ALMS: 2007 Preview

[dougiemeats]

Season Schedule:

• Mar 17 Sebring - SPEED
• Mar 31 St. Petersburg - SPEED
• Apr 15 Long Beach - CBS
• Apr 21 Houston - CBS
• May 19 Salt Lake City - CBS
• Jul 7 Lime Rock Park - CBS
• Jul 21 Mid-Ohio - CBS
• Aug 11 Road America - NBC
• Aug 26 Mosport - SPEED
• Sep 1 Detroit - SPEED
• Oct 6 Petit Le Mans - SPEED
• Oct 20 Laguna Seca - SPEED

Full-Season Entry List:

LMP1

• Audi R10?
• Audi R10?
• Autocon Lola EX257 AER*
• Autocon Lola EX257 AER*
• Intersport CA06H*

LMP2

• Highcroft Courage LC75 Acura
• Andretti Courage LC75 Acura
• Fernandez Lola B05/40 Acura
• van der Steur Radical SR9
• Penske Porsche RS Spyder
• Penske Porsche RS Spyder
• B-K Lola B07/40 AER MZR-R
• Dyson Porsche RS Spyder
• Dyson Porsche RS Spyder

GT1

• Corvette C6.R
• Corvette C6.R

GT2

• Team PTG Panoz Esperante
• Team PTG Panoz Esperante
• Risi Ferrari F430 GT
• Risi Ferrari F430 GT
• Flying Lizard 997 GT3 RSR
• Flying Lizard 997 GT3 RSR
• Tafel 997 GT3 RSR
• Tafel 997 GT3 RSR
• Rahal 997 GT3 RSR
• Petersen Ferrari F430 GT
• Corsa/White Lightning Ferrari F430 GT

Select Races Only:

• Kuttner/Doran Ford GTR
• Robertson Panoz Esperante
• Aston Martin DBR9?

*Ineligible for Le Mans

Detailed Schedule:

[U]Race[/U]		[U]Duration[/U]	[U]Race Date[/U]	[U]Coverage[/U]	[U]TV(U.S.)[/U]
Sebring		12 hr		17 Mar		Live		SPEED
St. Petersburg	3 hr		31 Mar		Same day	SPEED
Long Beach	1 hr 40 min	15 Apr		Same day	SPEED
Houston		2 hr 45 min	21 Apr		Next week	CBS
Utah		2 hr 45 min	19 May		Next day	CBS
Lime Rock	2 hr 45 min	 7 Jul		Next day	CBS
Mid-Ohio	2 hr 45 min	21 Jul		Next day	CBS
Road America	4 hr		11 Aug		Next day	NBC
Mosport		2 hr 45 min	26 Aug		Live		SPEED
Detroit		4 hr		 1 Sep		Live		SPEED
Petit Le Mans	1000 mi		 6 Oct		Live		SPEED
Laguna Seca	4 hr		20 Oct		Live		SPEED

 

[RACECAR]

The 2006 season is not over yet, but there is already a lot of information going around about the American Le Mans Series 2007. I have gathered as much (somewhat reliable) information as I could find to help you (and I) keep track of 2007 season. Much of it is pure speculation, so expect the lists to change frequently.

Season Schedule (to be confirmed soon):

• Mar 17 Sebring
• Apr 21 Houston
• May ?? Mid-Ohio
• ??? ?? Lime Rock
• ??? ?? Utah
• Aug ?? Road America
• Aug ?? Mosport
• ??? ?? Petit Le Mans
• Oct ?? Laguna Seca

Entry List (full season only):

LMP1

• Champion Audi R10
• Champion Audi R10
• Dyson Lola B06/10 AER
• Dyson Lola B06/10 AER
• Autocon Lola EX257 AER*
• Autocon Lola EX257 AER*
• Cosworth Courage LC70
• Cosworth Courage LC70
• Creation CA-06 H*

LMP2

• Highcroft Courage LC75 Acura
• Andretti Courage LC75 Acura
• Fernandez Lola B05/40 Acura
• van der Steur Radical SR9
• Penske Porsche RS Spyder
• Penske Porsche RS Spyder
• Intersport Lola B05/40 AER
• B-K Courage B07/40 Mazda

GT1

• Corvette C6.R
• Corvette C6.R
• Krohn Aston Martin DBR9
• Krohn Aston Martin DBR9

GT2

• Lexus Team PTG IS350*
• Lexus Team PTG IS350*
• Risi Ferrari F430 GT
• Risi Ferrari F430 GT
• (expect the usual army of Porsches)

*Ineligible for Le Mans

Notes:

• Aston Martin Racing says they won't be back...
• Team PTG rumored to take over Lexus program
• No BMW?
• Krohn Racing: Radical (LMP2) or Aston Martin (GT1)?
• No Portland race?

2007 looks interesting. all four classes look like they will be very exciting.

 

[dougiemeats]

2007 looks interesting. all four classes look like they will be very exciting.

Don't get excited yet. Remember that this is the ALMS, and nothing is really certain until we see all four tires hit the track on race day. Remember the Lexus program that we were supposed to see "possibly at Sebring, but definitely at Houston?" (Here is the story on that)

As much as I want to say that this is what the grid is going to look like next year, I'm not going to set myself up for disappointment.

 

[YIN]

again,audi and porsche will be dominate lmp1,2 class for sure,gt1 class will be a dog fight between chevy and aston,where is porsche's ????

 

[dougiemeats]

again,audi and porsche will be dominate lmp1,2 class for sure,gt1 class will be a dog fight between chevy and aston,where is porsche's ????

I'm assuming you are talking about GT2. This is just a list based on speculation, and I'm not sure which teams will stay in the GT2 class and which teams will move up to LMP2 with the RS Spyder. I have also heard of new teams coming to the ALMS with Porsches as well.

Expect the usual number of Porsches in the GT2 class and I will add them to the list as soon as I hear about the plans of each team.

 

[YIN]

I'm assuming you are talking about GT2. This is just a list based on speculation, and I'm not sure which teams will stay in the GT2 class and which teams will move up to LMP2 with the RS Spyder. I have also heard of new teams coming to the ALMS with Porsches as well.

Expect the usual number of Porsches in the GT2 class and I will add them to the list as soon as I hear about the plans of each team.

o.....i see,but i think porsche will focus of their rs spyder.are you sure the rs spyder still run by penske???

 

[dougiemeats]

o.....i see,but i think porsche will focus of their rs spyder.are you sure the rs spyder still run by penske???

I can't say that I am 100% sure, but from what I have been reading, yes. One source even claims that there will be no privateers with RS Spyders next year in the ALMS, and Penske will be the lone team running the Porsche prototypes.

Porsche still has to sort some reliability issues and make sure that their prototype is ready for Le Mans. Again, this is all speculation. I'm sure we'll get more news after Petit Le Mans.

 

[RACECAR]

Don't get excited yet. Remember that this is the ALMS, and nothing is really certain until we see all four tires hit the track on race day. Remember the Lexus program that we were supposed to see "possibly at Sebring, but definitely at Houston?" (Here is the story on that)

As much as I want to say that this is what the grid is going to look like next year, I'm not going to set myself up for disappointment.

thats just sad . I couldn't believe what I read and saw.

 

[dougiemeats]

thats just sad . I couldn't believe what I read and saw.

I know what you mean. While the American Le Mans Series struggles with grid size, two race-ready cars are sitting in a garage with no one to race them.

The worst part is, those cars that engineers spent countless time planning, designing, and building might never race at all. Not even next year. Whoever takes over the program will have to start from scratch, according to the sources.

 

[FoolKiller]

Is there any chance of seeing a larger GT1 class? It always seems to be the smallest with just four cars.

I know what you mean. While the American Le Mans Series struggles with grid size, two race-ready cars are sitting in a garage with no one to race them.

The worst part is, those cars that engineers spent countless time planning, designing, and building might never race at all. Not even next year. Whoever takes over the program will have to start from scratch, according to the sources.

Well, if they are just sitting and going to waste I will be more than happy to take them off their hands for them.

 

[dougiemeats]

Is there any chance of seeing a larger GT1 class? It always seems to be the smallest with just four cars.

Right now, I'm not even sure if Krohn will be racing in the GT1 class. I also hear that Aston Martin might not be back. It's not looking good right now, but we'll see. I hope the two Corvette Racing entries will have some competition, or I can't see them racing in the ALMS for long.

Well, if they are just sitting and going to waste I will be more than happy to take them off their hands for them.

You take one and I'll take the other.

 

[FoolKiller]

Right now, I'm not even sure if Krohn will be racing in the GT1 class. I also hear that Aston Martin might not be back. It's not looking good right now, but we'll see. I hope the two Corvette Racing entries will have some competition, or I can't see them racing in the ALMS for long.

This is a shame because it has always been the more exciting group to watch. It might be because I love watching the cars but honestly the LMP1 class gets boring after Audi takes a multiple lap lead. I mean, Capello and McNish already have the points championship. How fun is that?

That might be the problem is that people are tired of losing to the Corvettes. But at least in some of the races Aston Martin gives a challenge.

I guess next year I will be watching the Ferraris vs Porches in GT2 more. I wish Panoz could have done more this year.

I wonder if ALMS could find a way to entice the 1 or 2 race teams into staying for the whole series instead of just Sebring and Petit LeMans. I know they show up to try and get a LeMans invite but the fans would love it if they were there putting up some real competition all season. Is there something about ALMS that keeps the other teams away?

I remember when I first started watching ALMS their motto was "For the fans." If they still want to keep to that finding a way to bring more teams in would be a great place to start.

You take one and I'll take the other.

Deal!

 

[RACECAR]

I know what you mean. While the American Le Mans Series struggles with grid size, two race-ready cars are sitting in a garage with no one to race them.

The worst part is, those cars that engineers spent countless time planning, designing, and building might never race at all. Not even next year. Whoever takes over the program will have to start from scratch, according to the sources.

you kidding? thats doesn't make any sense. what's the use of taking over the program if you can't compete with race ready machines? I doubt it will be successful considering those cars have had miles on them whereas whoever starts over has no data to even start or keep the program going. and in the mean time, what's gonna happen to those cars? they may as well just sell them. I rather them actually get some race miles then just sit there and collect dust.

 

[YIN]

i don't think porsche will quit gt2 class,because they just built the new 997 gt3 rsr
EDIT:i can't wait to see the battle between BMW z4 m coupe and Porsche 997 gt3 rsr:tup:

 

[dougiemeats]

Is there something about ALMS that keeps the other teams away?

That's an interesting question, and honestly, I have no idea. It seems to me that certain classes have their years when no one seems to be interested. The past two years we've seen the two factory Corvettes, two Aston Martins, three Saleens, a privateer Corvette, a Viper, a Maserati and two Lamborghinis in the GT1 class. That's quite a variety of cars, but the problem is, only 4 of those cars remain today. The ALMS certainly attracts teams, but it just can't find a way to keep them.

EDIT:i can't wait to see the battle between BMW z4 m coupe and Porsche 997 gt3 rsr:tup:

Well, I hope you have access to television in Europe. Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that BMW will not be racing next year in the American Le Mans Series. They feel that they cannot be competitive against the Porsches, Panoz, and Ferraris with their current car and configuration. The car they are currently racing is the same car that competed in the American Le Mans Series during the 2001 season.

Racing the new Z4 M Coupe was a possibility that Team PTG and BMW have discussed, but they felt that the car wouldn't be competitive either. Team PTG will finish out the season and BMW hopes to return in 2008 as a factory effort. Team PTG's plans are unknown, although many have speculated that they will take over the Lexus program that failed to put two IS350s on the track this year.

 

[YIN]

That's an interesting question, and honestly, I have no idea. It seems to me that certain classes have their years when no one seems to be interested. The past two years we've seen the two factory Corvettes, two Aston Martins, three Saleens, a privateer Corvette, a Viper, a Maserati and two Lamborghinis in the GT1 class. That's quite a variety of cars, but the problem is, only 4 of those cars remain today. The ALMS certainly attracts teams, but it just can't find a way to keep them.



Well, I hope you have access to television in Europe. Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that BMW will not be racing next year in the American Le Mans Series. They feel that they cannot be competitive against the Porsches, Panoz, and Ferraris with their current car and configuration. The car they are currently racing is the same car that competed in the American Le Mans Series during the 2001 season.

Racing the new Z4 M Coupe was a possibility that Team PTG and BMW have discussed, but they felt that the car wouldn't be competitive either. Team PTG will finish out the season and BMW hopes to return in 2008 as a factory effort. Team PTG's plans are unknown, although many have speculated that they will take over the Lexus program that failed to put two IS350s on the track this year.

oh......but peugeot 908 will be debut next year sebring 12 hours:tup:

 

[m.piedgros]

Whether or not we see 908's at Sebring relies on a couple of variables.

1. Whether or not this car will be Bentley-esc in that it will only run Sebring and Le Mans.

2. If Peugot have plans to run in America at all.

3. When the LMS's first round is... and where it is, compared to Sebring.

Also, a number of situations are still possible for the Peugot, essentially combining the above.

As for PTG Taking over the Lexus program, I doubt they'll buy/build two or even one brand new Lexi considering what is available. From looking at the pictures in the above article I'd guess that there are 3-4 chassis and body available and parts to make a few more with spares! I think we won't see the Milner squad untill '08 with either a brand new E90 M3 or a well developed Z4 M, assuming there is some success in Europe with the car.

You know what would benefit the true Le Mans fan? A universal series. Combine LMS and ALMS to make one super series. The schedule could look something like this.

Round 1 - Sebring International Raceway, Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring.
(--Good amount of time between rounds to get most/all teams to Europe.--)

Round 2 - Spa Francorchamps, Spa 1000km
(--3 Weeks--)

ALL-STAR - Circuit de la Sarthe, Michelin Presents the 24 Hours of Le Mans
(--3 Weeks--)

Round 3 - Nurburgring GP Circuit, Nurburgring 1000km
(4 Weeks--[Or designated period of time for teams to get back to North America])

Round 4 - Mosport Park, Mosport 1000km
(--3 Weeks--)

Round 5 - Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterrey Sports Car Championships
(--3 Weeks--)

Round 6 (Finale) - Road Atlanta, Petit Le Mans

Would there be enough exposure? Probably not, but you could work around that. Instead of having CBS broadcast the 4, 6, 10, 12, or even 24 hour events, just cut a deal so that they play 22 minute race reviews the Sunday following each race. Also, if they could fit it into their sports news coverage... bonus. As for the Asian, Middle-Eastern and European markets? I'm not married to the schedule.

m.piedgros

By the way '07 Monterrey Sports Car Championships has been confirmed. October 19-21 '07,

 

[dougiemeats]

By the way '07 Monterrey Sports Car Championships has been confirmed. October 19-21 '07,

Thanks, the schedule has been updated 👍 Also, we have another confirmed date



@m.piedgros - Interesting post about ALMS/LMS/JLMC joining as one. I'll have a more detailed reply later, since I don't have time to right now.

 

[dougiemeats]

Check the first post, the schedule has been confirmed. It's a 12-race season, with 5 races before Le Mans! Also, it's interesting to see NBC airing one of the races. Is this a sure sign of the growth of the ALMS? Unfortunately, I was right about no race in Portland.

Also, Creation has been confirmed for the whole 2007 season and Flying Lizard and Tafel Racing with a pair of 997s each

 

[FoolKiller]

OK, so my friend and I are wanting to go to a race next season but I can't do Petit LeMans because it lands on my dad's birthday. We discussed Laguna Seca, but a couple of thousand miles traveling time seems a bit excessive.

We contemplated making a vacation of Sebring, but my friend will be on a cruise that week.

So, currently we are looking at a drive to Mid-Ohio. Rewoirking the maps I think we can make it there driving in under 4 hours and then we are contemplating going up to Cedar Point amusement park the next day.

Of course if we do Cedar Point then the wives want to go along again. I should make them go to the race as payment.

 

[m.piedgros]

Mid-Ohio is a great track and would be really fun to watch a race at (especially with ALMS racing there).

m.piedgros

 

[Kylehnat]

OK, so my friend and I are wanting to go to a race next season but I can't do Petit LeMans because it lands on my dad's birthday. We discussed Laguna Seca, but a couple of thousand miles traveling time seems a bit excessive.

I'm thinking about going to Petit le Mans next year. You think mere travel time is going to stop me?

Seriously though, a cross-country flight to the west coast only takes 2 hours .

 

[FoolKiller]

I'm thinking about going to Petit le Mans next year. You think mere travel time is going to stop me?

Seriously though, a cross-country flight to the west coast only takes 2 hours .

Departure Flight for Friday, Oct 27: click to expand/collapse

Flight: Louisville, KY (SDF) to San Jose, CA (SJC)
5691/195 Depart: 1:46 PM Fri, Oct 27 Arrive: 7:14 PM Connect in Minneapolis, MN (MSP)
Total Duration: 8hr 28min Show Flight Details

Looks more like 8 hours. Going from a small city like Louisville it is hard. This is taking a flight to San Jose and then driving another hour or so. If I flew into Monterey it would mean that I have to make another switchover into a small plane and it is even longer and more expensive.

To drive to Petit LeMans was a couple hundred dollars in travel expenses (hotel and rental car) for four people. If our wives could drive a stick shift then it would have been more like $150. A trip to Laguna Seca would be well over $1000. If we ditched the wives then it would be just under $1000. I wouldn't mind a long flight to see Laguna Seca, but $1000 to see a four hour race is a bit much. Figure prices will probably go up by next year and it will be even more.

Oh well. Maybe I should convince the guy that owns the Kentucky Speedway to build a permanent road course that I can manage for him. I mean, NASCAR won't give him the time of day, so maybe he needs to branch out into the better racing fields. Then to ensure ALMS I would give them a priority scheduling contract. It would be the premiere event every year and the rest of the season will be built around it. Maybe we could even do a ALMS (Saturday) and Champ Car (Sunday) doubleheader weekend.

A guy can dream. I gave up my hopes of driving a race car, now I want to manage a track, a good track.

 

[Kylehnat]

Well, a direct flight from Atlanta/Washington/New York to San Jose/San Francisco would only take 5 hours, minus 3 hours for the time difference. If you lived in a bigger city, it'd definately be easier .

 

[FoolKiller]

Well, a direct flight from Atlanta/Washington/New York to San Jose/San Francisco would only take 5 hours, minus 3 hours for the time difference. If you lived in a bigger city, it'd definately be easier .

Well, I will find my way to a race someway somehow. I definitely want to see the new Acura as well as the redesign of the Porsche RS Spyder (that black looks sweet). It'll also be interesting to see what the Mazda can do when they really let it loose.

I get an extra week of vacation next year, so it will be a lot easier to arrange something.

 

[dougiemeats]

New addition to the entry list: Rahal Porsche for GT2!

Unfortunately, the ACEMCO Saleens (#66 & #63) are up for sale.

 

[FoolKiller]

Unfortunately, the ACEMCO Saleens (#66 & #63) are up for sale.

Hmmm, I'm looking for a new car.

 

[dougiemeats]

I hope you can afford them FoolKiller, because the series might need you to race.

Corvette says that they will race at Sebring, but after that is still undecided. There are talks about racing in Europe after Sebring, but again, nothing is certain. Will we see more privateers if Corvette does leave the series or will there be no GT1 class in 2007?

 

[Ford_Fan90]

Closet G.A. fans or pessimists say that if Corvette and Audi were to leave we'd see plenty more privateers. But this year the biggest team ever in P2 showed up in Porsche and that attracted Honda backed Acura-privateer/customer teams. I doubt more people will show up. Because of the shape of motor racing in America, we will only see real quality European sized Le Mans grids at Le Mans or on SPEED Channel in the one hour reviews we get. Unfortunate yes, but it is a fact. If you want big grids go watch Grand-Am races with their sudo GT class and prototypes styled after bricks. Don't get me wrong, G.A. may be the bets thing to happen to American motor sports. That an the advent of road race aces in NASCAR (having only really reached their peak in the new millennium but having existed for years prior) are drawing in oval fans to the ranks of real racing, er... road racing.

Side-note: Go Mark Martin and Matt Kenseth. lol

 

[L8 Apex]

GT1 class or not, I am definitely gonna try and make it to Long Beach to cheer on the R10s!