williamg53 Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 (edited) Racing Returns to Los Santos: LM87 Legends Cup Written by Will Hayward 30/01/2025 Photography by: Antoine Kouchner Motorsport fans across San Andreas, rejoice! After a six month hiatus, the San Andreas Motor Racing Association (SAMRA) has officially announced its return. SAMRA has lately announced its upcoming series, the “LM87 Legends Cup”. At the heart of this new series lies the Benefactor LM87. The Benefactor LM87 is a prototype endurance race car that has featured in several world renowned races in the peak of its day, now more so a historical artifact in the realm of racing many critics question the thought process behind the vehicular choice. Technical Director Jessie Rice has had a solid plan when it comes to constructing the car and its technical package together with the powerhouse of the automotive industry that is Benefactor. Quote “It's been a great partnership so far, and one that I hope will produce not only a great season this year, but a lot of great seasons of racing in the future.” - Jessie Rice The car will feature a modernized drivetrain package constructed in coordination between the Benefactor Racing Division and the SAMRA technical division led by Director Jessie Rice. The engine installed in the series Benefactor LM87 is called the “BRD 154 SA 54” also known as the SA 54 variant. The SA 54 engine is a 5.4 liter DOHC (dual overhead camshaft), 4-valve, 90 degree, V8 capable of producing around 700 horsepower, or 514 kW. The engine originally planned to be naturally aspirated was later equipped with a twin turbo with a maximum boost pressure of 2.7 bar (39,16 psi). The transmission that was developed for this package consists of a “Eagle Weaver” 5-speed sequential manual. The technical package should truly be regarded as a piece of art. The series being the first in modern San Andreas history to feature a prototype vehicle of such high-caliber. This spots a new opening for the motorsport scene to finally strike the population of San Andreas as one of the most prominent sporting ventures in the surrounding area. Traditionally, the region's racing scene has been dominated by GT-racing, touring cars and street-level events. The introduction of a prototype series especially one centered around such a prestigious chassis may be what finally captivates the San Andreas populace and sparks a new light in the traditional American flair for high-octane competition. The LM87 Legends Cup may represent an opportunity for San Andreas to become a motorsport hub, attracting talent, sponsors, and fans from across the region. With its stunning county landscapes reaching from Sandy Shores to Paleto Bay and diverse city environments, the state hosts several iconic locations for racing. Something that past championships such as the GT3 series hosted by CMSA ever so greatly incorporated into their choice of venues. However when the calendar was announced it was clear that the Grand Prix’s would be held at the Sandy Shores Airfield which may seem disappointing to many. On the other hand the airfield has previously shown it’s potential when hosting several motorsport spectacles in the past. Teams & Drivers The entry list has recently been published with a last minute addition and we were in the paddock experiencing the first-preseason testing sessions. The series will host six teams, all aiming for the ultimate price. The mix of teams represent a mix of both San Andreas tradition and youth. BRAMAR It would be crazy to say anyone other than BRAMAR autosport are the team to beat this season. The team has one of the most talented driver lineups anyone has presented. Francis Winters and Sarah Wilmott, together with a professional and experienced team behind them including previous state champion Eric Martini, this will be the team with the target on their backs. Mike Finnigan Team Owner and Head of Operations at BRAMAR feels opportunistic ahead of the season. Quote “We are all well rested, motivated and we are being proudly sponsored by Los Santos Motors. So I'm excited to see what this season has to offer…There is always room for improvement! So I'm glad to have them [Winters & Wilmott] both and they are always happy to drive and take each outing to shave a millisecond when possible.” - Mike Finnigan The team will run an orange and black livery together with their new sponsor at Los Santos Motors. There was no question at the Pre-Season Testing that Francis Winters would top the charts being renowned for his speed and work-ethic, such a session fit him like a glove. On the other hand Sarah Wilmott had a disappointing session driving seemingly out of character with a huge gap to her teammate at around 1,75 seconds. Being the first session of the season learning a new car this should only post to be an anomaly for the multiple time race-winner. Blacklisted Racing Amongst BRAMARs competition lies the sleeping dragon, San Andreas oldest racing team to date, Blacklisted Racing are the most likely to pose the biggest threat against the favoured BRAMAR autosport team. The Los Santos based team won the GT3 series a year ago and has since not looked back, finishing 1 & 2 with their sister team Fukaru in the teams championship. Homecomer Quinten Asquith will be the main threat to the drivers title as he returns to racing after a 1 year hiatus. Having been second fastest during the first session, he surprisingly did not feel acquainted to the new car highlighting several issues: Quote “I hated it. My Paragon was a much more comfortable machine. This thing has no visibility, none at all. You can come look for yourself if you want. I came here with no practice and a long pause, but still done, what feels like, a decent job…I'm confident I'll do better on a real circuit.” - Quinten Asquith His teammate Wataru Yamaguchi has also had a hard time with the new car reportedly crashing out violently during a private session and being taken to hospital where he was later taken care of and released without any major injuries according to Blacklisted Racing’s media-team. The team refuses to disclose any additional information regarding the rather horrific crash. Syndicate Motorsports Syndicate Motorsports are back for another year, hosting a competitive lineup with Sportscar Champion Alexander Wolfe at the lead and Veteran Nyra Lason on his side. The team have also recruited a homegrown champion in Marina Matsuyari as their team principal for the season, it is clear that they are aiming for a return at the top of the standings after a few disappointing seasons. Even though they seemed to have quite the amount of issues during their testing session, with a tyre failure ending Wolfe’s session early they seemed positive to strike above expectations. Quote “I've created a reputation for myself that I'm proud of. Sticking cars in places they don't belong. Always picking that underdog fight and happily taking it, every, single, time:”- Alexander Wolfe When asked about his biggest competitors this season he named the obvious Asquith, Winters, Wilmott however someone stood out. Newcomer Haze Raven. IMEX Motorsports IMEX Motorsports being the team with the most pristine facilities and backed up by rigorous wealth have unexpectedly decided on a rather unproven lineup. At the Pre-Season testing session it was revealed that Amy Newman and Haze Raven would be taking the wheel behind the IMEX powered cars. Raven being named as a wildcard to the title by Wolfe might be the ace up long-term Team Principal Morgenstern’s sleeve. The team was experimenting during their testing-session trying to get to grips with the new car. Quote “We definitely need to figure out a few bits and pieces, but we're definitely getting there…The car is definitely something different than what we practice with on a daily. It's much faster and much more agile. Even during today's [session] even I don't think I was anywhere near pushing the car to its limits. All in all, it's a machine in its own league and I can't wait to put it to the test.” - Haze Raven The team was not pushing during their time out on track, clearly communicating their experimental approach to the session. This was reflected by their relatively poor timing results. The approach as it appears has sparked interest by the other teams as they find a way to get one step closer to the title. Los Santos Customs (LSC) Los Santos Customs (LSC) is another team to make a return to racing. Being one of the newer teams to the scene they aim to silence critics with one of their latest rather impressive signings being Evelynn Miller. Having many accolades across the state from previous series Miller is a pure-hearted racer who has shown glimpses of excellence during her past spells. Quote “Only time will tell if I'm in shape to lift the big trophy. 'Course I want it as much as anybody here does... But I'm along for the ride. I'm here for the thrill, not for the money, or the fame. It's my passion.” - Evelynn Miller Miller being LSC’s sharpest tool in the box. The team also seems to host a rather new name to the sport previously known for running the Horizon Speedway, Andre Dubois will accompany Miller in the LSC colors. Even though he did not impress during his testing session only time will tell how he manages to size up to the rest of the competition. Maybe his track knowledge will play into his advantage? Bayshore Precision The last team to be announced after a late entry to the series was Bayshore Precision. A garage located in south central with cars running through their veins they impressed a lot during their short stint on the second day of pre-season testing. Maya Tan managed to post the 3rd fastest time beating out Wolfe and Wilmott during their first taste of the action. Paired together with Jonathan Cole who also impressed, this team will be something to look out for as we approach the inaugural Grand Prix of the LM87 Legends Cup. Predictions We have gathered some of the biggest stars of the Los Santos motorsport world in order to hear their predictions ahead of the new season along with our very own. Sakura Mori Sakura Mori hosts the largest motorsport podcast in the state “We Studios - TRACK RECORDS”. Having sat down with many of the stars we are to witness within the LM87 Legends Cup, as well as having hosted her very own Rallycross series, she knows the ins and outs of the racing scene. Quote “Throughout my numerous years within the car community, one thing I have always loved more than anything is looking at prospective drivers for upcoming series' - matched with the times they're forecasting for the season ahead. I must say, it is beyond amazing to see IMEX back on the grid with this latest series, they are one of the founding teams and biggest corporations within our city. Whilst they're sitting at the bottom of the table for preseason testing times, it's worth noting that I don't actually recognize either of their drivers this season, pro racers from other cities or rookies? They are drivers that are worth keeping an eye on, we've seen rookies have incredible results recently. As we move up the table, the next team I come to is LSC, Los Santos Customs is housed by racers I've had some experience with previously. Andre Dubois and Evelynn Miller are two drivers that competed in my Rallycross season and Miller specifically in numerous series recently. Both drivers are ambitious and hungry for some of the limelight that the old timers are relishing in and Miller is making her presence known up in the mid 38s. Moving up we have Nyra Lason, partnered beside Alexander Wolfe at the helm of the cars for this season on behalf of Syndicate. Another team that has been the driving force of motorsports in San Andreas for numerous years and I'm so excited to see them back on the grid this year. Nyra is one of the most humble drivers I've had the pleasure of meeting throughout my time in motorsports and her passion for the sport is infectious. Wolfe is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid this season and after a short break, he's back to prove himself once again. I'm curious to see if he'll keep up with the youngsters this year or if he should finally think about hanging up the race suit. That being said, another one of the old timers is next on my list. BRAMAR is one of the newest teams to be founded on this grid, only forming last year and competing in my very own Rallycross season since their split from the former Crowex team that saw so much success a few years ago. Francis Winters has seen nothing but success throughout his career, one of the top drivers, winning multiple championships last season. Is his time coming to an end or does he have any plans of settling down? When will enough success be enough? Maybe it's just me but I'm starting to wonder if he's the next Eric Martini, racing whilst grey. As a teammate, Francis is joined by Sarah Wilmott, one that people need to keep an eye on. It's surprising to me that she didn't even get into the 38s during preseason testing, jitters maybe or just rusty after a winter break. I have no doubts that she'll come through the cracks and show off sooner rather than later. Next we move to Bayshore, another team that is fruitful with new faces and names. Whilst Jonathan Cole and Maya Tan aren't names I'm particularly familiar with, they've given us a real insight into their motives for this season with Tan all the way up in third based off speed. Preseason testing isn't everything, a sole purpose of giving teams insight into how the car is performing with drivers. But it very much does give us an opportunity to see how well the drivers perform and who dominates off the bat, seeing if they are consistent throughout the season. Maya, I've got my eyes on you! The only team to have two drivers in the top 5 is Blacklisted, yet another team that has proven year after year that they're still a force to be reckoned with. During Rallycross, they fought tooth and nail to get results they were proud of but doing so with ease. Quinten Asquith brought it home for Blacklisted during Rallycross, being the overall driver champion for a very difficult and challenging season. Wataru and Quinten are no doubtedly going to give a show this season and I'm excited to see it unfold. Blacklisted is going to be on the map for years to come, they'll risk it all to get those results so be warned. If I was to predict based on everything I said about what we know for each driver? For each team? I think BRAMAR is going to bring the constructors home, Francis and Sarah are a strong team of drivers that have proven season after season that they're after the silverware. As for the drivers championship? I could follow the herd and say Winters will win it all, as he seemingly does a lot. But my gut says that Evelynn Miller is going to give him a run for his money. As soon as she's comfortable with that car he's going to have to watch his back because there's a ravenous young driver at the wheel for LSC. It's either that or the young Asquith that lapped the rest of the grid in the GT3 series, with enough spare time to pull of stunts and still win, is due his next championship win. For all the drivers, be safe. Going home unhurt is worth more than any trophy. That being said? Give it your all, write your own history and good luck!” Chloe Hayes Chloe Hayes is one of the biggest racing talents within the state of San Andreas with multiple Grand-Prix victories and a hefty trophy cabinet to show for her, she knows these drivers from first hand experience on the track. She last drove in the Dinka Kawaii series where she impressed. Quote I think that the battle for the crown in the Driver’s will be a titanic one between Francis and Quinten but I feel like Winters copes better with pressure than Asquith does. Asquith proved in the CMSA GT3 series that he can do desperate moves when his place is on the line, something that I never saw Winters do, that’s why I put Francis over Quinten. IF Quinten doesn’t have a huge pace advantage because, uninterrupted, he is unstoppable. The battle for third in the Driver’s will be a 3 - car brawl between Eve, Alex, and Sarah. Evelynn is my little protegee so I know that she can be quite aggressive when need be. Wolfe can be but is more calculated and, unless Wilmott pushes herself out of her zone, and doesn’t play it safe like she is used to, she has the lesser odds of those 3 to make it on the last step of the podium. But she is fast so, uninterrupted, she can deal heavy blows pace-wise. Yamaguchi is that low despite good time on testing mainly because I feel like racecraft isn’t his strong suit. He has an okay pace but can’t really handle pressure and, as far as I’m aware, he's more involved in incidents while battling than he isn’t. Both IMEX drivers will round up the Driver’s standing because those are names I’ve never seen yet on the scene. Not that it is a bad thing, I wish them the best, and they should really focus on gathering as much experience as possible, and overlook the results, even if it’s a hard thing to do as a driver. If they can do that, they’ll evolve quickly and could become threats down the line. The title between Bramar and Blacklisted will be non-existent. Even if Francis doesn’t clench the Drivers’ title, Bramar have a way more solid second driver in Sarah, than Blacklisted have and, to me the title run for Bramar will solely rest on Sarah’s shoulders. The battle for third between LSC, Syndicate, and Bayshore will be one to watch closely. I know that Alex and Eve will fight tooth and nail for their spot on the podium but, I am looking towards Nyra, and Dre. Nyra is an incredible team player but, I know that given enough practice, Andre can be fast, so it will depend heavily on them to decide their team’s fate. But, if they are going hard on each other, that might open the door for Bayshore, that looks like having a solid pair, so they can be a real sleeper in this series given the right circumstances. My hot take would be that Miller would claim at least one win. Yes, I am shilling for my girl here but, I’m also basing this on facts. The fight between Winters and Asquith will be that huge, it will be a rough one so, given the right circumstances, Eve can catch those two off guard, and pull an odd win or two during the season.” Jason Reeves Jason is the ex-team principal for the ever so successful Auto-Exotic Race Team as well as BTR Racing which fought for the championship in many prestigious series such as the Pfister Super Cup. He has many seasons of track-management on his neck and hosts a true passion for the sport. Quote "The pre-season testing for the Benefactor LM87 series has wrapped up, and I have to say, it’s given me that old spark of excitement I used to feel before race day. Watching these drivers and teams find their rhythm brought back so many memories of late nights in the garage, the smell of burning rubber, and the thrill of competition. So, who’s my pick? Well, I’ll say this: Francis looks unstoppable, but the likes of Alexander, Quinten, and Maya won’t make it easy. And when you’ve got drivers like Sarah and Nyra in the mix, experience could play a big role in deciding the championship. The unknown track layouts will make it interesting—will they work better for the fearless young racers or the seasoned pros? If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, racing isn’t just about speed. It’s about keeping your head, knowing when to push, and having that natural feel for the car that you just can’t teach.” Will Hayward Now for my own prediction of the series. After having raced for more years than a hand can count I have now got to envision a new perspective within the paddock as a journalist. Knowing some of the older teams and drivers is what I base most of my prediction on. On the drivers side I believe that Quinten Asquith will defend the throne as I believe there is no more complete driver than him in the series, his pace and racecraft is simply unmatched. On the other hand I believe that BRAMAR Autosport is the team that will take home the team's championship. Their driver lineup is the most talented overall and I cannot see any other pairing beating out their total tally except maybe Blacklisted, depending mainly on Yamaguchi’s ability to compete with the top. When it comes to the midfield fight I believe that the battle for third, fourth and fifth will be incredibly tight. I have Syndicate coming out on top due to one main reason, and that is Alexander Wolfe. He is the only driver out of this three-way midfield battle that is able to grab wins and podiums on a consistent basis, he will also be one of the top contenders for the title. In fourth, I have Bayshore. Now, I believe that this may be the biggest surprise for this season. They put up very fast numbers during their testing and their pairing with Maya Tan and Jonathan Cole seem level which in the midfield will show to be crucial, and it will also give them solid ground to finish third however due to the inexperience at the professional level I have decided to put them fourth. For the fifth position I have had a very tough time, for me I believe that LSC has the highest chance of finishing fifth due to their weaker pairing in terms of pace. Even though I believe that the top fight will result in favorable podiums and maybe even a victory for the young Miller, I believe that the team has not got enough “geist” in order to score a good amount of points on a general basis, they will have to rely on others misfortune too much which leads me to put them fifth in the standings. For the last place I have put IMEX. This is mainly due to their experimental lineup this season. With no prior series to base my predictions on as well as a fairly poor testing being dead last with both drivers I think that this will be a very tough series. However I do believe that we are going to witness an interesting talent in Haze Raven that could pull off a good result or two but I do not believe that this will sustain IMEX enough to be competitive in the midfield battle. With that being said we begin the countdown to the inaugural Grand Prix. The series is set to begin February 8th at the Sandy Shores Airfield. At Los Santos Insider (LSI), we are gearing up to bring you comprehensive coverage of the entire series. From exclusive interviews with legendary drivers to in-depth technical breakdowns of the re-invented Benefactor LM87, we will keep you informed and immersed in the action. Follow LSI for all the latest updates, insights, and behind the scenes stories as San Andreas enters a new era of racing. © 2025 Insider Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Edited February 1 by williamg53 Some fine detailing 8 1 4 Link to comment
Zenko Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 User: DrLiamWerner✔️ Comment: Wow, such a nice read. The predictions are close, and we are looking to deliver with BOTH drivers. Hopefully we can bring some heat to these tables and impress the crowd along with our sponsors! 1 1 Link to comment
MissAnarchy Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 User: S.Mori Comment: Thank you so much for having me onboard for this, I'm so excited to see what comes of the season and will make sure I come to watch it all unfold for myself! Be safe everyone! 2 3 Link to comment
SKYLINE Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 User: The Skyline Twins Comment: We're insanely excited to have been given the opportunity to sponsor the IMEX team. Seeing our logo on the side of an LM87 is something of legend for us. God bless everybody involved and whilst we may not be able to attend many of the races themselves, we hope everybody has a great time. God bless, - The Skyline Twins; Skyline Auto Center 3 Link to comment
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