24 hrs LeMans this weekend

[Jagdpanzer]

A few things consider about the 24 Hours Le Mans and diesels. By any measure this event is a huge production and, as we all know, huge productions need huge revenue in order to survive. Those marketing 24 hrs Le Mans primarily cater to the European manufactures, service companies, enthusiasts and spectators attending (who are mostly locals) because that's where the vast majority of the money comes from. For the past couple decades European governments, either individually or collectively under the EU, have mandated more efficient automobiles standards in an effort to reduce energy consumption and production of greenhouse gases. The EU Governments support this policy by more favorable taxation at the diesel pump and lower taxes on higher efficient cars. In reaction the European automobile industry has turned to wider use of diesel engine technology due to its better cycle efficiency (roughly 25%) compared comparable gasoline engines. Traditional diesel performance and emission issues have been address by advancements in engine design and exhaust after treatment. The result today over 50% of the new cars sold in Europe are diesels, covering the full range of basic economy cars up through high end luxury sedans from all major manufactures including VW, BMW, Opal Mercedes, Audi, Renault, Fiat as well as the European units of Ford and GM to name a few. So with this level of interest and investment naturally the big car makers want to sell on Monday what they race on Sunday. In most types of amateur and professional racing the diesel engine is not very well suited for technical and economic reasons. For sure I don't see F1 going to oil burners anytime soon. However, 24 hrs Le Mans, with its long track lay out and overall distance with empathizes on technology, reliability, durability and efficiency, this is a contest where the diesel can demonstrate its advantages. From what I can see the race organizers tailor the rules to keep the big companies interested in participating so they can strut their technologic prowess and for the marketing value, placate the government wonks on safety concerns, curb the greeny types environmental hysteria while putting on a great race for the fans around the world to enjoy.