This is the Statt Mann Baby!!  Time to Scatt a little bit.

After the Rolex 24 this weekend at Daytona, the differences between Grand-Am and the American Lemans Series were never more apparent.  It’s easy to say the ALMS is more tech savvy but technology alone doesn’t make a road race.

I’m obviously in the minority with that opinion, though.  At Daytona, the crowds were larger this year but nothing like the throngs at Lemans where hundreds of thousands have made the race a mid-summer event.  The same applies at the ALMS opener in Sebring during Spring Break in Florida.
 
I know the argument that sports car fans like the idea of technology in their competition and, frankly, I do too.  The factories and big budgets are in the ALMS.  The racers, though, like the more affordable Rolex Kool-Aid.

Seventy cars in two classes started the Rolex 24.  Lemans limits entries to 55 but an average ALMS race will have 20 to 22 cars divided into four classes.

One team owner this morning compared Rolex racing to a competition instead of an exhibition.  When a 24 hour race becomes a fender banging sprint, I’d almost agree.  Give me an old fashioned car race any day.  I’m uncomfortable when a corporate suit paying for the tech savvy can determine who wins and loses the race.

Peace.