The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) is an endurance racing series with events in the USA and Canada. It originally started as the IMSA series in 1971. From 1999, changes in regulations that aligned it with those of the Le Mans 24 Hours enabled the start of the American Le Mans Series. The series consists of two categories, Le Mans Prototype (LMP) for prototype machines, and Grand Touring (GT) for mass-produced cars. Depending on the level of modifications to cars within these categories, a total of four classes compete; LMP1, LMP2, GT1 and GT2.
The 2009 season saw a total of 10 rounds, including a pair of famous endurance races, the Sebring 12 Hours and the Petit Le Mans 1,000-mile (or 10-hour) race. Contesting the entire season was a pair of MAZDA MZR-R LOLA B09/62 coupes (LMP2) equipped with Mazda's MZR-R powerplant.
Next to the Le Mans Series in Europe and the American Le Mans Series in North America, the third in the Le Mans series franchise is the Asian Le Mans Series. Regulations are the same as those used in the Le Mans 24 Hours, with four classes competing; LMP1, LMP2, GT1 and GT2.
The first ever Asian Le Mans Series event took place in Japan at Okayama International Circuit on the weekend of October 30th - November 1st.
The meet consisted of two endurance-format races, each three hours' in duration. Many world class entrants took part, with many fascinating cars including the Audi R10, Oreca AIM, Lola Aston Martin, Pescarolo Judd, Courage AER and Pescarolo Mazda contesting the LMP classes, while marques such as Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and BMW took on the GT classes. It was an inspiration to the assembled audience.
|
