The 2021 afternoon Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway looks a little more dangerous than usual. Not because of the weather or track conditions, mainly because of the addition of the LMP3 class, which has turned out to be a bit of a disaster.
In theory, there is nothing wrong with LMP3 machine prototypes, which typically have their own special series in the United States. They look quite similar to LMP2 machines, but all LMP3s share a Nissan V-8 that produces 455 horsepower. However, it seems quite simple.
But for some reason, if you put these cars on a track with other classes, disasters occur. Part of this is because it’s a big step for entry-level riders or riders, people who may not have a lot of skill or experience, but who have the ability to compete. That’s all right. I don’t judge. But the track action, whether it’s training sessions or last weekend’s qualifying test, has shown that these bad guys can cause impressive chaos.
During Thursday night practice, for example, LMP3 driver Austin Dillon locked in turn 6, tried to avoid hitting the tire barrier by turning turn 1 and facing oncoming traffic, before finally rejoining. at turn 6. According to a Twitter user, he said race control: “That was the dumbest thing we’ve ever seen.”
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Here is a handy picture of the traffic flow to show you the situation.
Dillon’s instincts were right in this situation, for the most part. As a professional driver Ryan Lewis he explained, probably Dillon was trying to avoid hitting the tire barriers head-on. It’s new to the car, so it makes sense for there to be a learning curve. It’s unfortunate that he had to be during night workouts before one of the biggest endurance races in the world.
Another big problem here is the fact that the LMP3s are almost up to the GTLM class machines in terms of pace, which means we’re about to have two very different types of cars that take you to the same track positions. Easily unpleasant thing.
Sportscar fans expect the chaos to subside over Daytona Beach over the weekend and many are fixing that chaos on LMP3 machines. The Rolex is always a good watch, but this year it will be especially fascinating with this wildcard thrown into the mix.