In this “Evening With a Legend” episode, we interview Mark Raffauf, IMSA’s Senior Director of Competition, tracing how IMSA’s early relationship with the ACO grew from the 1970s through the creation of GTP, the split from FIA Group C’s fuel-formula approach, and the IMSA-driven development that helped shape cars like the Porsche 962. Mark recounts 1980s GTP’s manufacturer battles and behind-the-scenes antics, then explains the 1990s shift to World Sports Car, Ferrari’s 333 SP, and how rule changes at Le Mans affected competitiveness. He details IMSA’s organizational split that led to ALMS and Grand-Am, the rise of Daytona Prototypes, and today’s cost-control challenges. The conversation culminates in a deep discussion of Balance of Performance, LMDh vs hypercar sustainability, lift-and-coast strategy, and the need for a common future platform beyond 2030, while emphasizing Le Mans as a global mega-event.

BREAK/FIX the Motorsports & Vehicle Enthusiast Variety Show

Motoring Podcast Network

Evening With A Legend: Mark Raffauf

JUN 9, 202663 MIN
BREAK/FIX the Motorsports & Vehicle Enthusiast Variety Show

Evening With A Legend: Mark Raffauf

JUN 9, 202663 MIN

Description

In this “Evening With a Legend” episode, we interview Mark Raffauf, IMSA’s Senior Director of Competition, tracing how IMSA’s early relationship with the ACO grew from the 1970s through the creation of GTP, the split from FIA Group C’s fuel-formula approach, and the IMSA-driven development that helped shape cars like the Porsche 962. Mark recounts 1980s GTP’s manufacturer battles and behind-the-scenes antics, then explains the 1990s shift to World Sports Car, Ferrari’s 333 SP, and how rule changes at Le Mans affected competitiveness. He details IMSA’s organizational split that led to ALMS and Grand-Am, the rise of Daytona Prototypes, and today’s cost-control challenges. The conversation culminates in a deep discussion of Balance of Performance, LMDh vs hypercar sustainability, lift-and-coast strategy, and the need for a common future platform beyond 2030, while emphasizing Le Mans as a global mega-event. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet Mark Raffauf 02:20 Early IMSA and ACO Ties 04:25 Birth of GTP Rules; Group C vs GTP Debate 09:02 Porsche 956 to 962 Shift 11:26 Golden Era Grid Battles 17:45 Nineties Reset and WSC 20:39 Ferrari 333 SP Moment 23:44 Rule Drift and Audi's Rise 26:19 ALMS & Grand Am Split 30:23 Cost Control Lessons 32:43 How BOP Really Works 33:28 LMDh versus Hypercar Basics 37:56 Why One Rulebook Matters 43:32 "Lift and Coast" Energy Management Explained 46:33 Getting more Hypercars to IMSA 50:35 Endurance Racing As Events 54:58 Future Platform, 2030 and beyond 59:27 Final Thanks And Wrap Up ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram To learn more about or to become a member of the ACO USA, look no further than www.lemans.org, Click on English in the upper right corner and then click on the ACO members tab for Club Offers. Once you become a Member you can follow all the action on the Facebook group ACOUSAMembersClub; and become part of the Legend with future Evening With A Legend meet ups.