DTM in the USA

[bimmerboy]

Thought this worthy of discussion.

The new generation DTM cars are likely to have a new series in the USA, and the Japanese SuperGT regulations are likely to be the same.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/87473

There is already chatter that the likes of Honda, Toyota (Lexus), and Nissan will develop new cars to the DTM regulations, and likely Chrysler (Alfa), Ford & GM too. Jaguar will also have a new 3-Series/C-Class rival car out by then too.

The relevance to this part of the world, is that it means the manufacturers are less likely to commit to a COTF V8 supercar, when they can get a bigger return on their investment by developing a racecar that can be used in Europe, USA, and Asia........

Although I am wondering why they would link up with NASCAR and it's "redneck" followers - not exactly Merc/BMW/Audi buyers.... Would have thought linking with IndyCar's roadcourses made more sense.

Will also lead to a demand for touring car road course specialists in the USA....what odds on Marcos Ambrose being a highly paid DTM USA driver come 2013......

[schmikey]

Also BMW are joining in 2012 and there is talk that Opel are going to make a come back with the new regulations.

[Mr K]

It will be 18 years in 2012 that I have waited for BMW to return to DTM.
http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/bmw-dtm1-655x491.jpg

[schmikey]

Mmm that BMW looks very nice :cool:

Here is another little article about the proposed regulations from earlier in the year

http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=4326

[porsche91722]

All this looks as though it could be at the expense of their U.S. GT2 program, just as they (Rahal Letterman, BMW's ALMS team) were gaining some momentum. Nothing officially confirmed, however if they go down the DTM U.S. route it seems more than likely, that it will happen. I agree with bimmerboy, and cannot get my head around how DTM, let alone BMW, Audi and Mercedes, would be jumping into bed with Nascar/Grandam. The ALMS, GT2 series would be a better fit, but BMW have a track record for irresolute decision making with their motorsports programs.

[ViperSRT10]

[quote=bimmerboy;425808]
Although I am wondering why they would link up with NASCAR and it's "redneck" followers - not exactly Merc/BMW/Audi buyers.... [quote]

I am a huge Nascar fan and my neck isn't red, I drive an Audi A5, so at face value I'm a DTM fan, but not really. Fact is you can't judge books by their covers can you?