Mercedes to quit DTM racing???!!!

[Paul A.]

First they introduce a new MB pick up truck and now abandon DTM! There's some silliness going on in Stuttgart!

[Desertnate]

I saw that too. At least they started racing their AMG GT's in IMSA's Weathertech Championship this season. They started out pretty well, so let's hope they stick around.

Formula E should be interesting now that you've got BMW, Audi and Merc all joining. The next company to watch is Porsche. Will they bail on LMP1 in WEC and joint Formula E too? Makes you wonder.

[Paul A.]

Yes, Nate, I agree about the Formula E interest. And Mercedes isn't done racing by any means. I just found it interesting they said goodbye to the national jewel of Germany being the DTM series. It might be difficult for DTM to hold interest with only BMW and Audi.

[Desertnate]

Good point. That would be similar to Chevy or Ford leaving NASCAR.

[Paul A.]

Maybe Porsche jumps into the DTM pool?

[PaulMys]

Uh oh............ Maybe they're diverting their resources into the Luftwaffe again??

[Desertnate]

Maybe Porsche jumps into the DTM pool?

That's an interesting question. I'm not familiar with the rules for DTM cars, but I wonder how much they would need to modify a 911 or Cayman to run in DTM.

At least with WEC, ALMS (i.e. Weathertech Champoinship), Continental Tire Challenge, and some of the other series, they use the standard GT4, GT3, and GT2 specs. They also have their own 911 spec series too. DTM might require the development of a whole new car. Since they are iffy with their LMP1 program in WEC, I wonder if they have the will to develop an entirely new car vs spreading their current platforms to as many GT series' as possible.