Audi is getting into Grand-Am GT class. Does this mean they're leaving ALMS? Story here

Audi To Build R8 LMS Race Car For GRAND-AM Rolex Series GT Class
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Audi has announced its commitment to build a version of its successful R8 LMS race car for the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, adding another major manufacturer to its highly competitive production-based GT class.

GRAND-AM has worked with Audi on the project since August 2009, making several visits to Germany to meet with the manufacturer. The car is expected to begin testing in the fall, with its competition debut expected at the 50th anniversary running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 28-29, 2012.

The announcement follows the successful first test of the Ferrari F458 as GRAND-AM seeks to bring new cars and manufacturers into the Rolex Series' GT class while bringing passionate fans to the tracks and continuing to enhance the standard of competition.

"This is another important step forward for the Rolex Series and the GT class," said GRAND-AM Vice President of Competition Dave Spitzer. "We know there is incredible support for Audi among our race fans, and we look forward to hearing and seeing the beautiful R8 racing with the rest of our GT class.

"With Audi, we have developed a template for modifying GT cars to our performance level that can be applied elsewhere to further enhance the variety on our grid."

The Rolex Series Audi R8 will use the 5.0-liter V10 engine and Audi's production-based aluminum chassis. Engine power and aerodynamic performance will be modified slightly to match current Rolex Series GT performance levels. Work is underway to test the engine on GRAND-AM's dyno. Cars may be delivered to customers this fall.

"We are proud to join the Rolex Series in 2012 with the R8," said Romolo Liebchen, Audi Project Manager Customer Sports GT. "We know the GRAND-AM team will provide a great platform for GT racing for years to come. We look forward to meeting many new customers."

Liebchen is expected to attend the Rolex Series' season-ending race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in September to meet with GRAND-AM officials, teams and prospective customers.

Teams will have the opportunity to test the new Audi at open tests at Daytona International Speedway in November and December. The 2012 Rolex Series season opens with the annual Roar Before the Rolex 24 At Daytona test in early January, leading up to the 50th Rolex 24 on Jan. 28-29.

 

I doubt that they will Leave ALMS or Le Mans in general given their amazing success. Their Diesel powered rockets are the class of the field most places that they go. An I could be reading it wrong, but it doesn't sound like they are going to have a factory team. It simply sounds like there is interest from Rolex so they are making the car, and letting teams see if they want to use it.

 

They are not really a part of ALMS, they only participate in the first and last races (12 hrs Sebring and Petit Le Mans). Same with Peugeot. There are 8 other races besides those two that make up the full ALMS season.

12 hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans count towards the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, which also includes 24 hrs Le Mans, Spa, Imola, etc. etc. And I hope they dont pull out of the Le Mans series as they just recently picked up a win at the 24 hrs with their R18, not to mention they just built the R18s...

 

Audi left ALMS in 2008-2009 They have been just running Sebring and Petit Since then. More than likely the R8 LMS will run in GT Challenge class where the Porsche GT3 Cup competes. I know Ferrari is testing the Ferrari 458 Grand-Am/GT3 so it may also compete in GT Challenge. ALMS needs to add these cars or else it will fall behind Grand-Am.

 

I have a hard time watching Grand-am. I just can't stand seeing those big fat Chevy's that they are running instead of the Vettes. I know that it comes down to marketing strategies, and which they expect will sell more, but really the Vette is Chevy's race car. It would be nice to see more different makes in ALMS and grand-am though.

 

ALMS could definitely see some more models. Only problem is not only do the LM prototypes run, and the GT class, but there's also the GT3 Cup cars, so when you're on a track like Lime Rock in CT, it can get pretty crowded!

 

^ honestly I would have no problem if they just dropped the GT challenge (gt3 cup) class. Don't they have their own series anyway? Or have the two merged? But yes, more variety of cars = more fun. But they need to be competitive. Watching the lambo and the Jag at the race I went to was just depressing. Though ironically I enjoyed the two of them the most because they sounded the best.

 

Much of it comes down to funding. Penske and Highcroft came close to running the R18s this year but couldn't get the funding together.