IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
United SportsCar Championship 2015
Vehicle type	Le Mans prototypes , Daytona prototypes and Gran Turismos
Country or region	North America
Current name	IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Previous names	Tudor United SportsCar Championship (2014-2015)
First season	2014
Official website	imsa.com

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is a sports car series founded in 2013 in the United States and Canada . According to a sponsorship agreement, the official name is currently IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC). The series is hosted by the International Motor Sports Association . The North American Endurance Cup is also held as part of the IWSC ( see below ). The first season of the series took place in 2014 . From 2014 to 2015 the series was known as the Tudor United SportsCar Championship .

history

The series emerged from the merger of the American Le Mans Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series and thus forms the highest American sports car series. Both previous series were created after the end of the IMSA GT championship .

The merger into a new series was announced on September 5, 2012, on March 14, 2013 the name and class structure of the merged series were announced. On July 19, 2013, an update of the class structure was announced in which the GX class was grouped into the GTD class. The series continues to have a partnership with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest , the host of the 24 Hours of Le Mans . The IWSC is hosted by the International Motor Sports Association , which previously hosted the ALMS.

With the publication of the title sponsor on September 12, 2013, the IMSA announced that the series will not debut under the name United SportsCar Racing as initially planned , but under the name United SportsCar Championship . The Tudor watch brand was the title sponsor until the end of the 2015 season .

On August 8, 2015, IMSA announced that the title sponsor from the 2016 season will be WeatherTech, an automotive accessories company. The name of the series was then changed to IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship .

Regulations

Class structure

The IWSC combines the classes from the two previous series:

• Prototype Class (P) : This class combines the former ALMS class LMP2 and the Daytona Prototype class from the Rolex Sports Car Series. In addition, the DeltaWing , which was previously an LMP1 vehicle, competes in this class.

• Prototype Challenge (PC) : This class was continued analogous to the current ALMS class of the same name.

• Gran Turismo Le Mans (GTLM) : This class was continued in line with the current GT class of the ALMS.

• Gran Turismo Daytona (GTD) : Vehicles according to the international GT3 regulations are eligible to startin this class.

The previous LMP1 class of the ALMS has been deleted without replacement.

In the Prototype Class, LMP2 cars and DP cars according to the new regulations should continue to be used up to and including the 2016 season. New technical regulations for LMP2 cars are to be in use from 2017, which will then be the only technical basis for the Prototype Class.

In the GTD class, vehicles from the former GTC (ALMS) as well as GT and GX (Grand Am) classes were initially merged from 2014 to 2015.

Technical regulations

Prototype class

By merging the Daytona prototypes with the LMP2 bolides and the Delta Wing, new technical regulations had to be drawn up. When the technical regulations were merged, the distance to the other classes was agreed and the prototype class was defined as the fastest class. The Daytona prototypes, as the top class of the Grand Am, have so far been significantly slower than the LMP2 class of the ALMS. This can be seen in a comparison of the qualifying times on racetracks that both series drove in their last season:

class	Road America	Laguna Seca	Lime Rock Park
Daytona prototype	2: 00.028	1: 21.557	0: 48.795
LMP2	1: 54.806	1: 16.642	0: 46.191
Delta Wing	1: 55.362	1: 22.078	0: 48.931
LMPC	1: 57.630	1: 18.865	0: 48.078
GTE	2: 03.410	1: 22.732	0: 50.996

In 2013 the DPs were roughly between the LMPC and the GTE bolides. In order to bring the vehicles in the new P-Class to the same level, it is only possible to make the DPs faster, since the classes would be mixed up if the LMP2 vehicles were to slow down. The goals are to generate at least 60% more downforce for the DP cars and to make the cars about 6 seconds faster than the GTLM cars. In the first draft of the technical regulations, the following adjustments were made:

• New diffuser
• Second element on the rear wing
• Increase in engine power by 50 hp
• Carbon brakes
• Carbon clutch
• Prohibition of traction control

Based on this design, the update for a Daytona Prototype costs around $ 600,000, although only $ 200,000 was assumed in advance. The new parts are produced centrally by a standardized manufacturer on behalf of IMSA. The following points were described in an update of the draft:

• Definition of the approved shock absorber types
• Determination of the brake disc diameter
• When using carbon brake discs, an additional ballast weight of 25 kg is required
• Gear ratios can now be freely specified

The test of the new parts and rules was carried out on four days, two each on the Sebring and Daytona tracks , in November 2013, with the data collected being used to finalize the technical regulations and to classify the balance of performance. While the new parts on the Daytona prototypes at Sebring immediately made a good impression and achieved good lap times, there were two serious accidents at Daytona. A rear tire burst on two vehicles, the vehicles spun, lifted off the ground and flew through the air. It is questionable whether these accidents can be justified with the new parts, since there have been accidents of this type with blown tires before.

For a second test in Daytona in December, there were new tires from Continental , which are designed for the higher downforce of DP vehicles. In addition, the new diffuser has been removed for the Daytona 24-hour race and is only intended for the other championship races. Openings were created in the wheel arches on the upper side, which allow the air under the car to escape. This is to prevent the cars from lifting off.

The ACO regulations still apply to the LMP2 vehicles, whereby the cars are also adjusted to the 6 seconds gap to the GTLM cars via a balance of performance.

In the run-up to the 2014 Daytona 24-hour race, the final adjustments to the Balance of Performance System were announced. In doing so, individual specifications were made for each chassis / engine combination. These concerned both the air flow limiter , the boost pressure , the tank size and the diameter of the tank opening for refueling the vehicles.

The Balance of Performance System has been adapted many times since then to ensure a balance between DP and LMP2 vehicles.

Prototype Challenge

The technical regulations were taken over from the previous LMPC class of the ALMS, whereby there were adjustments as part of the Balance of Performance in order to adapt the speed of the vehicles to the other classes.

GT Le Mans

The technical regulations were adopted from the previous GT class of the ALMS. As in the ALMS, the vehicles are adjusted to a similar level through a Balance of Performance.

GT Daytona

New regulations also had to be drawn up for the GT Daytona class, as the Spec1 vehicles of the GT class of the Grand Am, the GX class of the Grand Am and the GTC regulations of the ALMS were merged.

All vehicles must use a uniform rear wing, which is provided by the IMSA. Chassis made of carbon are also permitted, although there is currently no starter with such a chassis. The vehicles must weigh at least 1,215 kg, have a maximum displacement of 8.5 l (4.0 for turbo engines) and may not have any driving aids such as traction control or ABS .

The vehicles are aligned using a balance of performance system. There may be prescribed adjustments to the weight, the air flow limiter, the boost pressure, the tank size and the rear wing including the Gurney flap.

At the beginning of the 2016 season, these regulations will be replaced by the standardized FIA GT3 regulations, with IMSA using its own Balance of Performance system.

tires

With regard to the tire regulations, the Grand-Am route was largely followed and a standard supplier was prescribed, while the ALMS had open tire regulations. Continental was selected as the tire partner for the IWSC class P, PC and GTD. Open tire regulations still apply in the GTLM class.

Sporting regulations

Points and titles

All races of a season are rated according to the same point system. The following points apply:

space	1	2	3	4th	5	6th	7th	8th	9	10	11	12	13	14th	15th	16	17th	18th	19th	20th	21st	22nd	23	24	25th	26th	27	28	29	30th	each further
Points	35	32	30th	28	26th	25th	24	23	22nd	21st	20th	19th	18th	17th	16	15th	14th	13	12	11	10	9	8th	7th	6th	5	4th	3	2	1	1

Every driver of a vehicle receives one point (= like last placed) as soon as they cross the starting line. As usual in American sports car racing, a vehicle must complete at least 70% of the race length in order to be classified in the final ranking and to receive further points. It is not necessary to cross the finish line. In order to receive points for the driver standings beyond the starting point in the amateur classes and the Trueman / Akin trophies, the amateur drivers of a vehicle must also adhere to the minimum driving times. Each driver can score points in a maximum of two vehicles, but only from different classes, as long as he adheres to the minimum driving times per vehicle and the maximum driving time in the entire race.

The team classification is scored for each vehicle named. Thus a team with several vehicles can be listed in the team ranking. Every vehicle that crosses the start line automatically receives a point (= like last place). The champion will be the vehicle that has collected the most start and finish points in the season. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed to start for each team.

In each class, titles are awarded for the best driver and the best vehicle. In addition, titles are awarded for the best engine manufacturer in the P-class and titles for the best vehicle and tire manufacturer in the GTLM class.

For the 2015 season , a Jim Trueman and a Bob Akin trophy were also announced. The Trueman Trophy is given to the best amateur driver from the prototype class, the Akin Trophy to the best amateur driver from the GTLM class. To do this, a driver must be classified as silver or bronze and may not earn his living primarily from motorsport. The points are calculated from the final position of the vehicle in the respective class and the number of laps the driver has driven. The points for the position are multiplied by 10 and the laps driven are added. In addition, the driver who completed the most laps in his class receives an additional point. In addition to a trophy for the victorious driver at the end of the season, the team in which the driver competed receives an invitation to the Le Mans 24-hour race for the following season .

Driver pairings / driving times

A combination of professionals and amateurs (Pro / Am concept) is required for the PC and GTD classes. Drivers from the gold and platinum categories are regarded as professionals , while amateurs are drivers from the silver and bronze categories . The classification of the drivers is taken from the FIA ​​system ( The FIA ​​Driver Categorization ) for the classification of the drivers. If two or three drivers are named in one of the Pro / Am cars, only one of the drivers may be a professional. If more drivers are named, there may be two professional drivers.

Depending on the length of the race, different minimum and maximum driving times are also prescribed. However, since 2015 the minimum travel times have only been valid for amateur drivers:

Race length	min. driver	Max. driver	min. Travel time	Max. Travel time
1:40 h	2	3	35 min	no
2:00 h			45 min
2:40 h			60 min
6:00 h		4th	90 min	240 min
10:00 h			150 min	420 min
12:00 h			180 min	480 min
24:00 h		5	270 min	840 min

Pit stops

A maximum of four mechanics are allowed to work in the pit lane during a pit stop . In addition, a mechanic is allowed to work in the pit lane to check (not change) the tires and brakes. In the event of a driver change , the drivers are allowed to support each other in getting on and off. This task may also be taken over by a mechanic, who, however, is not to be seen in addition to the above.

A maximum of two impact wrenches may be used to change tires . Refueling can also take place during the tire change and the engine can run during this. This in particular deviates from the ACO regulations for the Le Mans 24-hour race and corresponds to the former Grand-Am regulations.

Race start

Since the 2015 season there have been separate starts for the two prototype and two GT classes. For this purpose, a second safety car is used for the field of GT vehicles and the start is approved shortly after the prototypes.

calendar

The calendar for the first season provided for twelve races and was composed of events that had been held in previous seasons either in the Rolex Sports Car Series or in the American Le Mans Series. New events were deliberately not included. By merging the two series, the two classic North American endurance races , the Daytona 24-hour race and the Sebring 12-hour race , were reunited in one series for the first time since 1997 .

In the following year, only slight adjustments were made to the calendar. What is special is that the race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been removed from the calendar and Lime Rock Park has been included.

master

Prototype class

year	driver	team	engine	source
2014	João Barbosa / Christian Fittipaldi	# 5 Action Express Racing	Chevrolet
2015	João Barbosa / Christian Fittipaldi	# 5 Action Express Racing	Chevrolet

Prototype Challenge Class

year	driver	team	source
2014	Jon Bennett Colin Brown	# 54 CORE Autosport
2015	Jon Bennett Colin Brown	# 54 CORE Autosport

GT Le Mans Class

year	driver	team	vehicle	tires	source
2014	Kuno Wittmer	# 93 SRT Motorsports	Porsche	Michelin
2015	Patrick Pilet	# 911 Porsche North America	Porsche	Michelin

GT Daytona Class

year	driver	team	vehicle	source
2014	Dane Cameron	# 94 Turner Motorsport	Porsche
2015	Townsend Bell Bill Sweedler	# 63 Scuderia Corse	Ferrari

North American Endurance Cup

The North American Endurance Cup (NAEC) was taken over by the Grand Am and was known there as the North American Endurance Championship . According to the sponsorship agreement, the official name is Tequila Patrón North American Endurance Cup , the sponsor was previously active as the title sponsor of the ALMS.

The special classification includes all endurance races of the season in a separate classification. For these races, additional drivers are usually required to join the regular line-up of the teams; there are also individual teams that only compete in the long-distance races.

The points are awarded to drivers, teams and manufacturers. Only the best vehicle is included in the team and manufacturer ratings. The point system differs from the IWSC rules:

space	1	2	3	4th	each further
Points	5	4th	3	2	2

The points are not only awarded at the end of the races, but also at previously defined intermediate results. There is no distinction made between the intermediate and final scores in terms of the number of points.

run	Ratings after
Daytona	6h	12h	18h	24 hours
Sebring	4h	8h	12h
Watkins Glen	3h	6h
Road Atlanta	4h	8h	10h

While in the Grand Am only titles were awarded for drivers and teams, in the IMSA there are also titles for the manufacturers in the NAEC.

There is also separate prize money for the winners of the ratings. $ 100,000 will be given to the winning teams from the Prototype and GT Le Mans classes, and $ 50,000 to the winning teams from the Prototype Challenge and GT Daytona classes.

master

Prototype class

year	driver	team	engine	source
2014	João Barbosa / Christian Fittipaldi	# 5 Action Express Racing	Chevrolet
2015	João Barbosa / Christian Fittipaldi	# 5 Action Express Racing	Chevrolet

Prototype Challenge Class

year	driver	team	source
2014	Jon Bennett Colin Brown James Gue	# 54 CORE Autosport
2015	Mike Guasch Tom Kimber-Smith Andrew Palmer	# 52 PR1 / Mathiasen Motorsports

GT Le Mans Class

year	driver	team	vehicle	source
2014	Michael Christensen Patrick Long	# 912 Porsche North America	Porsche
2015	Jan Magnussen Antonio Garcia	# 3 Corvette Racing	Chevrolet

GT Daytona Class

year	driver	team	vehicle	source
2014	Townsend Bell Bill Sweedler	# 555 AIM Autosport	Ferrari
2015	Al Carter Cameron Lawrence	# 93 Riley Motorsports	Porsche

Web links

http://www.imsa.com/

Individual evidence

1. ↑ gt-eins.at
2. ↑ gt-eins.at
3. ↑ alms.com
4. ↑ gt-eins.at
5. ↑ alms.com
6. ↑ racer.com ( Memento of the original from November 28, 2015 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. 
7. ↑ gt-eins.at
8. ↑ sportcsar365.com
9. ↑ alms.com
10. ↑ alms.com
11. ↑ automobilsport.com
12. ↑ grand-am.com ( Memento from August 14, 2013 in the Internet Archive )
13. ↑ grand-am.com ( Memento from September 12, 2013 in the Internet Archive )
14. ↑ grand-am.com ( Memento from October 2, 2013 in the Internet Archive )
15. ↑ alms.com (PDF).
16. ↑ alms.com (PDF).
17. ↑ alms.com (PDF).
18. ↑ alms.com (PDF).
19. ↑ alms.com (PDF).
20. ↑ alms.com (PDF).
21. ↑ alms.com (PDF).
22. ↑ alms.com (PDF).
23. ↑ alms.com (PDF).
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27. ↑ sportscar365.com
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32. ↑ sportscar365.com
33. ↑ sportscar365.com
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35. ↑ sportscar365.com
36. ↑ sportscar365.com
37. ↑ sportscar365.com
38. ↑ sportscar365.com
39. ↑ sportscar365.com
40. ↑ ^{a b c d} imsa.com (PDF).
41. ↑ ^{a b} sportscar365.com
42. ↑ imsa.com (PDF).
43. ↑ imsa.com (PDF).
44. ↑ imsa.com (PDF).
45. ↑ sportscar365.com
46. ↑ ^{a b} Bulletin # 14-10 (PDF) on imsa.com.
47. ↑ alms.com
48. ↑ ^{a b c d} imsa.com (PDF).
49. ↑ ^{a b c d} imsa.com
50. ↑ ^{a b c d} imsa.com
51. ↑ ^{a b c} imsa.com
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55. ↑ imsa.com
56. ↑ ^{a b c d} imsa.com
57. ↑ ^{a b c d} imsa.com
58. ↑ ^{a b c} imsa.com
59. ↑ ^{a b c d} imsa.com (PDF).