American Le Mans Series

LMP2, GT1 Benefactors in Petit Le Mans Entries

The LMP2 and GT1 classes received the largest increases in entries for Chevy Presents Petit Le Mans compared to other American Le Mans Series events this year. The October 1 race at Road Atlanta will feature a thirty car field, including eight LMP2 cars and seven GT1 entries. This is an increase of 4 cars in LMP2 and 2 cars in GT1. A single additional LMP1 car and one additional GT2 car will join the field.

LMP2 should prove to be a competitive field despite the withdrawal last month of the Porsche RS Spyder. ALMS LMP2 Championship competitors Intersport Racing and Miracle Motorsports will both field a 3-driver team of regulars. They will be challenged by other series regulars B-K Motorsports and van der Steur Racing.

Joining the field from the Le Mans Endurance Series will be Horag-Lista Racing’s Judd-powered Lola B05/40, Kruse Motorsports Courage C65-AER, and Binnie Motorsports Lola B05/40 Nicholson McLaren. BAT Competition has announced their intent to bring a Nissan-powered Lola B2K, but has not announced any drivers.

LMP1 will field the usual grid of 2 Dysons, 2 Champion Audi, plus the addition of Autocon Motorsports. Both Champion and Audi plan to make use of only two-drivers per car.

GT1 will feature the rematch of the Corvette versus Aston Martin. The battle that started during the 12 Hours of Sebring, continued during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, will be settled for 2005 at Petit Le Mans. Both teams will bring two three-driver squads to the race. They will compete against series regulars Maserati Corse, ACEMCO Saleen, and Carsport America’s Viper.

GT2 will grow by a single car for the event. J3 Racing, based only a short distance away from Road Atlanta in Buford, Georgia, will bring a second car to the event. Only 1 driver, Michael Cawley of Atlanta, Georgia has been announced for the car so far.

All other series regulars will be attending the race. Alex Job Racing and Flying Lizard will each bring their normal two Porsche each. Petersen White Lightning and BAM! Will bring one car each. Panoz will bring their normal entry of two cars.