekko]

I thought that new BMW hybrid was going to be in the Le Mans this year.

I watched the 24hrs of the Nürburgring a few weeks ago and there was no factory BMW M4. Also watched Formula-e last week and found out BMW dropped from the series.

It made me think there is no one worse than BMW at being in a series, quitting, rejoining, quitting, etc.

[M5Rick]

^ BMW not until next year at LM, looks like another easy Toyota walk over this year.

[bagekko]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

^ BMW not until next year at LM, looks like another easy Toyota walk over this year.

Just looked, realize now they are only in the IMSA series this year and not WEC, also their performance is not very good, surely the whole program will be scrapped after this year LOL

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by bagekko

Just looked, realize now they are only in the IMSA series this year and not WEC, also their performance is not very good, surely the whole program will be scrapped after this year LOL

Not a fan of any hybrids or EV's, think they've won a race in IMSA so far but really would love to see LM Porsche back to slaughter Toyota again

[gkgeiger]

M T has all 24 hrs starting at 9am Sat.

[jp1984]

BMW won the gt 3 race today

[Killed by Death]

Cool, Hulu has Motor Trend channel. I always struggle to find coverage.

[phefner]

You got it jp1984

Here is the replay for the LeMans Cup race on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/live/HTXV_MKb5Co?feature=share

Almost feel bad for the Ferrari, who was penalized because of some confusion finding his pitbox. Almost.

[phefner]

Originally Posted by bagekko

I watched the 24hrs of the Nürburgring a few weeks ago and there was no factory BMW M4. Also watched Formula-e last week and found out BMW dropped from the series.

It made me think there is no one worse than BMW at being in a series, quitting, rejoining, quitting, etc.

You know, I’m not sure there can be Factory Team at the 24 Hr Nurburgring race. SRO has some series where there can’t be factory teams. Support is allowed of course, but not a factory funded team.

Not 100% on that for the Nurburgring race.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by phefner

You know, I’m not sure there can be Factory Team at the 24 Hr Nurburgring race. SRO has some series where there can’t be factory teams. Support is allowed of course, but not a factory funded team.

Not 100% on that for the Nurburgring race.

by 'factory' do you mean manufacturer ?

[M5Rick]

Ferrari 499P's starting 1-2 on the grid outpacing the Toyotas, numbers 50 and 51.
https://racingnews365.com/ferrari-be...le-mans-return

[3798j]

"At the request of the LMGTE Am competitors, the #24 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro will be positioned at the back of the LMP2 grid for the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans – and ahead of the 21 GTE cars."

"The decision was made after three days of testing and practice gave clear evidence that the Le Mans-prepped, seventh-generation NASCAR Cup Series vehicle was capable of a pace several seconds quicker than what the GTE cars were capable of.'

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2023/...nary-grid.html

[phefner]

Thanks for posting that. Was debating this some with a buddy after seeing some of the practice sessions.

I also heard they cut some of the rear trunk deflector back to reduce drag. And was given permission to make other mods as seen fit.

[Killed by Death]

typical Murican respect for the French...Go to commercial break during the national anthem.

[phefner]

LOL, noticed that too.

Pre-Race coverage is wanting.

[gkgeiger]

Watching my recording, worst coverage of major race I’ve seen. I guess better than nothing.

[Killed by Death]

LeBronze waved the start flag