Offical Grand-Am GT RX-8 Thread
09-21-2008, 02:59 PM
#578
Upsilon Sigma Mu Chi
Looks like we got a 3rd in the series, guys, just where they wanted us... 
Great Job, Speedsource!!
I'll see ya there.
I'll see ya there.
Try youtube.com first. Then enter "Rolex Grand-Am" in the search.
Lots of us have DVR'ed copies of the entire events.
Great Job, Speedsource!!
I'll see ya there.
I'll see ya there.
Lots of us have DVR'ed copies of the entire events.
09-21-2008, 05:25 PM
#579
T-29 years and counting
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congratulations Speedcource. 3rd is great and you had a great season. cant wait for next year hopefully officals wont restrict the 8 as much.
09-22-2008, 07:19 AM
#580
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Rolex-Grand Am, re-named.
"Rolex-Grand GM GT Series".
Sylvain made it clear the RPM restriction costs them a second or more per lap.
I guess the creeps at Rolex just could not stand to see a rotary excell and push the pistons nose in the dirt.
Really sad.
"Rolex-Grand GM GT Series".
Sylvain made it clear the RPM restriction costs them a second or more per lap.
I guess the creeps at Rolex just could not stand to see a rotary excell and push the pistons nose in the dirt.
Really sad.
09-22-2008, 09:45 AM
#582
It's Not Easy Being Green
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They said there were problems with the engine even before it lost a rotor. I'm assuming a seal just let go.
09-22-2008, 12:09 PM
#583
Upsilon Sigma Mu Chi
Yeah. Even the announcers were in awe to see his engine go. They kept repeating 'this isn't like blowing a piston - this just doesn't happen' and they noted that had it been a piston engine parts would be all over the course. Flashed up a graphic indicating how the 8's dominated all the enduro events this year.
They said there were problems with the engine even before it lost a rotor. I'm assuming a seal just let go.
They said there were problems with the engine even before it lost a rotor. I'm assuming a seal just let go.
I will begin my email deluge to protest the rev restriction.
09-22-2008, 12:57 PM
#584
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We know SpeedSource was indicating issues with exhaust not getting pushed out so they were seeing some significant heat buildup over the last few races. The 70 car noted that in traffic this past race they were seeing higher than normal oil and water temps (they made some passes they didn't want to make to find some cleaner air).
But yeah if this was more engine problems because of the rev limiter then Mazda should be the ones contacting Rolex. It's one thing to try to balance out cars with weight. It's another to break cars.
09-22-2008, 02:46 PM
#585
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No idea if the blown engine has anything at all to do with the rev reduction. We know that they could tell something was off with the car even before the race started (or just after) but that may or may not have been from the rev limiter changes and might be just a seal giving way from normal (heh) usage.
We know SpeedSource was indicating issues with exhaust not getting pushed out so they were seeing some significant heat buildup over the last few races. The 70 car noted that in traffic this past race they were seeing higher than normal oil and water temps (they made some passes they didn't want to make to find some cleaner air).
But yeah if this was more engine problems because of the rev limiter then Mazda should be the ones contacting Rolex. It's one thing to try to balance out cars with weight. It's another to break cars.
We know SpeedSource was indicating issues with exhaust not getting pushed out so they were seeing some significant heat buildup over the last few races. The 70 car noted that in traffic this past race they were seeing higher than normal oil and water temps (they made some passes they didn't want to make to find some cleaner air).
But yeah if this was more engine problems because of the rev limiter then Mazda should be the ones contacting Rolex. It's one thing to try to balance out cars with weight. It's another to break cars.
Sylvain, are you reading this?????
09-22-2008, 04:06 PM
#586
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I agree with you totally. Sylvain just took these restrictions in stride vesting confidence in the decision making process of Rolex Grand Am. Speed Source and that part of Mazda that supports racing should be speaking out. Lets face it Mazda spends a lot of sponsorship monies supporting road racing. Look at how many of their commercials run during one of these events alone on Speed Vision Television. Maybe the tail wagging the dog (Us Fans) needs to see Mazda do something to defend themselves. We know the RX-8 is competitive and was restricted to a non-compete status. I will continue to express myself to the officials at Rolex Grand Am but want to see Mazda defend themselves as well.
Sylvain, are you reading this?????
Sylvain, are you reading this?????
This is the same as last season, the RX-8 wins a few, they put a penalty on us that makes the Mazda non-competitive, then lifts the penalty AFTER the season. I forsee GA will lift the RPM restriction after this season as well. They let us have a great beginning then screw us over and let the other makes win.
I was suprised to see the #69 blow an engine as well, it is most likely related to the RPM restriction they put on them.
________
Head Shop
Last edited by Renesis_8; 09-11-2011 at 02:48 PM.
09-22-2008, 06:00 PM
#587
Upsilon Sigma Mu Chi
I agree with you totally. Sylvain just took these restrictions in stride vesting confidence in the decision making process of Rolex Grand Am. Speed Source and that part of Mazda that supports racing should be speaking out. Lets face it Mazda spends a lot of sponsorship monies supporting road racing. Look at how many of their commercials run during one of these events alone on Speed Vision Television. Maybe the tail wagging the dog (Us Fans) needs to see Mazda do something to defend themselves. We know the RX-8 is competitive and was restricted to a non-compete status. I will continue to express myself to the officials at Rolex Grand Am but want to see Mazda defend themselves as well.
Sylvain, are you reading this?????
Sylvain, are you reading this?????
No idea if the blown engine has anything at all to do with the rev reduction. We know that they could tell something was off with the car even before the race started (or just after) but that may or may not have been from the rev limiter changes and might be just a seal giving way from normal (heh) usage.
We know SpeedSource was indicating issues with exhaust not getting pushed out so they were seeing some significant heat buildup over the last few races. The 70 car noted that in traffic this past race they were seeing higher than normal oil and water temps (they made some passes they didn't want to make to find some cleaner air).
But yeah if this was more engine problems because of the rev limiter then Mazda should be the ones contacting Rolex. It's one thing to try to balance out cars with weight. It's another to break cars.
We know SpeedSource was indicating issues with exhaust not getting pushed out so they were seeing some significant heat buildup over the last few races. The 70 car noted that in traffic this past race they were seeing higher than normal oil and water temps (they made some passes they didn't want to make to find some cleaner air).
But yeah if this was more engine problems because of the rev limiter then Mazda should be the ones contacting Rolex. It's one thing to try to balance out cars with weight. It's another to break cars.
What a sad ending to a wonderful season. All of the Pontiacs dominated the last race (and the season). Just as another poster said, 3rd place is where GA wants us to be, and the crazy restriction and weight penalty sure did the job.
This is the same as last season, the RX-8 wins a few, they put a penalty on us that makes the Mazda non-competitive, then lifts the penalty AFTER the season. I forsee GA will lift the RPM restriction after this season as well. They let us have a great beginning then screw us over and let the other makes win.
I was suprised to see the #69 blow an engine as well, it is most likely related to the RPM restriction they put on them.
This is the same as last season, the RX-8 wins a few, they put a penalty on us that makes the Mazda non-competitive, then lifts the penalty AFTER the season. I forsee GA will lift the RPM restriction after this season as well. They let us have a great beginning then screw us over and let the other makes win.
I was suprised to see the #69 blow an engine as well, it is most likely related to the RPM restriction they put on them.
09-22-2008, 06:31 PM
#588
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I'd imagine that Sylvain would periodically poke around here and read these posts, but he seems to be a very politically-correct and diplomatic guy so I doubt he'd EVER state what he's really thinking about this restriction foolishness...unless he did it under an alias. 
Clearly though, he took a little jab at Grand Am when he stated during an interview in this last race that "Grand Am wanted to slow us down...and they did." What a sad way to end the season. Did anyone else hear him say that they hit the rev limit SEVEN times in each lap, with no higher gear to go to?
There's a bit of a conspiracy theory going on over on the GA forums indicating that perhaps GA placed the restrictions on the Mazdas to ensure Pontiac won the series, thereby solidifying Pontiac factory support (which is allegedly on the rocks due to cutbacks at GM) and perhaps looking more favorable in the eyes of NASCAR, with a domestic make winning the series. I have no idea as to whether there's any truth to that, and I don't believe Pontiacs run in NASCAR anymore, but the timing of the restrictions along with the recent announcement re: NASCAR sure makes the timing seem suspicious.
Clearly though, he took a little jab at Grand Am when he stated during an interview in this last race that "Grand Am wanted to slow us down...and they did." What a sad way to end the season. Did anyone else hear him say that they hit the rev limit SEVEN times in each lap, with no higher gear to go to?
There's a bit of a conspiracy theory going on over on the GA forums indicating that perhaps GA placed the restrictions on the Mazdas to ensure Pontiac won the series, thereby solidifying Pontiac factory support (which is allegedly on the rocks due to cutbacks at GM) and perhaps looking more favorable in the eyes of NASCAR, with a domestic make winning the series. I have no idea as to whether there's any truth to that, and I don't believe Pontiacs run in NASCAR anymore, but the timing of the restrictions along with the recent announcement re: NASCAR sure makes the timing seem suspicious.
Last edited by Groundrush; 09-22-2008 at 06:33 PM.
09-22-2008, 07:13 PM
#589
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Well, the domestic car makers have got to be thinking about all the money they are flushing down the toilet by competing in NASCAR. Its not like they have any sort of brand recognition in that series anymore, with the Car of Long Ago body.
09-22-2008, 11:45 PM
#591
Upsilon Sigma Mu Chi
09-23-2008, 08:06 AM
#592
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Yeah I watched this past race and I was very fustrated,it was gut wrenching to see the RX-8 not able to stretch there legs....
Then the rotary going out in the 69 car.....
Oh well I still give them respect due for placing 3rd overall in the season with so much restrictions placed on them. Looking forward to the 24 at Daytona.....by the way i will be there again! We should have a RX-8 meet there....
I wonder why the SpeedSource boys don't leave the Gran Am series and go to the ALMS and race in the Gt2 class.With these restrictions, i don't think the ALMS would be as stringent on them since the RX-8 would have some serious competition and greater challenges in the ALMS. Compuserve Corvette team, stated next year there going to run the Gt2 class in the 2nd part of the season due to the fact that there is no competition for them in the GT1 class. I read that GM has begged other manufactures to participate , but they all kindly turned down GM offer to run the GT1 class. LOL!
Next year is going to be great for the GT2 class in the ALMS,BMW,Ford,GM, Porsche,Ferrari,Dodge,Aston will all be running in that class, its going to be one helluva time on the track not to forget mentioning Acura will be running there new P1 car the P1 series! Good times ahead!
Then the rotary going out in the 69 car.....
Oh well I still give them respect due for placing 3rd overall in the season with so much restrictions placed on them. Looking forward to the 24 at Daytona.....by the way i will be there again! We should have a RX-8 meet there....
I wonder why the SpeedSource boys don't leave the Gran Am series and go to the ALMS and race in the Gt2 class.With these restrictions, i don't think the ALMS would be as stringent on them since the RX-8 would have some serious competition and greater challenges in the ALMS. Compuserve Corvette team, stated next year there going to run the Gt2 class in the 2nd part of the season due to the fact that there is no competition for them in the GT1 class. I read that GM has begged other manufactures to participate , but they all kindly turned down GM offer to run the GT1 class. LOL!
Next year is going to be great for the GT2 class in the ALMS,BMW,Ford,GM, Porsche,Ferrari,Dodge,Aston will all be running in that class, its going to be one helluva time on the track not to forget mentioning Acura will be running there new P1 car the P1 series! Good times ahead!
09-23-2008, 09:14 AM
#593
Registered
Yeah I watched this past race and I was very fustrated,it was gut wrenching to see the RX-8 not able to stretch there legs....
Then the rotary going out in the 69 car.....
Oh well I still give them respect due for placing 3rd overall in the season with so much restrictions placed on them. Looking forward to the 24 at Daytona.....by the way i will be there again! We should have a RX-8 meet there....
I wonder why the SpeedSource boys don't leave the Gran Am series and go to the ALMS and race in the Gt2 class.With these restrictions, i don't think the ALMS would be as stringent on them since the RX-8 would have some serious competition and greater challenges in the ALMS. Compuserve Corvette team, stated next year there going to run the Gt2 class in the 2nd part of the season due to the fact that there is no competition for them in the GT1 class. I read that GM has begged other manufactures to participate , but they all kindly turned down GM offer to run the GT1 class. LOL!
Next year is going to be great for the GT2 class in the ALMS,BMW,Ford,GM, Porsche,Ferrari,Dodge,Aston will all be running in that class, its going to be one helluva time on the track not to forget mentioning Acura will be running there new P1 car the P1 series! Good times ahead!
Then the rotary going out in the 69 car.....
Oh well I still give them respect due for placing 3rd overall in the season with so much restrictions placed on them. Looking forward to the 24 at Daytona.....by the way i will be there again! We should have a RX-8 meet there....
I wonder why the SpeedSource boys don't leave the Gran Am series and go to the ALMS and race in the Gt2 class.With these restrictions, i don't think the ALMS would be as stringent on them since the RX-8 would have some serious competition and greater challenges in the ALMS. Compuserve Corvette team, stated next year there going to run the Gt2 class in the 2nd part of the season due to the fact that there is no competition for them in the GT1 class. I read that GM has begged other manufactures to participate , but they all kindly turned down GM offer to run the GT1 class. LOL!
Next year is going to be great for the GT2 class in the ALMS,BMW,Ford,GM, Porsche,Ferrari,Dodge,Aston will all be running in that class, its going to be one helluva time on the track not to forget mentioning Acura will be running there new P1 car the P1 series! Good times ahead!
also PLEASE PENSKE WIN NEXT SESSION, PLEASE.
09-23-2008, 09:36 AM
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09-23-2008, 10:38 AM
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09-23-2008, 10:40 AM
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09-23-2008, 12:02 PM
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