ALMS Pre-Season 2013 thread

[Desertdawg]

Wait! ... What teh ... Oh, there must be a typo in there somewhere, yeah, that's it!

[MOTV8]

BOOM!

Flyin Lizards out of GT2?!?!? That's the way I read THIS!

But, but... what will Pat Long and Joerg Burgermeister Burgermeister drive?

[Shifty]

BOOM!

Flyin Lizards out of GT2?!?!? That's the way I read THIS!

But, but... what will Pat Long and Joerg Burgermeister Burgermeister drive?

I read a different article obviously. I read it that teh Fryin' Gizzard's will be expanding to GTC with Seth Nieman and Spencer Pumpelly at teh wheel.

[MOTV8]

Huh, expanding you say?

Okay, maybe I read too much into this blurb:

From 2004 through 2012, Flying Lizard competed in the ALMS GT class. Last month, Porsche announced the end of development of the 911 GT3 RSR (type 997). "With the end of Porsche developmental support for the 997, it was clear that we needed to do something different for 2013. The team wants to continue to race competitively and GTC was a logical choice given our long history with 911s," Ingraham said.

I guess we'll find out fer sure at Sebring...

[Shifty]

It would hardly seem financially feasable to build teh GTC car, when Grand Am will surely kill teh class, and only have a year of data. Maybe they don't wish to buck-up to build another pair of GT2 cars, and are pinching Deutchmarks by building only one GTC? Heck, that could read either way.....it does seem odd that they would kill off their bigger drivers though, unless they are farming them over to WCC or teh Euro circuits... I'll find that other article when I get home...

[Shifty]

I thinks you may be right Dean!

[Desertdawg]

And so it starts..... Corvette shows up, Corvette wins the championship, all the other teams begin a mass exodus to a different class..... And to think this started with the Beemer news and we didn't even notice until the Porches jumped ship!

[Shifty]

I thinks I heard that Falken is adding a car though...

[MOTV8]

I thinks I heard that Falken is adding a car though...

Did tehy buy a used Lizard or what?

Looks like teh serious competition for CR will come from Ferrari and Viper. I can't see teh stagnant Porches and cr@ppy Lotus' doing too much except filling out teh grids.

[Shifty]

I wonder if Bimmer will convert to Michellin, Falken, Yokahama or just bail until 2014...

[MOTV8]

I prefer the 'just bail' option for those a-holes. Speed dropped a big Silly Season post, I vadered it of course...

ALMS: Silly Season Heating Up

John Dagys breaks down the confirmed, likely and rumored entries for the 2013 American Le Mans Series season...

While the American Le Mans Series and GRAND-AM are set to become a single championship, there is still one more season to run until the historic unification in 2014.

The 15th and final season of the ALMS is shaping up to a transition year for many competitors, especially as the regulations and class structure for the new sports car championship are yet to be defined.

However, there are still quite a few movements within the series, which is undoubtedly making for an intriguing silly season, ahead of the season-opening 61st annual Twelve Hours of Sebring next March.

SPEED.com takes a look at some of the confirmed, likely and rumored entrants for the final year of the American Le Mans Series.

P1

Muscle Milk Pickett Racing — Having claimed its first major sports car racing title in 2012, the Greg Pickett-owned squad will be back to defend its ALMS crown in P1 next year. Lucas Luhr and team stalwart Klaus Graf are expected to return to the team’s set-to-be-upgraded HPD ARX-03c. Pickett has already ruled out an attack at Le Mans in order to focus 100 percent on its efforts Stateside.

Dyson Racing — Plans are in place for Dyson Racing to return with at least one Lola B12/60 for Chris Dyson and Guy Smith, while the 2011 champions are working to field a second full-season entry, ideally as an identical 2012-spec car to the No. 16 machine.

The team is hoping to be back with the same package next year, including the uprated AER 2.0 liter turbo engine and Flybrid mechanical KERS hybrid system, but is awaiting final confirmation.

Rebellion Racing — Winners at Petit Le Mans, SPEED.com has confirmed the Anglo-Swiss squad is planning a full-season program next year, which could see its pair of Lola B12/60 Toyotas at Sebring and a solo entry for the remainder of the season.

Confirmed Entries: 3

Additional Likely Entries: 1

Additional Possible Entries: 1

P2

Level 5 Motorsports — Although no official announcement has been made, it appears the reigning class champions are preparing for a return to P2. All indications are that Level 5 will remain with the same HPD ARX-03bs for next year, with Scott Tucker set as one of the drivers again.

An extensive pre-Petit Le Mans test, which saw IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay and Simon Pagenaud in attendance, indicates the team is always evaluating the very best opportunities for 2013, although both of the aforementioned pilots would likely be unavailable due to their IndyCar duties.

A commitment on a full-season ALMS effort could be dependent on competition in P2, which was scarce at times this year. Besides Level 5, Conquest Endurance was the only other full-time team in 2012.

Conquest Endurance — Newcomers to sports car racing in 2012, the Eric Bachelart-owned team is planning to return next year, although full details of the program have yet to be defined. The team looks set to remain with the Morgan-Nissan package, although David Heinemeier Hansson, one of the principal backers from this year, is headed towards a full-time drive in the FIA WEC.

Conquest, however, has gained an auto-invite for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is likely to be advantageous to a prospective gentleman driver that would want to dovetail an full-season ALMS program along with an attack at Le Mans. Additionally, each team that accepts a LM24 auto-invite must commit to a full-season in one of the ACO-blessed championships.

Dempsey Racing — Following a partial-season effort, which saw Hollywood actor/racer Patrick Dempsey make his P2 debut, the future for Dempsey Racing in the cost-capped category remains unclear. Like many other teams, the timing of the merger announcement affected their long-term plans and has sent team principal Joe Foster in a race to secure funding for 2013.

While the immediate objective is to finalize the team's trip to Le Mans, Dempsey's P2 effort for the ALMS, whether full or partial-season, is not yet confirmed. Another question is the status of Mazda’s SKYACTIV-D powerplant, which may or may not be in the back of the team's Lola B12/80 in 2013.

BAR1 Motorsports — As revealed on SPEED.com last week, the Brian Alder-led team is aiming to expand to the cost-capped ranks next year, likely only as a partial-season effort tied around Sebring and Petit Le Mans. Once the green light is given, BAR1 would be set to go with an Oreca 03 chassis, with the Downs brothers being part of the driver lineup. A full-season program is possible but dependent on outside funding.

Murphy Prototypes — Having made their U.S. debut during last year’s Petit Le Mans, in support by Starworks Motorsport, Murphy Prototypes is considering an increased ALMS effort for 2013, potentially as much as a full-season attack with its Oreca 03 Nissan. The Irish squad is also evaluating programs in the WEC and ELMS, thus leaving all doors open at this stage.

DeltaWing — The wildcard in the prototype scenarios, the Ben Bowlby-designed DeltaWing will be eligible to run as a classified entrant in the ALMS next year. The only questions are: in what class and with which team?

Taking into account its lap times and outright pace at Le Mans and Road Atlanta, it would seem that P2 could be a perfect fit. And given Nissan’s involvement through its Playstation GT Academy, the Pro-Am class structure of P2 would be an ideal setting to groom the latest gamer-to-racer.

Who would run it and would it be a full-season effort? We understand that negotiations are currently underway but a program has yet to be finalized. It’s unclear if it would be involve Highcroft Racing or a new team at this point. More should be known in the next month.

Confirmed Entries: 0

Additional Likely Entries: 2-3

Additional Possible Entries: 4

PC

CORE autosport — While awaiting official confirmation, the two-time class champions appear set to defend its crown again, opting to remain in PC after evaluating a potential expansion to P2. Team owner Jon Bennett and Colin Braun are expected to return to the No. 05 Oreca FLM09, while the second car could see some new faces for 2013.

.

Dempsey Racing — While awaiting final confirmation, team principal Joe Foster is working towards re-signing the Silicon Tech Racing-backed Oreca FLM09 of Henri Richard and Duncan Ende for a second consecutive season. No major changes would be expected from this program for 2013.

Performance Tech — Part-timers in PC in 2012, Performance Tech looks set to return to a full-season effort next year, with newly crowned IMSA Prototype Lites champion Tristan Nunez set to make the step up to the ALMS. A test next month should decide the Team USA Scholarship winner’s co-driver for next season’s campaign.

HVM Racing — The veteran IndyCar squad is set for a switch to sports cars for 2013. While the priority may currently be on securing a LMP2 program in the WEC, HVM is also aiming to be on the ALMS grid in PC as well. No word has been given on potential drivers.

Confirmed Entries: 4

Additional Likely Entries: 2-3

Additional Possible Entries: 4

GT

Corvette Racing — A mainstay in the ALMS, look for Corvette Racing to defend its GT title with a rather unchanged program for 2013. All four of the Pratt & Miller squad’s full-season drivers - Oliver Gavin, Tommy Milner, Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia - are set to return.

Extreme Speed Motorsports — Already confirmed for a return in 2013, it’s also status quo for the Scott Sharp-owned squad, which will see Sharp, Johannes van Overbeek, Guy Cosmo and Ed Brown back in the pair of Ferrari F458 Italias. Having received an auto invite to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an entry in the French classic also appears to be likely.

SRT Motorsports — Part of a multi-year program, the pair of SRT Viper GTS-Rs will embark on its first full ALMS season. The Bill Riley-run program is not expected to see any major changes, but rather refinements, following significant improvements from its debut at Mid-Ohio through the season-ending Petit Le Mans. An entry for the 24 Hours of Le Mans is also possible.

Team Falken Tire — Currently the only Porsche GT team confirmed to return, the Derrick Walker-managed effort will remain unchanged for 2013, with both Bryan Sellers and Wolf Henzler set for a championship attack with its Falken-shod Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. While having explored the possibility of fielding a second car, the current status of a potential expanded effort remains unknown.

Lotus Alex Job Racing — Part of a multi-year program, the Lotus Evora fielded by Alex Job Racing will return for next year, with both Townsend Bell and Bill Sweedler back as drivers. Further developments to the mid-engined sports car are planned, including wind tunnel time during the off-season leading into 2013.

BMW Team RLL — Arguably the biggest question mark surrounding the 2013 is the status of BMW and Team RLL. Will the factory squad continue with BMW M3 GTs, run new GTE-homologated Z4s or not be on the grid altogether? The Bavarian manufacturer has been tight-lipped on its future plans, with further information likely to come early next month.

Paul Miller Racing — A mainstay in the GT category for the last two seasons, Paul Miller Racing’s 2013 plans have not yet been decided. While it would make sense to remain in the GT ranks, presumably with its Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team potentially move to GTC, either. Whatever happens, look for Bryce Miller to be at the wheel.

TRG — Multiple sources have indicated that the Kevin Buckler-led operation is evaluating an entry into the ALMS GT ranks with an Aston Martin Vantage V8. While nothing appears to have been finalized, the deal is likely to be dependent on a funded driver or car owner. Buckler has declined to comment at this time.

Risi Competizione — Having withdrawn from professional GT racing following this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, there has been occasional whispers of Risi Competizione returning the the fray, either in the Rolex Series or ALMS. However, there are currently no strong indications of such an effort is underway for 2013.

Black Swan Racing — While having been close to purchasing a Corvette C6.R, the elimination of the to-be-introduced GT-Am category has seen the Tim Pappas-owned squad look elsewhere for 2013. Expect to see Black Swan’s plans be announced later this month. It’s unlikely to include the ALMS.

Confirmed Entries: 8

Additional Likely Entries: 0

Additional Possible Entries: 4

GTC

Alex Job Racing — After winning the title in dominant fashion, look for Alex Job Racing and Cooper MacNeil to defend their GTC championship, with the likelihood of Porsche ace Jeroen Bleekemolen to join the University of Colorado at Boulder student for the season.

Flying Lizard Motorsports — Perhaps the biggest change for 2013 comes with Flying Lizard Motorsports, which has moved to GTC following nearly a decade in the GT ranks. Spencer Pumpelly and team principal Seth Neiman are confirmed to drive the No. 44 Porsche, while negotiations are currently underway for potential second and third entries as customer programs.

JDX Racing — While plans are not 100 percent confirmed, look for the Jeremy Dale-led squad to return to GTC next year. Full details should be coming in the next two to three weeks. Michael Valiante and Chris Cumming piloted the team’s gold-plated Porsche in 2012.

NGT Motorsport — Breaking through to score its first ALMS class victory at Petit Le Mans, it appears NGT will be back for more in 2013, although the exact program for the team is unclear at this point.

Competition Motorsports — The same goes for Competition Motorsports, which also ran a partial season in 2012. A full-time effort could be in the cards, but likely dependent on the right driver and team funding.

TRG — A question mark for next year, the Kevin Buckler-led team has declined to comment about its 2013 plans at this time. However, given the nature of the team’s previous customer Porsche programs, it wouldn’t be surprising to see TRG back in GTC, at least for a partial season effort.

Green Hornet Racing — Following a challenging season, bitten by a series of accidents, including two highly publicized incidents at the Petit Le Mans, it appears highly unlikely that Green Hornet will return to the ALMS next year. The Peter LeSaffre-owned team had been frustrated by consistency in rules and officiating towards the GTC category, prompting them to look elsewhere for 2013.

Confirmed Entries: 2

Additional Likely Entries: 4-5

Additional Possible Entries: 3

CLASS-WIDE TOTAL:

Confirmed Entries: 16

Additional Likely Entries: 9-12

Additional Possible Entries: 15

SPEED.COM’S PREDICTED FULL SEASON 2013 ENTRY: 32

[Desertdawg]

GT

Corvette Racing — A mainstay in the ALMS, look for Corvette Racing to defend its GT title with a rather unchanged program for 2013. All four of the Pratt & Miller squad’s full-season drivers - Oliver Gavin, Tommy Milner, Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia - are set to return.

Extreme Speed Motorsports — Already confirmed for a return in 2013, it’s also status quo for the Scott Sharp-owned squad, which will see Sharp, Johannes van Overbeek, Guy Cosmo and Ed Brown back in the pair of Ferrari F458 Italias. Having received an auto invite to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an entry in the French classic also appears to be likely.

SRT Motorsports — Part of a multi-year program, the pair of SRT Viper GTS-Rs will embark on its first full ALMS season. The Bill Riley-run program is not expected to see any major changes, but rather refinements, following significant improvements from its debut at Mid-Ohio through the season-ending Petit Le Mans. An entry for the 24 Hours of Le Mans is also possible.

Team Falken Tire — Currently the only Porsche GT team confirmed to return, the Derrick Walker-managed effort will remain unchanged for 2013, with both Bryan Sellers and Wolf Henzler set for a championship attack with its Falken-shod Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. While having explored the possibility of fielding a second car, the current status of a potential expanded effort remains unknown.

Lotus Alex Job Racing — Part of a multi-year program, the Lotus Evora fielded by Alex Job Racing will return for next year, with both Townsend Bell and Bill Sweedler back as drivers. Further developments to the mid-engined sports car are planned, including wind tunnel time during the off-season leading into 2013.

BMW Team RLL — Arguably the biggest question mark surrounding the 2013 is the status of BMW and Team RLL. Will the factory squad continue with BMW M3 GTs, run new GTE-homologated Z4s or not be on the grid altogether? The Bavarian manufacturer has been tight-lipped on its future plans, with further information likely to come early next month.

Paul Miller Racing — A mainstay in the GT category for the last two seasons, Paul Miller Racing’s 2013 plans have not yet been decided. While it would make sense to remain in the GT ranks, presumably with its Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team potentially move to GTC, either. Whatever happens, look for Bryce Miller to be at the wheel.

TRG — Multiple sources have indicated that the Kevin Buckler-led operation is evaluating an entry into the ALMS GT ranks with an Aston Martin Vantage V8. While nothing appears to have been finalized, the deal is likely to be dependent on a funded driver or car owner. Buckler has declined to comment at this time.

Risi Competizione — Having withdrawn from professional GT racing following this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, there has been occasional whispers of Risi Competizione returning the the fray, either in the Rolex Series or ALMS. However, there are currently no strong indications of such an effort is underway for 2013.

Black Swan Racing — While having been close to purchasing a Corvette C6.R, the elimination of the to-be-introduced GT-Am category has seen the Tim Pappas-owned squad look elsewhere for 2013. Expect to see Black Swan’s plans be announced later this month. It’s unlikely to include the ALMS.

How did you miss this, or I should say why did they Not include this ......?

SVT_Roush_Gittin Jr. -- Heavy into development the newly formed SVT Roush team has signed the former Vaughn Gittin jr Ford Racing driver to compete in the GT class in ALMS for the 2013 season. Insiders also confirm the development of a second class car rumored to be a possible mule for testing by the FIA/ACO to solidify the new GT class rules. An entry for the 24 Hours of Le Mans is also possible for both cars.

.

[MOTV8]

Shut the...front door. First I've heard of it. Maybe Pat Long can get a job!

[Shifty]

Corvette Racing — A mainstay in the ALMS, look for Corvette Racing to defend its GT title with a rather unchanged program for 2013. All four of the Pratt & Miller squad’s full-season drivers - Oliver Gavin, Tommy Milner, Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia - are set to return. This makes teh Shifty a happy boy...

[MOTV8]

I still don't believe Dawg's post, he must've got that off Facebook.

BTW, we have new big-time marketing hacks!

Sme Branding Selected To Develop Identity For Grand-Am, ALMS Merger

A key component in the merger of GRAND-AM Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón was announced today, with world-class branding agency SME Branding selected to develop the new identity for the combined sports car series.

“Scott Atherton and I both believe our mandate, since announcing plans to merge GRAND-AM and ALMS, has been to ensure that we get it right the first time,” said GRAND-AM CEO Ed Bennett. “We think we’re well on our way to doing that from an identity standpoint with SME Branding on board.”

The New York-based agency’s client list includes NASCAR, the NFL, NHL, UFC, the New York Yankees, Kentucky Derby, and Madison Square Garden. In this assignment, SME will conduct stakeholder research, develop positioning strategy and produce the name, logo and brand identity for the new series.

“We are honored to be part of this historic moment in motorsports,” said SME Branding Senior Partner Ed O’Hara. “Our process will include key stakeholders from the merged series so that we can get to one holistic concept representing both the excitement and prestige of the series.”

The new branding is expected to be revealed in early 2013.

I predict they'll spend millions in research and end up calling it Grand ALMS!

[Shifty]

Black Swan Racing, two time ALMS GTC Class Champions where looking at purchasing a used Pratt & Miller Corvette C6.R for the ALMS GTE-AM class that will never exist. Black Swan Racing team owner and drive Tim Pappas and co-driver Jeroen Bleekemolen dominated the all Porsche ALMS GTC class in 2010 and 2011. For 2012 the team made a big switch up to the LMP2 class. Unfortunately after an accident at Long Beach and with Lola going into bankruptcy, the team was unable to aquire parts and had to pull the plug on it's LMP2 ambitions. Pappas was a big pusher for the 2013 ALMS GT-AM Class. In the days before the race at 2012 Mid-Ohio round, Jeroen Bleekemolen posted on Twitter that he was testing with Corvette Racing at Mid-Ohio, and the rumors started flying. Rumor had it that Pappas had his finger on the trigger to purchase the Corvette right as the news of the ALMS/Grand-Am merger took the world by storm and surprised everyone. It is unknown at this point what the future holds for Black Swan Racing, but we wish them the best. Assuming that Photobucket wasn't such a POS, I'd vader teh rendering that looks cool...

[MOTV8]

[Desertdawg]

That Looks sweet! I'd buy one... Hey, it ain't easy being green!

[Shifty]

That's teh one!

[P51tj]

I thinks I heard that Falken is adding a car though...

Hows that gonna work? Those guys out driftin on the track while all others are racin???? This is gonna be good!!!

[Shifty]

I thinks I heard that Falken is adding a car though...

Hows that gonna work? Those guys out driftin on the track while all others are racin???? This is gonna be good!!!

They've already got one, and I sure respect Wolf Henzler much more than Patricia Long in his "I wish I still had" Fryin' Gizzard Porsche...heck, they won two races in 2011, one in that hellaciaous downpour when no one else could drive...

[Shifty]

Want to see GoDug two-step?

[MOTV8]

I was wrong.

Teh marketing hacks will not spend millions on research.

Tehy will let us make up teh name for tehm!

GRAND-AM, ALMS Give Fans Chance To "Name The Future"

Fan Contest To Help Name Combined Sports Car Series, Runs Through Dec. 31

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Nov. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With anticipation continuing to build towards a combined sports car series in 2014, GRAND-AM Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron are asking the fans for input to help develop the name of the merged series.

With "Name The Future" – which launched on Nov. 20 and ends Dec. 31 – fans can submit a name suggestion with explanation for the new series at www.namethefuture.com. All submissions are entered for a chance to win a VIP trip for two to attend their choice of either the 51st Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 24-27, 2013, or the 61st Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida on March 13-16, 2013. Through the first week of the contest, fans have made their voice heard with more than 2,800 submissions.

The contest comes on the heels of last week's announcement that world-class agency SME Branding has been appointed to help develop the brand identity for the combined sports car series.

The VIP trip will include hotel and airfare and will provide the winner with a full VIP experience, which may include pit access, pace car ride, behind the scenes tour and victory podium celebration. The contest is open to U.S. residents 18 years of age or older. See Official Contest Rules for details at www.namethefuture.com.

[Desertdawg]

My choice would be: American Le Mans Series plus them other guys or ALMS+TOG's What do I win?

[MOTV8]

What do I win?

See the last paragraph in my last post.

In other news, LMP1 regulations are changing...a long read, and...

Aston is back....

SPORTS CAR: TRG, Aston Martin Sign Major North American Partnership

The Racer’s Group (TRG) and Aston Martin Racing announced today a factory-supported, multi-faceted Aston Martin Racing program.

The Racer’s Group (TRG) and Aston Martin Racing announced today the formation of a partnership to bring a factory-supported, multi-faceted Aston Martin Racing program to North America starting in 2013. The move encompasses the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón and the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge as well as plans to launch a single-make support series featuring Aston Martin Vantage GT4 race cars.

The new, multi-level partnership – TRG-Aston Martin Racing North America, LLC – commenced with TRG-AMR North America’s acquisition of 10 brand new race cars to compete in varying North American sports car series. The Aston Martin Vantage GTE will be unveiled at the American Le Mans Series’ annual Winter Test on Feb. 7-8 in preparation for the March 16 running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida. In the GRAND-AM Rolex Series and Pirelli World Challenge, the highly competitive Vantage GT3 is in its final homologation stages and will be ready to race for new customers after the Rolex 24 At Daytona. The new Vantage GT4, running in the Continental Tire Challenge, will debut at the January test days and will be ready to race in support of and alongside the highly successful Multimatic team already running in the championship.

“Aston Martin Racing, as a factory- supported entity, has truly arrived in North America,” said Kevin Buckler, who will head the new organization as its CEO. “This program is massive and far-reaching. What we have crafted with Aston Martin Racing is the ability for TRG-AMR North America to compete in all the major race series with multiple teams, and to manage and support all customer programs, marketing, merchandising, transport, maintenance, a new Aston Martin GT4 race series, and even an Aston Martin-specific “Arrive and Drive” program for corporate clients and customers. I am honored to have my Aston Martin friends and co-drivers Kenneth Greenberg and Robert Nimkoff as partners with us on this new endeavor, and we are all excited to get the programs rolling immediately.”

Julian Jenkins, Vice President of Aston Martin the Americas added: “There has long been a strong appetite from owners, enthusiasts and race fans alike to see Aston Martin in regular motorsport competition in North America, so this partnership with TRG is an excellent opportunity to further realize that ambition as we approach our centenary year.”

Leaders of GRAND-AM and the American Le Mans Series welcomed the news.

“We’ve believed from the beginning that the merger of GRAND-AM and ALMS would be a game-changer on the North American motorsport landscape,” said GRAND-AM President and CEO Ed Bennett. “This announcement by TRG-Aston Martin Racing North America is concrete evidence that our belief is bearing fruit – and quickly.”

American Le Mans Series President and CEO Scott Atherton added: “We enthusiastically welcome the return of Aston Martin and the expansion of effort by TRG-Aston Martin Racing North America. Over many seasons, TRG has been a benchmark competitor in both ALMS and GRAND-AM, scoring many victories and championships. Today, we’re marking a point in North American motorsport that speaks to the confidence of the world’s premier automotive brands in our unified vision. This announcement underscores the fact that our sport is now in an unprecedented position to grow and provide value for manufacturers, for teams like TRG-Aston Martin, for our sponsors and most importantly for fans and TV audiences.”

Buckler said that much of the immediate emphasis will be on securing customer teams to compete in all the North American racing series as well.

“We will be responsible for race car sales, race parts, at-track engineering and technical support, rebuilds and repairs and will be there with the full support and backing of TRG-Aston Martin Racing North America for any of our customer teams,” he said. “We want to welcome and assist these teams at the highest level of support and professionalism in any of the sports car series in North America.”

John Gaw, Managing Director of Aston Martin Racing said: “We are delighted to form this innovative new partnership with TRG which presents great potential across a variety of racing competitions. In TRG we have a proven race partner who clearly knows how to be competitive and win races, helping us achieve new levels of success in North American motorsport for Aston Martin.”

In addition to managing its own race program and customer programs, TRG-AMR North America also has started the development of a one-make series with the Aston Martin GT4 Vantage. This series will race identically prepared Aston Martin GT4s against one another in a sprint race format at select venues throughout North America beginning as early as the fall of 2013.

-and-

Porsche still wants to play...a little.

LE MANS: Porsche To Enter Factory 991s In WEC

Porsche AG Team Manthey to campaign two new 991-model GTE cars in FIA World Endurance Championship...

While having halted development of its 997-model 911 GT3 RSR and pulled factory support from Flying Lizard Motorsports and Team Felbermayr-Proton, Porsche announced Friday that it will field a team of its own in next year's FIA World Endurance Championship with its new-generation GTE contender.

The German manufacturer will team up with longtime partner Manthey Racing to campaign two new 991-model Porsche 911 RSRs in the global sports car championship, including a full attack at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The effort, to be run under the Porsche AG Team Manthey banner, will mark the first factory entry in the twice-around-the-clock marathon by Porsche since its overall victory in the famed race in 1998.

"The new 911 RSR is currently being developed by our engineers and tested by our works drivers," said Hartmut Kristen, head of Porsche Motorsport. "What better time could there be to introduce the new car than the Porsche 911's 50th anniversary."

Having been in development for much of this year, the new 991-model car will replace the current 997-based Porsche in 2014. The factory squad, run by endurance specialist Olaf Manthey, who took Porsche to five overall victories at the Nurburgring 24, will be the only team with the new GTE contender next year.

Full details of Porsche's factory program, including drivers, are unclear at this point. However, it would seem logical for both cars to be filled with its usual crop of factory pilots, with Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long all appearing to be potential candidates. Additionally, fellow factory driver Marco Holzer and Nick Tandy, who both drove for Manthey's works-supported squad in International GT Open this year, could be in contention as well.

Porsche's WEC GTE-Pro program will precede its planned factory entry into the LMP1 class in 2014. It's expected much of the focus will shift to the prototype program in just over one years' time, leaving the new 911 RSR to customers in all major sports car championships worldwide.