BRASELTON, GA – In the wake of recent, ground-breaking news that the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón (ALMS) will merge with GRAND-AM Road Racing in 2014, the ALMS announced that its current class structure will go unchanged for the 2013 season. The Series’ five categories continuing in 2013 are P1, P2, Prototype Challenge (PC), GT and GT Challenge (GTC).
With the merger of ALMS and GRAND-AM on the horizon, ALMS and its sanctioning body – the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) – chose to keep the classes as is, with a goal of minimizing costs for teams.
“We know our teams are already focusing on what shape their programs might take in 2014,” ALMS and IMSA Chief Operating Officer Scot Elkins said. “The last thing we want to do is force anyone to make a substantial investment for 2013 when we are still working out the structure for the new merged series. The current class structure already makes for great racing; continuing this way in 2013 ensures a good show for the fans and consistency for our participants.”
Elkins added that any plan to add a GT-Am category to the ALMS is no longer feasible for the 2013 season. The ALMS’ GT class – recognized by many as the best in the world – will carry over in its current form to the new 2014 championship.
The final race of the 2012 American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is Petit Le Mans powered by Mazda. The 1,000-mile/10-hour race from Road Atlanta is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, Oct 20. ABC’s broadcast begins at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 21. Full, live coverage starts at 11:15 a.m. ET on ESPN3.
The Series’ website offers additional content such as live in-car cameras, and timing and scoring for all users around the world. Viewers outside the U.S. can watch Petit Le Mans and all ALMS races live on ALMS.com.
Visit ALMS.com for current and future event information including tickets and area accommodations. Follow the Series on Twitter (#ALMS, #PLM12), Facebook and YouTube.
Courtesy American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón
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