Class Specifications For 2014 United Sportscar Racing Debut Taking Shape

Company press release.

· 2014 GT Le Mans Class Will Retain ALMS' Current GT Specs

· 2014 GT Daytona Class Performance Adjusted For New Class Structure

· Paddle Shifters, 6-Speed Gearboxes For Prototype Class

· Prototype Challenge Class Will Use Current ALMS PC Specs

· Current GRAND-AM GX Class To Be Transitioned Into GT Daytona Class

(NOTE: This is the second in a series of announcements providing details about the rules and regulations for the inaugural United SportsCar Racing season in 2014.)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 19, 2013) – Class specifications continue to crystalize in preparation for next year's inaugural United SportsCar Racing season, as officials strive for balanced performance and a close competitive environment that follows the 'best of both worlds' mantra that is driving the merger of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) presented by Tequila Patrón, GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA).

When the first United SportsCar Racing season opens in January with the 52nd running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, fans will be greeted by some high-speed familiarities at Daytona International Speedway, perhaps most noticeably in the production-based GT categories.

As an example, the new GT Le Mans (GTLM) class will retain all of the ALMS' current GT class specs. An important new safety feature will be found in the cockpit of every GTLM car, as side nets around the driver's seat will be utilized as an added measure of keeping drivers in place in the event of an incident.

The GT Daytona (GTD) class, the new home for what is now GRAND-AM's Rolex Series GT teams, will run with adjusted performance levels to assist in cost reduction and an overall meshing with other classes. A method of restricting engine air intake will be mandatory, as will single-lug, single piece wheels. Every GTD car will carry a series-specified rear wing.

GTD may also include FIA GT3 cars with minimal modifications, providing they meet class performance targets. Overall, however, the regulations will be based on the current Rolex Series GT rules. In addition, the Rolex Series' current GX class will be transitioned into GTD.

On to the headlining Prototype (P) class, where series officials are working overtime to balance performance between the ALMS' P2 cars, DeltaWing and Rolex Series' Daytona Prototypes. That work continues but there are these definite mandates:

· Cars considered P2 in origin will follow current technical specs of the ACO

· Paddle shifters and 6-speed transmissions /gearboxes allowed for all cars

· Sonic air intake restrictors for all approved engines for P2 and DP cars

And lastly, here's the easy one: The popular and highly competitive Prototype Challenge (PC) class now competing in the ALMS will return with all current technical aspects intact.

Cars in every class except for PC will also carry series-mandated data loggers, which will be downloaded on every pit stop. Teams will be responsible for the proper operation of the data loggers.

To help delineate the classes, each car will use standardized number panels with colored backgrounds identifying each class, similar to what is being used currently in the ALMS. The panels will be backlit for night races.

Another feature sure to be popular with fans is the return of a new and improved Leader Lights system, which will be required on all cars. The colored lights, which will be similar in color to the number panels, will enable fans to determine each car's running position within its class at all times during United SportsCar Racing events.

'We are moving carefully, but with clear momentum,' said Scot Elkins, chief operating officer of IMSA and the ALMS and managing director, technical regulations and development for GRAND-AM. 'The goal is to get it right, which entails making the on-track action safe, competitive and reasonable when it comes to cost. Like we've said all along: the 'best of both worlds' is what we're after here. We're getting closer each and every day.'

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SPORTS ASSOCIATION:

Beginning in 2014, the new International Motor Sports Association, LLC (IMSA) will be the sanctioning body of United SportsCar Racing – the highly anticipated road-racing series resulting from the merger of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón and the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series – as well as the developmental series: Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge and the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites powered by Mazda. In addition, IMSA also plans to continue sanctioning the following single-make series: Ferrari Challenge, IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama, Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin and Lamborghini Super Trofeo.

IMSA is the exclusive strategic partner in North America with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) which operates the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a part of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The partnership enables selected United SportsCar competitors to earn automatic entries into the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.

ABOUT UNITED SPORTSCAR RACING:

United SportsCar Racing will make its debut in 2014 as the result of the merger between the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón and the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series. The inaugural season will feature between 10 and 12 races at some of the most storied road courses and street circuits in North America. The series will include many of the world's best sports car drivers, teams and manufacturers battling for class and overall honors. Visit www.unitedsportscar.com for more information.

posted on conceptcarz.com