ALMS Rumors and new FIA series?

[MOTV8]

Straight Talk From ALMS Boss Scott Atherton - Regarding Rumors & Other Hot Topics

The Le Mans break is nearly over with a little more than a week remaining until the official start of the American Le Mans Series’ second half of 2009 at Lime Rock Park. With six rounds still to go, Marshall Pruett posted a Q&A with Series President and CEO Scott Atherton on SPEEDtv.com. The two discussed a variety of topics including the prospects for the rest of 2009 and the Series’ much-discussed future.

Marshall Pruett: Scott, the past few weeks have been busy with nonstop questions about the future of the American Le Mans Series. Those calling or emailing seem to be reporting the same rumor: that someone is angling to buy the American Le Mans Series, IMSA, the race tracks, etc. So, in as simple and plain a manner as possible, is the American Le Mans Series and your officiating arm IMSA for sale as we speak, and are you planning on selling it any time in the near future?

Scott Atherton: These rumors have been a constant since I can remember, but I would agree that this year they have been more frequent and widespread than in the past. This is a byproduct of the worst economy we have seen in decades and the unprecedented instability that unfortunately surrounds most industries including motorsport at this time. Historically we have elected not to comment publicly so as to not provide credibility to baseless rumors.

However, with the growing number of calls that I too have received lately - it is clear that a response is needed. So, in specific answer to your questions: There are no plans and there are no discussions to sell the American Le Mans Series. There are absolutely no plans or discussions to sell IMSA or any of the Panoz Motor Sports Group circuits either. You know, these same rumors have surfaced in various forms for many years and nothing has ever materialized from any of them.

At the same time the Series has done nothing but grow and go from success to success on a regular basis for more than a decade now. That should speak more clearly than recurring rumors.

MP: Similar topic - is the Series going to merge with Grand-Am, the IRL or any other major series now or in the future?

SA: No. We will not merge with Grand-Am or the IRL. Similarly, there are absolutely no discussions or even thoughts about merging. Why would we? We enjoy racing with the IRL several times a year and we anticipate that continuing. The two series racing together compliment each other very well and make an ideal combination of world-class road racing. It’s a proven winner with fans and event promoters, but I think each series enjoys the benefits of being autonomous, too.

MP: I’ve heard the Series might be breaking from tradition a bit by revealing the 2010 calendar to your entrants early and in private (before the traditional Petit Le Mans reveal) in a bid to put your competitors at ease and to let them start planning early. Is that true?

SA: We have been actively working on our 2010 plans for several months now. It is too early to know when we will be in a position to share these plans with our stakeholders, but our goal is to get this information to them as soon as possible so as to assist all involved with their future planning. We are very excited about what we are working on for 2010 and beyond.

MP: The ACO has announced a goal to establish a something akin to a global championship, with an eye toward nominating rounds in a variety of host countries where points are earned for this championship. Can you tell me if and how the Series might be involved in the North American element of this, and if it would add to the Series calendar?

SA: Yes, the ACO announced it was considering the development of a series of selected "blue ribbon" events from the Le Mans Series in Europe, the American Le Mans Series and the Asian Le Mans Series. The working title of this exploratory initiative is the "Intercontinental Cup" (IC) and it could potentially include a classic collection of high-profile, world-class sports car endurance races, but it is not intended to be a world championship. The ACO is in the process of gathering feedback from manufacturers, teams, sponsors and organizers to gauge the level of interest and viability. So far I have heard only positive comments from all.

As far as the American Le Mans Series is concerned, we would eagerly embrace involvement, and I would assume our Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Petit Le Mans powered by MAZDA6 and perhaps a third event or venue would be ideal for inclusion. As I understand it each respective Series would operate as usual; however there would be two or three selected events from within each Series but there are no incremental dates that would be designated as rounds of the IC.

Each Series would have its regular grid of competitors, but the selected IC events would attract incremental factory-backed and major independent professional team involvement from abroad - not unlike what Sebring and Petit Le Mans have done all along. The ACO’s plan would formalize the structure and potentially build involvement in Le Mans-type racing on a global scale for the manufacturers and major teams that desire to compete worldwide. It’s a very exciting prospect and we look forward to working with the ACO to bring the idea to fruition.

MP: The FIA and Stephane Ratel announced their global GT championship featuring a new-spec GT1 division. Will the series, cars or administration of that entity be affiliated with the American Le Mans Series in any way?

SA: I have a lot of respect for Stephane and what he is doing with his FIA GT programs in Europe, but we are not affiliated in any way.

MP: Lots of rumors about Acura departing the Series. If Acura decides to leave after this season, can the Series survive? Beyond the cars it fields on track, it also is a big corporate partner of the Series - it would be a huge competitive and commercial blow, wouldn't it?

SA: As has been the case from the start, I am in constant contact with Acura executives from both the retail and motorsports divisions. Acura, like virtually every auto manufacturer, is currently looking at all options regarding its future - not only its involvement with the American Le Mans Series but across the board. We are fortunate to be involved with many major auto manufacturers - more than any other major racing series in the world - and as a result if one elects not to continue at the same level or opts out, it’s not a disaster.

It’s never pleasant news to get, but it’s the reality of this type of auto racing. The alternative is a series with limited or no manufacturer involvement, with tight controls on antiquated technologies and spec cars, and they seem to have even more challenges than we do now; so I don’t think anyone is immune from the current climate.

However, our platform based on the development of relevant new technologies that address such things as fuel efficiency, emission reduction, development of alternative fuels, etc., is ideally suited to the priorities of today’s and tomorrow’s auto industry. And the fact that our efforts are actively supported by government agencies (Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy) puts us in a class all our own. Given a choice, I like our positioning - and our future prospects - a lot! I know Acura is very pleased with the results it has achieved so far from its involvement in the American Le Mans Series, and I know it has a strong desire to continue.

If other priorities alter those plans, I am confident we will survive and prosper. I would ask you not to forget that we are the only major racing series that has added new OEM content in recent months with BMW coming in this season and Jaguar about to begin competing. I think it’s also noteworthy that Corvette Racing is about to return with two exciting new GT2 cars - this at a time when GM is cutting back or eliminating other major racing programs. That says a lot to me.

All three programs (BMW, Corvette and Jaguar) are top-level professional efforts that are commanding factory support on and off the track, but I guess that kind of news unfortunately doesn’t sell as many newspapers or attract as many page hits as the alternative…

MP: Finally, a lot of questions and rumors emerged when Tim Mayer left - that a growing friction with the ACO over the Series adopting divergent rules led to his departure. Any truth to that, and in general, how would you characterize your relationship with the ACO today?

SA: I don’t know where you are getting your information, but you need a new source! Tim elected to step down from his position as COO of IMSA and the American Le Mans Series for exactly the reasons given at the time. I know everyone wants to read more into it and find something more controversial to talk about, but there is nothing more to it. Sorry to disappoint all the speculators and rumor mongers. Tim continues to be actively involved with us as a consultant and I look forward to working with him in the future.

As for the ACO - our relationship with them has never been better. There is a new executive management team at the ACO and their understanding and support of the American Le Mans Series and our needs is at an all-time high. We have unique challenges that are often not shared by the ACO’s European series or at Le Mans. Years ago this was a real problem for us, but today we have a level of autonomy and support from the ACO that enables us to retain the unmatched value of being affiliated with the world’s greatest auto race (and brand), but also craft rules and regulations that work best for our circumstances. When we announce our plans for 2010 and beyond - you’ll know what I am talking about.

Finally, we are very much looking forward to getting back to racing! The hiatus that we always must schedule to enable our teams to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans has been too long this year. I am happy to report that the American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock is now only days away on July 17-18. Crowds at Lime Rock have been incredible the last several years, and we expect similar results next week.

The rumors during this layoff have been a pointless distraction and extremely unprofessional. However, rest assured that the management team of IMSA/ALMS has had our complete focus on fulfilling our 2009 season and planning for 2010 and beyond. We are all operating our businesses in uncharted waters, but the American Le Mans Series is ideally positioned for these circumstances and we intend to capitalize on this now and in the future.

[Desertdawg]

Whew!

I have Lime Rock set on the DVR so I can see it after we get back..

[MOTV8]

Lime Rock? No 'vettes running at Lime Rock, far as I'm concerned it never happened.

Oh, uh...and Atherton is flappin' his gums again:

ALMS considers class revamp

The American Le Mans Series is heading for a reorganisation that could result in a two-class structure for next season.

Series boss Scott Atherton has revealed in this week's AUTOSPORT magazine that his organisation has "plans in the works" designed to ensure the survival of a series that has been hit by the economic downturn.

He explained that there are several options, and refused to deny that the ALMS could run with just one prototype and one GT class next year.

"We've been working on our 2010 plans for months, and we have several different options that take into account different circumstances," said Atherton. "It's a case of if this happens, we do this, and if that happens, we do that."

He hinted that a single prototype class was a possibility.

"We at the ALMS have been outspoken in our interest in that, but we understand why there are two classes," Atherton said. "At the Le Mans 24 Hours it makes perfect sense."

After an exceptional 2008 season in which Audi, Acura and Porsche battled for outright victories, ALMS grids dwindled this year following Audi's decision not to contest the championship and Porsche deciding not to renew its LMP2 project behind its initially planned three year duration.

With the ALMS now falling into line with Le Mans with the restrictions it placed on LMP2 performance, only the two LMP1 Acuras have been in contention for race wins at most rounds this year.

The GT classes have also been hit with some teams pulling out and GT1 disappearing altogether as Corvette prepared to switch to GT2, although conversely this has boosted the latter class, which had already benefited from the return of BMW this year.

[Desertdawg]

I think a 2 class system would be cool, but in a bad economy the teams stuck with a car in a now defunct class will have to spend big bucks to get up to speed in the other class...

Yeah that makes sense to me?

[MOTV8]

Allrighty then, the other shoe drops...the BIG news is that some of these new LMP Challenge cars will be Vette-powered!

Series announces 2010 class changes

Racing series ALMS

Date 2009-08-16

AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES ANNOUNCES REVISED CLASS STRUCTURE

Elkhart Lake, WI (August 16, 2009) - In a progressive step designed to keep ahead of the rest of the industry, the American Le Mans Series today announced plans to overhaul its four-class structure beginning with the 2010 season. The four classes will be Le Mans Prototype (LMP), Le Mans Prototype Challenge (LMPC), Grand Touring (GT) and Grand Touring Challenge (GTC).

"In today's changing environment, choosing the status quo over evolution is a potentially serious mistake," proclaimed American Le Mans Series President and CEO Scott Atherton. "Our sport has always been about evolution, and our plans for 2010 and beyond reflect it.

"We intend to stay ahead of the rest of the industry. We are the first movers to embrace a value-based new set of classes while at the same time retaining the core elements of what has made the American Le Mans Series the benchmark professional sportscar racing series in modern times. The automotive industry is going through radical changes, and the same can be said for most of the motorsports industry. With today's announcement we are adding value-based opportunities that expand accessibility to a broader base of competitors, manufacturers and teams."

The announcement is supported by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the organization that operates the 24 Hours of Le Mans and establishes the rules and regulations for Le Mans style racing worldwide.

LMP1 and LMP2 cars will compete as a single LMP class in 2010 with exception of the endurance classics - the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans Powered by Mazda6 - that will continue to adhere to the ACO technical rules for LMP1 and LMP2. Among the LMP race cars eligible worldwide will be the Acura ARX-02a, Acura ARX-01b, Ginetta-Zytek 09HS (hybrid), Lola B09/86 Mazda, Lola B06/10, Radical SR9, Porsche RS Spyder, Audi R15 TDI, Peugeot 908, Aston Martin Lola and Pescarolo.

LMP Challenge, an exciting new class, was introduced earlier this year as part of the Le Mans Series in Europe and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans through the collaborative efforts between the ACO and ORECA/DPPI. In Europe, the ORECA Courage FLM09 that comprises the class has a minimum weight of 900 kilograms similar to its LMP brethren, but its horsepower is 450 hp which is considerably less than the LMP cars which range from 500-700 hp. The LMP Challenge car is a true Le Mans prototype, but represents an affordable "value engineered" entry to Le Mans prototype racing. The FLM09 is a very sophisticated race car with a full carbon fiber chassis, carbon brakes, and an Xtrac sequential gearbox with paddle shifting. All LMPC cars will race on single-supply tires.

LMP Challenge cars will make their debut this fall with a display during this year's Petit Le Mans weekend. On September 27, the Sunday following the race, IMSA will provide an opportunity to test the LMPC ORECA-Courage LMF09 at Road Atlanta. It is currently taking reservations from qualified teams and drivers. The LMPC class is expected to debut at the American Le Mans Series' opener in 2010, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring (March 20).

The GT class will follow specifications of the existing ACO / Le Mans GT2 class. Current manufacturers and models competing include Corvette C6.R, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Ferrari F430 GT, Jaguar XKR, BMW M3, Panoz Esperante, Ford GT, and Dodge Viper.

The GT Challenge class was introduced earlier this year at Miller Motorsports Park near Salt Lake City. Currently, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race cars from the Patron GT3 Challenge by Yokohama are eligible. In 2010, competition will be open to other versions of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars as well. Other manufacturers are likely to be added in the future.

The class restructures are not unprecedented. After the 2003 season, the ACO and American Le Mans Series modified the LMP classes. At that time the two prototype classes were recognized as LMP900 and LMP675 in a reference to the minimum weights in both classes. Both classes competed equally for the overall win at Le Mans. In 2004 those minimums changed along with class designations to LMP1 and LMP2. The last time the GT class was modified was in 2005 when Grand Touring classes went from GT and GTS to GT1 and GT2. The ACO-spec GT1 class has essentially come to an end as manufacturers have elected to compete in the ultra-competitive and technology-relevant GT2 category, which will be known simply as "GT" in the American Le Mans Series beginning in 2010.

"The new format for 2010 will create more opportunities for more teams and manufacturers to participate in the American Le Mans Series, while at the same time providing fans with the chance to see new cars, teams and drivers in both prototype and GT competition," said Atherton.

"There is no question that developments in the economy - and especially the auto industry - have changed the business environment now and for the foreseeable future. For any organization to remain 'status quo' is a likely death sentence. The global economic situation has created a new paradigm that is requiring all businesses to take innovative approaches to how they must operate going forward. We believe we have implemented changes that will enable the Series and our participants to thrive," continued Atherton.

"The Challenge class that was created in GT competition this year has been a great success so far," added Paul Ritchie, President of Porsche Motorsport North America. "We wholeheartedly endorse the American Le Mans Series expanding on the concept and creating a legitimate, top-level development opportunity for teams and drivers in multi-class competition. We know from experience that with the guidance of IMSA we will have a very strong, cost effective and competitive platform for the big step up to endurance racing."

In the end, noted Atherton, the new class structure is designed to retain the core attributes of what has made the American Le Mans Series the most successful professional sports car racing series around the world - world class Le Mans prototypes and GT cars - while also adding new high-value opportunities that expand the accessibility of this platform to new participants.

All classes of cars will continue to race on alternative fuels or powertrains such as low sulfur clean diesel, E85 cellulosic ethanol, E10 and E10/gas-electric hybrid. Recognized as the Global Leader in Green Racing, the American Le Mans Series continues to work with the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, SAE International and the Series' automobile manufacturers to develop innovative fuel efficient cars that excel in overall performance, fuel efficiency and environmental impact. The American Le Mans Series is the only racing series that meets all the green racing protocols set by the EPA and DOE.

"As I have said previously," Atherton concluded, "I think the American Le Mans Series is ideally positioned to benefit from the current and future focus of all auto manufacturers. Recent announcements by major auto manufacturers and our government leaders confirm that racing series which provides opportunities to showcase and develop relevant new technologies - with an emphasis on the environment - are the future. We have never been more confident in our positioning and look forward to expanding our green racing initiatives to better serve the teams and manufacturers competing with us".

-credit: alms