Prospects look bleak for US version of DTM
The USA version of the DTM is now unlikely to take place as initially planned, due to the lack of interest from American manufacturers in the ‘Class One’ concept so far.
Germany’s DTM, represented by its promoter ITR, and Japan’s Super GT, established the basis for a new joint venture from both technical and sporting angles that would become a new series for high performance cars. ‘Class One’ was born, with first technical regulations drafted back in September, and with IMSA committing to the development and implementation of the idea in the USA. With a planned first event for 2015, it was suggested that the first race in North America could take place as early as 2016.
However, in an interview with ‘Racecar Engineering”, Japan’s GTA Chairman Masaaki Bandoh said that Super GT manufacturers would not participate in races in the USA unless cars from American manufacturers were present.
For Bandoh, the USA represents an important marketing opportunity, which would lose its value without the presence of American brands.
“The grid should be three German manufacturers, three Japanese and three US, which is the real idea for Class One. Super GT in the USA would be a good marketing idea, but without US manufacturers like Ford or General Motors, it has no value for us,” said Bandoh.
