Why There's Going to Be Less Whining About BOP in IMSA's GTP Class
A significant part of the test was dedicated to establishing a baseline for the Balance of Performance. We are likely to hear fewer complaints about BOP in GTP going forward.
One of the new elements tested at Daytona was a relatively new torque sensor. Telemetry now provides continuous data to IMSA officials with inalterable information about how much power is being delivered at the rear wheels.
What distinguishes the new torque sensors, already in use at Le Man and WEC, is the closed loop management of the data. Previously, IMSA has relied on an open loop torque sensor that theoretically teams could manipulate. The new sensor was run on the Corvette C8.R during the 2022 season in the GTD Pro races, since that car was modified to participate against the made-for-GT3 entries.
Given the weight of the GTP cars being the same and a tight aero package homologated at the Windshear tunnel in Concord, N.C., the adjustments to engine RPM to keep power output the same at the rear wheels are not expected to be radical—or complained about as much. Aerodynamic choices, suspension set-up, pit strategy and driving can be expected to play decisive roles.
Drivers are, needless to say, excited about talking about the cars and not the rules. “This new GTP car and this new class are so exciting because of the new evolution and technology,” said Ricky Taylor of Wayne Taylor Racing. “We're finally racing at the top, top level around the world. I don't think anywhere around the world can say they have such sustainability, technology, competition like we do here in IMSA.”
