IMSA chief John Doonan explains why the sanctioning body has decided to introduce a new rule to silence paddock members who publicly criticize the Balance of Performance (BoP).
Amid a media scrum ahead of the 64th Rolex 24 at Daytona on Saturday morning, Motorsport.com asked Dunant about the thought process behind the rule.
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“I will talk about the balance of payments and try to introduce it in advance for everyone,” Dunant said. “It’s an essential part of our sport. We have 18 car manufacturers competing in the sport using all different platforms, all different powertrains and all different aerodynamics.
“In order to make an incredible show, we want to have a BoP, and that’s really important. It’s a necessary part of it. I really love our BoP meetings. People might say I need to go to the doctor, but the bottom line is, this is the product that we put out. So we have a very clear process.
“We work very hard with the manufacturers to achieve a deep understanding and good communication on how the BoP should work. And to present a level playing field at the end of the game where everyone can fight. Everyone has a chance.
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“That’s our ultimate goal in IMSA. I know I think that’s what the manufacturers want. That’s what I want on the manufacturer side. In order to have a good process, you need communication. I think communication should be with us. You know, we’re all in this industry.
“We are committed to growing the sport, not destroying it. I think our sport of endurance sports car racing is very tricky and we want to educate people about what BOP is and how it works.
“So we have a responsibility to communicate more. But in short, we shouldn’t be raising our issues in public. That’s our goal.”
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#40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V Series. R: Jordan Taylor, Luis Deletraz, Colton Herta
#40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V Series. R: Jordan Taylor, Luis Deletraz, Colton Herta
The rule was introduced earlier this month and is listed as Article 2.2.3. The Conduct and Communication regulations in the Sporting Code now state: “Manufacturers, competitors, riders, builders and any person or entity associated with their entry must not attempt to influence the establishment of the Balance of Performance (BoP) or make any public comments regarding the BoP process, methods, data or results, including but not limited to statements made through traditional media, digital media or social media platforms.
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I. The determination of whether any conduct or communication, regardless of intent, constitutes a violation of the foregoing shall be made in IMSA’s sole discretion. 2. IMSA officials may impose penalties for any violation at any time before, during or after an IMSA race. “
Dunant confirmed that the rule follows similar rules specifically developed for the FIA World Endurance Championship.
“So we obviously have a strategic alliance with ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest) Pierre (Fillon, ACO president) and his team. We looked at it and adapted it in the same way. But the intention is the same.
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“We’re not trying to stop anyone from talking to the media. Of course, we want to tell the story. The fact that you’re all here is very important to us. But that’s it. That’s what we want to do.”
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