THE AMERICAN LEMANS SERIES 101--A SHORT HISTORY
Last year The Automobile Club de L'Ouest (ACO), organizers and rights holders for the trademarks and rules for the 24 hour race agreed to license their internationally famous brand name and rules to Panoz. In addition to the licensing rights, The ACO agreed to grant pre-qualifying exemptions for the 24 hour race each year to three class winners in each of its three major territories (Americas, Asia and Europe). Using Le Mans rules allows teams who wish to compete in the 24 hours of LeMans an opportunity to compete under those rues in events leading up to pre-qualifying.
According to Mr. Panoz and Bill Donaldson, Executive Director of The American LeMans Series, it was developed for the fans. Fans get a taste of the 24 Hours of LeMans, including the same format as the historic French event. The paddock areas allow fans to come close to the race cars and their equipment, and access to their favorite drivers, giving autograph opportunities they might not otherwise have. Portable electronic scoreboards and giant video give fans constant information. Teams from private organizations, as well as factory teams, compete in three classes as defined by the ACO for the 24 Hours of LeMans.
Panoz wanted competitors to have experienced and reputable management along with the confidence and stability that he felt had been missing from the competition. The series marketing platform has worked hard to bring in a much broader viewer and listening audience from domestic and international television, radio and internet broadcasts which are presented in several languages.
The ALMS series events in 1999 were attended by record numbers of motorsport fans, manufacturers and privateers alike. The carnival atmosphere, along with amazing skydiving performances and spectacular firework displays, was an integral part of the celebration and only added to the overall excitement.
The first race of the 2000 schedule was 48th running of The Superflo 12 Hours of Sebring Presented by Dodge, March 15-19. Mr. Panoz once again showed his ability to bring consistently interesting and competitive world class racing to anxiously awaiting motorsport enthusiasts, as Audi and BMW took top honors.
The American LeMans series promises a spectacular year of competitive road racing. A total of twelve races have been scheduled, including Canada, the US, Europe and a season finish in Adelaide, Australia on December 31. Food, wine, fashion and a concert to usher in the new year, complete "Adelaide's Race of a Thousand
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