IMSA Announces Manual Adjustments to GTP Balance of Performance Ahead of Detroit Race
Detroit, MI – In a significant move aimed at enhancing competition, IMSA President John Doonan confirmed changes to the Balance of Performance (BoP) for the GTP class in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The adjustments will be implemented for the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic, scheduled for [insert date].
Key Adjustments:
- Acura ARX-06 & Cadillac V-Series.R: Increased horsepower and decreased minimum weight.
- BMW M Hybrid V8 & Porsche 963: Decreased horsepower and increased minimum weight.
- Aston Martin Valkyrie: No changes to power, weight, or maximum stint energy.
Doonan explained that these modifications were driven by a “data-driven process,” responding to performance disparities among competing manufacturers.
Context and Insights:
The IMSA Technical Committee (ITC) regularly assesses performance metrics based on a rolling average from the previous five races. Despite this practice, Doonan acknowledged that it had not been sufficiently responsive to variations in competition levels, prompting the need for these manual adjustments.
"The goal… is to ensure equal and fair competition," said Doonan, emphasizing the importance of transparency with manufacturers facing extreme variances in performance. "When things diverge, adjustments are necessary to bring everyone together."
Porsche Penske Motorsport has dominated the season, winning all events thus far and achieving 1-2 finishes in the last three races. Conversely, Acura and Cadillac are significantly trailing in the GTP manufacturers’ standings, with no podiums secured by Cadillac this year.
Future Outlook:
Looking ahead, Doonan affirmed that the rolling average will continue to play a role in assessing performance, but the immediate adjustments represent a proactive approach to maintaining competitive integrity. He noted the ongoing evaluation of tire performance and other factors to ensure equitable racing conditions.
Doonan refrained from indicating any potential long-term changes to the BoP measurement methodology but highlighted the extensive data analysis at the ITC’s disposal, facilitated by partnerships with technical allies like Bosch.
"We want to create fair competition," he stated, underscoring the ITC’s commitment to refining the BoP process as a crucial aspect of IMSA’s product offering.
The adjustments, informed by comprehensive data evaluation, are essential for providing a competitive platform, ensuring every team has a legitimate chance to contend for podium finishes and championships.
