Why No Grand-Am (Daytona 24hrs) Models?

[racer93]

I imagine that the organizers of the ALMS are just about bursting at the seams to try and get the name of their series (not sponsors... ) out there to the racing fans. Given this, I wonder why Tamiya or anyone else has tried to do a model of any one of them? Are they (the racing series) dumb enough to keep the prices so high so as to keep Tamiya, etc., away from trying?

Personally, I'd be more interested if I could build a model and see the inner workings of the cars themselves (it happened to me w/F1, MotoGP, etc...).

Just like to hear anyone/everyone's thoughts...

Daniel

[MPWR]

Originally Posted by racer93

Are they (the racing series) dumb enough to keep the prices so high so as to keep Tamiya, etc., away from trying?

Probably not. It's the licensing from car manufacturers and sponsors that does that- combined with ALMS's relative obscurity, even in the States. LeMans kits these days are rare enough, and there's a vastly larger global marked for LeMans than ALMS

[Zurbert82]

I am not sure what this has to do with Grand-Am and the 24 hours of Daytona as the ALMS is a completely separate entity, but there have been 2 ALMS models released, both by Revell. The Audi R10 TDI, and Corvette C6.R. Granted they are marketed as 24 Heures de Mans kits, there are ALMS decals available, plus the same exact cars run in the ALMS. Unfortunately Tamiya have all but stopped producing racing cars save for JGTC Toyota's and Honda's. A Porsche RS Spyder would probably be their best bet given Tamiya's history of producing Porsches. As for Grand-Am, the following just isn't there based on the fact that it's nearly a domestic series with very minor manufacturer support. It wouldn't be in Tamiya or even Revell's best interest to produce a Grand-Am kit. but I wouldn't hold my breath for a new racing car kit from Tamiya other than a JGTC...

[Adam Baker]

I have one of these



Its a resin Riley Mark XI Daytona Prototype body from Resilient Resins . Its 1/24 scale, and it looks decent. The biggest issue is its a slot car body, so therefore sized to fit a standard 1/24 scale slot car chassis, so unfortunately its not proportioned 100% accurately, but its close enough to make a decent model.

A good friend of mine works for Riley Technologies, so Im going to be building mine to represent teh #91 Riley Lowes car run at the 2006 24 hours of Daytona. Im hoping to get it signed by all 4 drivers once I get it finished. Dont have any idea when it'll be done, as Im not sure at the moment what Im going to be using for a chassis. Also not sure what Im going to try doing for an interior or engine compartment. Im not sure if my friend cant get me any real decent chassis pics, as Riley is pretty protective about pictures being taken of their stuff. I did have the pleasure of going to their new shop in Mooresville, NC last year, and it was pretty cool to see. They had a car w/ all of the body work removed, so got to see the entire rear drivetrain and suspension, and the front suspension areas. Unfortunately I wasnt allowed to take pictures of the car since the body work was removed.

Here are some pics of the car Im doing.

[Zurbert82]

Originally Posted by MPWR

Probably not. It's the licensing from car manufacturers and sponsors that does that- combined with ALMS's relative obscurity, even in the States. LeMans kits these days are rare enough, and there's a vastly larger global marked for LeMans than ALMS

The ALMS has a pretty decent following outside of the Unites States, probably just behind the LMS. All the races are broadcast on Motors TV plus the series has major international manufacturers and drivers, such as Audi, Porsche, Honda, Ferrari. I would say the ALMS is the 5th most popular series in the US, trailing only NASCAR, F1, Champ Car, and Indycar.

Hopefully Tamiya will kit the Acura/Honda LMP prototypes (the key being they are a major japanese manufacturer) should they be successful in the future, especially at the 2009 24 Heures du Mans when they move up to LMP1.

[Adam Baker]

Fwiw, just thought I would point it out. The race being run today, is part of the Rolex Grand Am Series, which is different from the American Le Man Series.

[racer93]

Originally Posted by Adam Baker

Fwiw, just thought I would point it out. The race being run today, is part of the Rolex Grand Am Series, which is different from the American Le Man Series.

Oops, my bad on that. I was specifically referring to the Daytona Prototypes (RGAS). I really like that closed-in look vs the open cockpit. It harkens back to my childhood with the old Group C...

Daniel

[Zurbert82]

Originally Posted by racer93

Oops, my bad on that. I was specifically referring to the Daytona Prototypes (RGAS). I really like that closed-in look vs the open cockpit. It harkens back to my childhood with the old Group C...

Daniel

This is what a closed prototype should look like, IMO

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

No Daytona prototype cars probably because the series is a lot more obscure than ALMS, which is a series that packs the racetracks with fans, unlike this series. Daytona used to be packed before the split in sports car series. It's sad to see how little fan support is there in the series, and how few people are in the stands at Daytona. In March at the 12 hours of Sebring it's an entirely different scene. The place is packed to the gills with race fans. The ALMS is not obscure in this country! It's only problem is filling out the grid w/enough cars. The fans certainly support them.

Also, many people find the design of the DP car to be atrocious, particularly the turret-like cockpit design and width. ALMS/LeMans prototypes are by far better looking designs. There simply aren't enough fans of DP cars for a company to make them in mass quantity. Resin is about all you'll get.

[Adam Baker]

Daytona Prototypes are one of the 2 divisions within the Rolex Grand Am series. The Riley Mark XI is a Daytona Prototype car.

[935k3]

I have to agree with Zubert82, I think the Daytona Prototypes are some of the ugliest protypes ever raced. They are pretty slow too, the first year they raced at Daytona they were out paced by a GTX(basically a Trans-Am car) class Mustang. They then outlawed the class the Mustang was in. What do you expect when NASCAR is running a sports car series. Even the Porsches don't look as good as the ALMS GT2 cars because of their stupid rules.I like the turret description given by ZoomZoomMX-5, I never thought of that.

[Adam Baker]

HUH?!?!?!?! Where did you get that? Nascar has absolutely nothing to do w/ the Rolex Grand Am Series.

Originally Posted by 935k3

What do you expect when NASCAR is running a sports car series.

[Zurbert82]

Originally Posted by Adam Baker

HUH?!?!?!?! Where did you get that? Nascar has absolutely nothing to do w/ the Rolex Grand Am Series.

You're right. Grand-Am is sanctioned by GARRA, not NASCAR. The only connection lies in the fact that GARRA was founded by Jim France, whose father Bill helped finance IMSA back in the 70's. Lets put this to rest and not start another ALMS vs Grand-AM thread. It get's old, especially if you're a member of some of the more popular sportscar forums.

[racer93]

Ok, what my original question was concerning was *NOT* ALMS vs Rolex, etc. I was just curious as to why no more prototype (I don't give a rat's a$$ who they run with) models have been made by plastic model companies, as they (across the world) are popular among fans...

Daniel

[Adam Baker]

Arent the Corvette's that Dale Jr & Dale Sr drove in 2001 Rolex Grand Am cars? I know they dont run 'vettes now, but Im pretty sure those cars were Rolex cars.

And I think that there could be some porsche kits floating around to make some various Grand Am cars.