Carpokes Porsche Forum

996C438 wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2025 2:44 pm I can't imagine that the announcement by McLaren is too far down the road .

I have little doubt too. When the rumors are flying this much, the fact is usually just around the corner!

I wonder if Ford will extend their WEC LMDh Hypercar plans to the IMSA GTP series here? It would seem to be the logical path to take.

blueline wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2025 8:35 pm I wonder if Ford will extend their WEC LMDh Hypercar plans to the IMSA GTP series here? It would seem to be the logical path to take.

I would sure hope so . Being an American brand they should race in IMSA as well as WEC .

Autoweek:

"... Differences Between WEC Hypercar and IMSA GTP LMDh"

"The prototype classes in the World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship have more differences than you might think."

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/more-ra ... d568259d8a

NurPhoto//Getty Images

I love how team Rexy is having fun with the dinosaur theme . Another creative step forward I love it . No wonder they are a fan favorite .

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2025/03/ ... bring.html

Autoweek re this weekend's IMSA Sebring 12-hour race noting a few interesting bits of info:

"V12 Valkyrie Will Catch Eyes, Ears at IMSA 12 Hours of Sebring"

"IMSA officials have already docked the Valkyrie by nearly 15 horsepower in the new Balance of Performance released after testing at the central Florida track."

"The Valkyrie is the first car built to the LMH rules of Hypercar to race in GTP."

"IMSA also announced power cuts to prototypes that included a 12-horsepower reduction for the Porsche 963 and eight horsepower for the BMW M Hybrid V8 and Cadillac V-Series.R."

Interestingly, the Valkyrie is naturally aspirated - the only one in the GTP/Hypercar/LMDh field running in IMSA.

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/more-ra ... d568259d8a

NurPhoto//Getty Images

Wonderful short read from Autoweek regarding Sebring and the significance of the storied track that tests drivers and race machines like few other tracks.

"What Makes the 12 Hours of Sebring So Special"

"The Hendricks Army Airfield in Sebring, Fla., hosted its first race on New Year's Eve in 1950 and its 12-hour race in 1952."

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/more-ra ... d568259d8a

The entire race will be shown live tomorrow on Peacock beginning at 10:00 am eastern.


Some historical and cool old pics too.

Bettmann//Getty Images


RacingOne//Getty Images

Bettmann//Getty Images

"The early years of the Sebring race kicked off with a Le Mans 24-style driver dash to their cars."

Autoweek:

"Porsche Penske Targets Historic Triple Crown Triumph at Le Mans"

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/more-ra ... d568259d8a

James Gilbert//Getty Images

"The #7 Porsche Penske Motorsports Porsche 963 team of Nick Tandy, Laurens Vanthoor and Felipe Nasr celebrate in victory lane after winning the IMSA WeatherTech Championship Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring at Sebring International Raceway on March 15, 2025 in Sebring, Florida."

McLaren officially announce a 2027 WEC Hypercar entry .

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/mcl ... r-program/

Autoweek: "Porsche Penske Motorsports Trio Chases Racing History at 24 Hours of Le Mans"

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/more-ra ... 63e104c301

James Moy Photography//Getty Images
Kevin Estre, Laurens Vanthoor and Matt Campbell will drive the No. 6 Porsche 963.