GRAND-AM, ALMS announce formation of joint technical committee

Daytona Beach, Fla. – GRAND-AM Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón announced today the formation of a Joint Technical Committee. The group is focusing on key competition issues for the two organizations during this season, but also on the competitive landscape for the new unified sports car series debuting in 2014.

#01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates BMW Riley: Charlie Kimball, Juan Pablo Montoya, Scott Pruett, Memo Rojas
#01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates BMW Riley: Charlie Kimball, Juan Pablo Montoya, Scott Pruett, Memo Rojas

Photo by: Eric Gilbert

The committee, featuring competition department staff members from GRAND-AM and the ALMS plus outside technical consultants, will be co-chaired by International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Chief Operating Officer Scot Elkins and GRAND-AM Managing Director of Competition Richard Buck.

Initial key projects include race car homologations, balance of performance and the development of technical specifications for the unified series’ classes. Names of those new classes will be announced on March 14 at Sebring International Raceway.

“We have a solid group and an ‘all-for-one’ approach,” said Elkins. “We’re combining the best technical minds from both organizations.”

#30 MOMO/NGT Motorsport Porsche GT3: Jakub Giermaziak, Henrique Cisneros, Sean Edwards, Patrick Pilet
#30 MOMO/NGT Motorsport Porsche GT3: Jakub Giermaziak, Henrique Cisneros, Sean Edwards, Patrick Pilet

Photo by: Eric Gilbert

Added Buck: “This merger is all about putting our resources together for the greater good. That’s what we’re doing with this committee. In the process we’re meeting a challenging situation head-on, brining expertise and enthusiasm to the table.

“Scot is an immense resource, as is Paul Walter, now serving as race director for both the ALMS and GRAND-AM. We’ve assembled an all-star team with this committee.”

GRAND-AM