The Grand Prix of Charlotte is the site of the next race in the American LeMans Series, (ALMS) Saturday, April 1, at Lowes Motor Speedway, Charlotte, North Carolina. A view of the raceway, schedule of activities, entry lists and teams can be viewed in detail at http://www.lowesmotorspeedway.com. NBC Sports will broadcast live from 4-6 PM and speedvision will repeat it on 4/7 from 8-10 PM.
ALMS features three classes: Prototype, which has two divisions, LeMans Prototype (LMP) and Grand Touring Prototype (GTP), Grand Touring Sport (GTS) and Grand Touring (GT). Also racing this weekend is Women's Global GT Series,where women compete in equally prepared Panoz Esperante sedans.
Successful businessman and entrepreneur, Donald E.Panoz, is the American LeMans series. He added ALMS to his already impressive list of automotive, motorsport and pharmaceutical business successes. Here is a man who loves a challenge and is more than able to rise to it. In 1998 he created the Petit LeMans , a 1000 mile race modeled after the famous French event, for his facility at Road Atlanta, then went on to purchase Sebring International Raceway and Mosport Park. From there, the American LeMans series was born and had its inaugural race March 1999 at Sebring International Speedway.
As the second year of ALMS kicked off with the 48th running of the Superflo 12 Hours of Sebring, fans and competitors alike were treated to some of the most major changes in American motorsport history. New pit and media facilities were built along with a tower and a four floor hotel. Panoz's effort to expand upon the rich history and tradition of the 24 hours of Le Mans, continues to attract worldwide attention to 12 Hours at Sebring as the supreme test before LeMans. Millions of spectators, broadcast viewers and listeners from around the globe focus on the Sarthe region of France each June to witness a 24 hour motor racing event that dates back to 1923. Panoz hopes to continue that tradition and tap into those fans throughout the entire ALMS series.
Australian sportscar star David Brabham teamed up with fellow ex-GrandPrix driver Jan Magnussen for the Panoz team's assault on the 2000 Le Mans Series. Unfortanately, both Panoz cars were forced to retire prior to the finish. "The 12-hours of Sebring feels more like 48 hours at Le Mans because it is probably the bumpiest circuit in the world," Brabham said."You really need a good set-up that soaks the bumps up. The track really takes a toll on gearboxes, differentials and drivers as well." Jan added, "If you can do well at Sebring, you are in good shape for Le Mans."
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