zzdcar
Home
/
Reviews
/
Racing
/
The LMP3 Category Looks Like A Rolling Disaster Ahead Of The Rolex 24
The LMP3 Category Looks Like A Rolling Disaster Ahead Of The Rolex 24-January 2024
2024-02-19 EST 22:11:00

Image for article titled The LMP3 Category Looks Like A Rolling Disaster Ahead Of The Rolex 24

This afternoon’s 2021 Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway is looking, uh, a little more dangerous than usual. Not because of weather or track conditions—mostly because of the addition of the LMP3 class, which has turned out to be a little bit of a hot mess.

In theory, there’s nothing wrong with prototype LMP3 machines, which have usually run their own special series in the United States. They look pretty similar to the LMP2 machines, but LMP3s all share a Nissan V-8 that produces 455 horsepower. All in all, it seems pretty straightforward.

But for some reason, if you put these cars on a track with other classes, disaster strikes. Part of that is because it’s a great step for entry-level or gentlemen drivers—people who may not have tons of skill or experience but who have the ability to race. That’s fine. I don’t judge. But the on-track action—whether it be practice sessions or last weekend’s qualifying race—has shown that these bad boys can cause an impressive amount of chaos.

I mean, just watch the qualifying race:

Another big issue here is the fact that LMP3s are pretty much on par with the GTLM class machines in terms of pace, which means we’re about to have two very different types of car duking it out for the same track positions. Which could easily get nasty.

And LMP3 isn’t the only category causing chaos. During night practice on Thursday, for example, LMP2 driver Austin Dillon locked up in Turn 6, tried to avoid hitting the tire barrier by spinning around in Turn 1 and facing oncoming traffic, before he finally rejoined in Turn 6. According to one Twitter user, race control said, “That was the dumbest thing we’ve ever seen.”

Here’s a handy visual of traffic flow to get you picturing the situation.

Dillon’s instincts were right in this situation, for the most part. As professional driver explained, Dillon was probably just trying to avoid hitting the tire barriers head-on. He’s new to the car, so it makes sense that there’s a learning curve. It’s unfortunate that it had to be during night practice ahead of one of the bigger endurance races in the world.

Sportscar fans are expecting chaos to descend over Daytona Beach this weekend, and many are pegging that chaos to be sparked by LMP2 and LMP3 machines. The Rolex is always a good watch, but it’s going to be especially fascinating this year with this wild card thrown into the mix.

Comments
Welcome to zzdcar comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.
Sign up to post
Sort by
Show More Comments
Racing
You've Probably Never Heard Of The Coolest Canadian Car Ever Built
You've Probably Never Heard Of The Coolest Canadian Car Ever Built
Name a car from the early 1960s built by a famed racing driver with curvy, lightweight aluminum bodywork, a big American engine, and a reputation for being unruly and fast as all hell. Your first thought was probably the famed Shelby Cobra, did you know there was a who...
Jan 12, 2025
Local Businesses Want Compensation After Allegedly Losing Money During Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
Local Businesses Want Compensation After Allegedly Losing Money During Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
If you listen to Formula 1 or local officials from Las Vegas and Clark County, you’d probably think November’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix was a success. Some sources estimated that the city of Las Vegas made over $1 billion in revenue from the event — but there were...
Jan 12, 2025
Race Team Would Rather Create A Fake AI Woman Rather Than Hire A Real One
Race Team Would Rather Create A Fake AI Woman Rather Than Hire A Real One
In another unsurprising example of motorsport’s inhospitable mindset toward hiring competent women, the Racing team has announced a new partnership with Ava Rose, a literal , who will... engage with fans? Share knowledge about technology? “Navigate the cutting edge of innovation to create positive change” (whatever that means)? I...
Jan 12, 2025
After Delivering 8 Seasons At The Back Of The Grid, Haas F1 Team Dumps Guenther Steiner
After Delivering 8 Seasons At The Back Of The Grid, Haas F1 Team Dumps Guenther Steiner
The partially North Carolina-based squad has determined that after , it needs to mix things up a little. The team’s firebrand has been following an abysmal 2023 season which saw the team score just four points-paying finishes. The team’s , where scored a fourth-place finish, but that season too...
Jan 12, 2025
Listen To In-Car Audio From Race Cars While You Work
Listen To In-Car Audio From Race Cars While You Work
If you follow racing in the U.S., you probably already know about the . Most of the episodes are too much of a distraction to put on as background noise while you work, but a couple of recent entries in his series have been working incredibly well for me....
Jan 12, 2025
Get Ready To Spend All Your Money On Retro Formula 1 Merch
Get Ready To Spend All Your Money On Retro Formula 1 Merch
Fellow nerds, get ready to open your wallets, because I’ve found what may be the greatest store of all time. With designs from Formula 1 teams like , you’re sure to find something that fits your particular nostalgic niche. I’d like to introduce you to Racing Retro. I first...
Jan 12, 2025
Copyright 2023-2025 - www.zzdcar.com All Rights Reserved