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GRAND-AM
GRAND-AM: ORECA Eyeing Increased American Presence
SPEED.com Exclusive: French constructor considering Daytona Prototype project for United SportCar Racing championship...
ORECA, constructor of the popular spec PC class car, is considering creation of a Daytona Prototype for United SportsCar Racing. (Photo: LAT)
With the merger between GRAND-AM and the American Le Mans Series, the world’s sports car manufacturers are keeping a close eye on the developments unfolding in North America.
That includes ORECA, the famed French squad which which holds U.S. racing close to its heart, having taken overall victories in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Twelve Hours of Sebring.
The Hugues de Chaunac-led organization, constructors of the Oreca 03 LMP2 car and the highly popular Oreca FLM09 LMPC machine, are considering their options for the future, including the possibility of building an all-new Daytona Prototype for the newly named United SportsCar Racing championship.
SPEED.com caught up with ORECA technical director David Floury to get his thoughts on the future of American sports car racing and the possibility of a future ORECA DP.
Q: What is ORECA's position regarding the the 2014 ALMS/GRAND-AM merger?
FLOURY: ORECA is very happy and excited by the merger. It will make a strong championship with races like the Rolex 24, Twelve Hours of Sebring, Laguna Seca or Petit Le Mans. ORECA wants to take part. ORECA loves U.S. racing and has a great history, having won both the Daytona 24 hours and Sebring 12 hours, among many other great results on the American ground.
Q: Are you at all concerned about the Balance of Performance for the combined Prototype class (P2 and Daytona Prototype)?
FLOURY: As a LMP2 manufacturer, for sure we are concerned by the BoP, but we are confident that GRAND-AM will propose the best possible solution to offer a very open and competitive combined prototype class.
Q: Is ORECA evaluating the possibility of building a DP? If so, would it be a complete new car, or just chassis and/or bodywork?
FLOURY: As a racing car manufacturer, we always evaluate the different categories and markets. It is too early to say, but a complete car would make more sense.
Q: What would the factors be to green-light a Daytona Prototype program?
FLOURY: Having the backing of an OEM supplying the engine would be one of them. The BoP is also to be considered.
Q: What is the status of the proposed second-generation PC car?
FLOURY: The LMPC is a reliable and cost-effective car. It is one of the best values for the money in endurance racing and the target is to keep the costs down. Therefore, it should not be changed too much, so that costs stay under control and enables to have more teams on-board.
Q: Is ORECA evaluating a LMP1 car for the new 2014 regulations?
FLOURY: As mentioned, we evaluate all categories. We have been following the regulations definition process very closely.
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
That includes ORECA, the famed French squad which which holds U.S. racing close to its heart, having taken overall victories in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Twelve Hours of Sebring.
The Hugues de Chaunac-led organization, constructors of the Oreca 03 LMP2 car and the highly popular Oreca FLM09 LMPC machine, are considering their options for the future, including the possibility of building an all-new Daytona Prototype for the newly named United SportsCar Racing championship.
SPEED.com caught up with ORECA technical director David Floury to get his thoughts on the future of American sports car racing and the possibility of a future ORECA DP.
Q: What is ORECA's position regarding the the 2014 ALMS/GRAND-AM merger?
FLOURY: ORECA is very happy and excited by the merger. It will make a strong championship with races like the Rolex 24, Twelve Hours of Sebring, Laguna Seca or Petit Le Mans. ORECA wants to take part. ORECA loves U.S. racing and has a great history, having won both the Daytona 24 hours and Sebring 12 hours, among many other great results on the American ground.
Q: Are you at all concerned about the Balance of Performance for the combined Prototype class (P2 and Daytona Prototype)?
FLOURY: As a LMP2 manufacturer, for sure we are concerned by the BoP, but we are confident that GRAND-AM will propose the best possible solution to offer a very open and competitive combined prototype class.
Q: Is ORECA evaluating the possibility of building a DP? If so, would it be a complete new car, or just chassis and/or bodywork?
FLOURY: As a racing car manufacturer, we always evaluate the different categories and markets. It is too early to say, but a complete car would make more sense.
Q: What would the factors be to green-light a Daytona Prototype program?
FLOURY: Having the backing of an OEM supplying the engine would be one of them. The BoP is also to be considered.
Q: What is the status of the proposed second-generation PC car?
FLOURY: The LMPC is a reliable and cost-effective car. It is one of the best values for the money in endurance racing and the target is to keep the costs down. Therefore, it should not be changed too much, so that costs stay under control and enables to have more teams on-board.
Q: Is ORECA evaluating a LMP1 car for the new 2014 regulations?
FLOURY: As mentioned, we evaluate all categories. We have been following the regulations definition process very closely.
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
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