World Sportscar Championship

Volume VIII

“THE ROAD TO LE MANS”

Official Season preview

CONTENTS FOREWORD

Ford driver and series creator Furinkazen in-troduces us all to the 8th edition of the FRL

World Sportscar Championship

GT-P CLASS

A look at all the entrants confirmed for the GT-P category of WSC VIII

GT-O CLASS

A look at the entrants confirmed for the GT-O category of WSC VIII

ROAR GALLERY

Gallery from the Roar at Daytona.

FOREWORD By Furinkazen

The late 1950s, and 1960s were an age for pioneers of racing. Le Mans was a spectacle fought between the lumbering V8 Fords and sleek

Ferrari V12's. The fastback Shelby Daytona was a sleek Gran Turismo designed off of the infamous Cobra muscle car. Mighty Corvettes and Mustangs frequently appeared in GT racing and SSCA-level events in

the US and across the world.

Racing was a dangerous sport. A racing Ford GT40 would hit over 225mph on the tree-lined Mulsanne straight at La Sarthe, many years before the insertion of chicanes to the track. The formidable Nurbur-gring was a monster of it's own, winding through the Eifel mountains, full of undulations, elevation, and jumps and bumps—undoubtedly

the greatest challenge to man and machine in world racing. Daytona and Spa roared with the sound of these beasts, and road racing, may have been dying out slowly, was still an unnerving challenge as the

auto racing world began to progress towards a new age.

And this is what this whole championship has always been about. It's a mix of old and new. Old style track layouts with classic cars plus a

chance for machines to race on layouts they never drove in anger. It's a tribute to everything that sportscars stands for: Variety in design

and engineering, 24 hour marathons that test and break both driver and machine, the mental, crazy road races that constituted events

such as the Targa Florio and Mille Miglia.

And now, we near a special anniversary. This championship beginning an 8th season, and the Le Mans Classic race is about to hit a historic double figure. In the virtual world, this championship is a survivor,

and fittingly like its forbearers it pays tribute to, has stood the test of time over these few years.

This is the World Sportscar Championship, Season VIII.

GT-P CLASS PREVIEW TECHNICAL

Gran Touring Prototype (or GT-P) for short is the premier class of the

WSC. Cars are purpose built race models that are highly modified from street counterparts. In accordance with ACO (governing body of the Le

Mans 24 Hours) sportscar regulations, cars must be built and func-tional to run as 2-seater model, however the additional seat may be

removed if necessary, but driver position must be left or right (not in a central position).

DrifterJoe (Jaguar XJ13) Joe was back to his very best in WSC VII with a record breaking 4th title in the Shelby Daytona, with 5 wins and 2 second places from 7 starts (the team skipped Brands Hatch). However for the new season he may not have it all his own way, having left Shelby and confirming that he is off to Jaguar, where he has had past success. Joe will be a contender for the title—but with an ever closer field will the lack of track time hurt him?

Lancer (Ferrari 330P4) Lancer had perhaps the season from hell last season. His Ferrari 330P4, privately run by N.A.R.T without factory backing for the series had all manner of mechanical issues, primarily with the drivetrain and gearing which meant he never even started a race. Lancer will not be racing the WSC season full time again, but will attempt Matterhorn—a track he specialises in. If the mechanical issues are finally sorted, expect a possible upset to the big factory teams.

Plux (Jaguar XJ13) Plux did a partial campaign last season and after initial struggles with an all new Jaguar chassis, he was fast enough to be contender in opening stages of the Le Mans Classic before early engine failure sidelined him. He returns for a full season in the Jaguar and if he can exploit the full potential of the Jaguar, expect a title run.

Jammy (Ford GT40 Mk1 Group 4) Jammy became WSC’s flying Finn, being the first in many seasons to try to tame the supreme raging power of the Group 4 specification GT40 Mk1, in its resplendent Gulf Oils colours. It was a mixed season and very much a developmental one, with handling problems in the Mirage-based chassis holding them back. Roar pace looked encouraging, and expect a much stronger and indeed potentially successful run this season.

Frasier (Ferrari 330 P4) Frasier steps up to the premier class of the WSC after a season in GT-O with the Mercedes 300SL. He never ever set the world on fire with his pace but more often that not was quietly racking up the miles and making solid progress through the order. His Daytona Roar performance suggests more of the same in GT-P in his new Ferrari, and that approach of safety first may result in good finishes as front runners fall away.

R0ssington (Shelby Daytona) Ross has always been one of the most prolific racers in the secondary class of the WSC, and finally moves up to the top division in the Shelby Daytona. He takes over the seat left by DrifterJoe, and it shouldn’t take him long to get up to speed. Ross is also one of the best wet weather drivers in the series, and his skills should make up for what is the Shelby's weak point.

Panoz (Ford MK IV) The one time WSC title winner was best of the rest for the majority of last season, with a Ford that was nowhere near as fast as the Shelby for the most part. However this season might be different, as a new BoP has increased the Fords power output. The odds are certainly looking more favourable for Panoz this season.

Ninners (Shelby Daytona) Ninners is rapid in just about anything he runs, but even then there was some surprise when he took a lights to flag win at Matterhorn in a one off appearance last season. If he carries that kind of pure pace over to the new season (which his pre season Roar performance suggests), a championship challenge is a real possibility.

Furinkazen (Ford MK IV) The second Team Ford car of Furinkazen has been unusually quiet this off season. The previous season was one of inconsistencies, with a perfect drive to the win in the rain at Silverstone neutered by terrible weekends at the Nurburgring and Spa. The off season has seen the team very quiet but racking up the miles on many tracks, and there is a certain sense of optimism that luck might be able to take a large upturn in the other half of Team Ford this season.

GT-O CLASS PREVIEW TECHNICAL

Grand Touring Open (or GT-O) for short is the undercard class of the

WSC. Cars are road based models that whilst being highly modified for competition, must be road legal even in competition state. No works-backed teams are permitted but manufacturers are allowed to design and provide teams with ACO-homologated aerodynamic body kits.

However fully functional, purpose built rear wings are not legal. GT-O drivers are also classified into two grading divisions of “PRO” and “AM” which is based on driver ability and fixed after the 2nd race that they

participate in.

Snowcrash (PRO) (Ferrari 250GTO) Snowcrash crushed the competition on his way to a second title in the WSC’s undercard category for Mercedes. However he has switched and leads the Ferrari charge with the potent new 250GTO model. He has also had a hand in developing the GT-O cars and as such is perhaps the most experienced and versatile racer in the championship. The 250GTO looks extremely rapid, and backed up by an equally strong showing at the Roar, Snowcrash starts off this season an early championship favourite.

Yeratel (PRO) (Ferrari 250GTO) Yeratel came up short in his attempts to win GT-O last season after a string of reliability issues with his Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta. However, he has yet another car to get used to this season, with the brand new 250GTO model. Now in equal equipment with defending champion Snowcrash, he was having a few handling issues at Daytona, but it won’t take him long to sort them and take the fight to Snowcrash.

Smuffy (PRO) (Mercedes 300SL) Smuffy is a former race winner in the second tier of the WSC, and this season will be part timing in a limited campaign in a Mercedes 300SL. We already know the Mercedes pace, witness Snow’s domination of last season, and Smuffy will certainly be up there fighting for wins when he does turn up.

Andil (PRO) (Mercedes 300SL) Andil is put straight in PRO as he has a track record as a blisteringly quick racer in other FRL leagues. He has the speed, he certainly has the car in the Mercedes 300SL, but he doesn’t have the experience in these cars. In this series, that could be his main problem for the races he enters.

O’Rama (PRO) (Ferrari 250GTB) O’Rama picks up his PRO status by winning the old Alfa Challenge that ran in the WSC several seasons back. Any illusion that this was down to lack of competition have been dispelled by some blistering pace that will ensure that O’Rama, in the solo 250GT Berlinetta this season, is sure to be a contender at the events he plans to participate in.

Ryan (AM) (Shelby Mustang GT350) To describe Ryan’s debut season as tumultuous was an understatement. Barred from GT-P after a series of incidents at Silverstone, and being way off the pace in GT-O was not a favourable debut. The Roar unfor-tunately didn’t look brilliant either, but Ryan will be hoping for a more settled second season, his first full one in GT-O. The Mustang is a well rounded, package, so that gives him something solid to work from.

RoflWaffle (AM) (Mercedes 300SL) Rofl’s attempted last seasons Rolex opener and lasted all but best part of a lap before gearbox failure. He returns in the solo AM Mercedes and plans to attempt to run the majority of the season. Certainly, he will need the mileage as he is painfully lacking in that area compared to others.

Siggers (AM) (Shelby Mustang GT350) Now this one could be a dark horse. Siggers is placed into AM on his WSC debut but is known as a decent driver who certainly knows things about how to handle a racecar. Roar pace suggested he was on pace and test-ing at Brands Hatch since looked very strong. An early favourite in the GT-O AM class.

Daiba (AM) (Ferrari 250GTO) Wealthy Ferrari enthusiast Daiba has run in GT-P and GT-O prancing horses before with limited success. This season is his best chance yet with him having the keys to a new 250GTO—the same equipment being used by top PRO class drivers. Perhaps, this could be a breakthrough season.

Matheus (AM) (BMW 507) Matheus become the first Brazilian to grace the WSC scene, driving a BMW 507. The car is totally unproven, and in all honesty, Matheus is a total unknown in this type of racing as well. He attended the Roar and got some decent mileage in the BMW. He has lodged and entry for the Daytona, Silverstone, and Spa events.

FlyingFox (AM) (Corvette Coupe) One of the WSC’s veterans, winner of that photo finish at Monza, Fox steps back to the lower tier of the championship after a disappointing season in GT-P. He’s back with Corvettes all new Coupe challenger, based around the C2. It’s like coming back home with a familiar team and make, and from the looks of the Roar, as expected he has got up to pace reasonably quickly.

ChrisJohnson (AM) (Jaguar E Type) Chris is a highly experienced WSC racer, but his glory days of winning in the top class seem light years ago. He’s in GTO again and providing a privateer Jaguar E Type to challenge with. An extremely under devel-oped car, it might take too long for Chris to get to grips with it for him to make a significant impression on the competition.

ROUND #1 BOAC 250k

CIRCUIT: Brands Hatch GP (80’s) DURATION: 65 Laps GT-P LAP RECORD: 1.23.9* (Panoz, Ford) GT-O LAP RECORD: 1.34.8* (Snowcrash, Mercedes) *times on “GP” layout

For the first time ever the WSC starts outside of the USA and away from the Daytona Road Course. Brands was a new addition last season and a popular one, with a fast flowing track with tight hairpins, sweeping curves and a flow to it that really made it a hit with drivers.

Paddock hill is a difficult corner, sharply dropping away. The bump in the bottom of the hill can

also unsettle cars and can lead to unexpected snap-handling characteristics.

Graham Hill bend is a deceptive corner. It is

possible to take flat in a prototype, but you have to be inch perfect or you are going to have a big

crash on the exit.

The whole GP loop is a swooping challenge, but the last part of Sheene’s

is arguably the most challenging as it tightens up significantly and the

tyre wall comes out fairly close to the track.

Clark Curve is the final corner and the bane of many drivers who try

and push too hard on a fast lap—the grass and gravel mean a bumpy

ride that spoils the start of your next lap as well.

ROUND #2 4th ADAC SPORTSCAR MASTERS

CIRCUIT: Nurburgring N24 DURATION: 15 Laps GT-P LAP RECORD: 8.21.3 (DrifterJoe, Shelby) GT-O LAP RECORD: 9.29.0 (Snowcrash, Mercedes)

The Nordschleife. The most daunting racing venue on the planet. You either love it or hate it. This event is a gruelling race, and a wake up call to those who might not be fully concentrated after Brands. The winner here certainly will have earned it, for taking on and conquering The Green Hell is no easy task.

The GP circuit is the opening of the N24 lap

and only part of the Nordschleife that is a dedicated race track,

which results in a totally different racing surface.

After Aremberg we run up to the “Fox-Hole”, which is an incredibly

scary 190mph uphill run with narrow roads, and high kerbs waiting to

catch out the unaware.

Karrusell is a favourite spectator point, as cars

slow on a steeply banked section that heralds the

start of a couple minutes of constant twists and

turns as the track drops down.

Dottinger is a massive straightaway that is the only respite for drivers,

but even then has a high speed downhill braking

zone that will result in an ugly accident if taken

wrong.

ROUND #3 CASTROL GP OF MATTERHORN

CIRCUIT: Matterhorn Rotenboden DURATION: 2 Hours GT-P LAP RECORD: N/A GT-O LAP RECORD: N/A

Matterhorn’s WSC event now moves in an event that encompasses the en-tire area, a challenging road race full of low speed sections, off camber bumps, as well as some genuinely terrifying high speed corners. This is the WSC’s sole road race, and perhaps will be one of the most unpredict-able races.

The Esses open the lap and are simply crazy. The track is sheer uphill and taken at some speed in a GT-P. If you spin or crash,

the car may roll back-wards before you can

even restart!

After the Esses comes the Peak of the track, its

highest point. Solid walls can easily damage your

car even at low speeds, so exercise caution.

The middle section is mental. A downhill drop,

with a straining right hander leading into this

left, which drops away. A massive crash is always possible here, with zero

margin for error.

The Village sequence of turns are somewhat simi-lar in nature to the Peak, but all coming after one another before the climb uphill to the pits and the beginning of another lap.

ROUND #4 THE ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA

CIRCUIT: Daytona Road Course DURATION: 80 Laps GT-P LAP RECORD: 1:43.2 (DrifterJoe, Shelby) GT-O LAP RECORD: 1:58.1 (Yeratel, Ferrari)

Daytona is now mid way through the season, but this WSC mainstay is other-wise unchanged, as drivers race though night and day on the historic part-oval, part-circuit layout that provides a major challenge for set up engineers.

The first turn at Daytona is considered by many

the hardest first corner in the entire championship.

Transitioning off the banking from approach-

ing 200mph to 50 is a very difficult task.

Turn 6 takes drivers back onto the banking, and is key as a poor exit could

cost you over a second on the run to the Bus Stop

chicane.

The Bus Stop chicane is challenging and a critical turn. Extremely difficult to get the turn-in right

especially as barriers ob-scure your view and the grass leaves no margin

for error at all.

Pit Exit is dirty and dusty after T1, merging into

T2’s “Horseshoe” section. On cold dirty tyres, it is

very easy to lock up and go off on exit.

ROUND #5 MONZA 200

CIRCUIT: Monza No Chicanes DURATION: 56 Laps GT-P LAP RECORD: 1:35.7 (DrifterJoe, Shelby) GT-O LAP RECORD: 1:50.3 (Yeratel, Ferrari)

Following on from the dis-appearance of the Pescara circuit, Monza serves two purposes. One is as how it is now the fastest race on the WSC, and another is as Italy solo event on the WSC calendar. Monza always gives us all a hell of a show. Who can forget them, the closest ever finishes in WSC history for both classes here?

The blocks signify what would be Monza’s first turn, and any touch is

going to be a monumen-tal accident. Funnelling cars 2 and 3 abreast at

200+ mph is certainly an intense experience.

The first of the two turns known as the Lesmos is

fairly routine, except for running out wide, which

can pitch your car sharply into the inner

tyre wall.

Ascari is a medium speed chicane that is tricky to get right. Cutting kerbs and running out gains

you time but a wheel off and a major spin is highly

likely.

Parablolica is a high speed braking zone and a 180 degree turn that

opens up on exit. Again, too early on throttle and a spin will cost you all the

way down for the next third of a lap.

ROUND #6 AUTOSPORT 6 Hours

CIRCUIT: Silverstone Grand Prix DURATION: 2 Hours GT-P LAP RECORD: 2:00.3 (DrifterJoe, Shelby) GT-O LAP RECORD: 2:18.1 (Rossington, Shelby)

The home of British motor racing threw up what was an unexpected result as Furinkazen took his 3rd WSC career win, on home turf in a rain swept race. Silverstone becomes a 2 hour event for the new season and is a mix of old and new track layout, with fast old runways and new technical hairpins making for a varied lap time.

The “Wing” section of Silverstone is a tricky first

segment, with a high speed flick left and right before a double hairpin. A mistake here could be

an ugly accident.

Luffield is a tricky long right hander, with a few different lines available.

Maximising speed around here will make a major difference to lap time.

Maggots and Becketts are highest speed corners

on the track, some left and right sweepers which reward committed and

brave driving.

Vale and Club are two turns twisting onto the

front straight. After half a lap of high speeds, it is

easy to push too hard and ruin not just your

current lap, but the start of your next one as well.

ROUND #7 Zeltweg 2 Hours

CIRCUIT: Red Bull Ring DURATION: 2 Hours GT-P LAP RECORD: N/A GT-O LAP RECORD: N/A

Forget the “Red Bull Ring” naming—too many this part of Austria will always be remembered for the now derelict Osterreichring circuit. Taking its place and also hosting its maiden then is the rural, fast paced layout in the final 2 hour event of the season.

Schlossgold is a tricky turn, braking downhill as

the road drops away. Very easy to run wide

and lose time here.

Lauda is a very deceptive corner. The kerbs on exit

come out towards you and the rumble strips are very bumpy and capable of suddenly upsetting the

cars balance.

Pit entry is very early, before Rindt corner. The white line is on the inside and also crosses onto the corner apex. If you are

not committed here, it’s unlikely you will make it into pit lane next turn.

Mobile is the last turn and a corner requiring commitment but rough

rumble strips are waiting to catch out the unwary.

ROUND #8 TOTAL SPA 24 HOURS

CIRCUIT: Spa-Francorchamps DURATION: 60 Laps GT-P LAP RECORD: 2:16.9 (Ninners, Shelby) GT-O LAP RECORD: 2:38.0 (Akmuq, Corvette)

A true endurance. Spa is one of the greatest racing circuits in the world and the 8th round of the WSC VIII season is a round the clock event in the roads of the Ardennes region. Spa is also perhaps the most unpredictable race in the championship weather wise, with flash rain storms an unpredictable, and frequent occurrence.

Eau Rouge is one of the greatest corners in world motorsport. A high speed

approach steep uphill with the road levelling

out on exit. And it leaves zero margin for error.

Pouhon is a classic turn widening on exit. It is

tricky to get the perfect run from here—time can be found or lost in equal measure on this section

quite easily.

Blanchimont is high speed left hander for the brave. However catching

the rumble strips and kerbing on the outside of the turn can lead to some monumental accidents.

A slow hairpin, La Source is surrounded on exit by

rough kerbing, which when under power can be quite hazardous exiting

the corner.

ROUND #9 10th Running Of The Le Mans Classic

CIRCUIT: Circuit De La Sarthe (2013) DURATION: 45 Laps GT-P LAP RECORD: 3:51.1 (DrifterJoe, Shelby) GT-O LAP RECORD: 4:27.9 (Gokartman, Corvette)

For the 10th time, the greatest challenge in the WSC is the Le Mans Classic. The home of endurance racing plays host to what is the most prestigious race in our sport, on public roads of 190mph+ and purpose built track, seamlessly melded together to create a Classic race for double points and also to decide the title. This is the Le Mans Classic of WSC VIII.

Tetre Rouge is a key turn off the Bugatti section of La Sarthe heading onto the Mulsanne. Carrying speed here will help all

the way down to the first chicane.

Mulsanne is unique. Bumpy public road, the

car will often momentar-ily lift off the ground over

the bumps. Overtaking or braking, these can re-sult in a shock change to

car behaviour.

Indianapolis is banked sharply and carrying

speed through sets you up for the very deceptive Arnage, which tightens up and has some rather

uncompromising tyre barriers near by on exit.

Porsche Curves are some medium pace narrow

sweepers. Overtaking is tough here, and traffic can really hold you up

here.

ROAR AT DAYTONA: PHOTO GALLERY

On the 20th July, 14 WSC teams descended upon the Daytona Road Course for an extensive testing run and demonstration of this seasons cars. Many thanks to Panoz for the pictures.

Original track photography, article writing by Furinkazen. Thanks to

everyone for contributing pictures.

An FRL Media Publication, 2014.