Level 5 Motorsports Acquires West Race Cars
The purchase was announced today by officials of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA).
West Race Cars builds the WR1000 and WX10 used in the L2 prototype class of IMSA's Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda series. Level 5 Motorsports is a leading team in prototype racing and is contending for the 2012 championship in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patr¢n P2 class.
"Level 5 recognized West Race Cars' long history and deep relationships in the prototype racing community," said Eric Vassian, President of West Race Cars, now a subsidiary of Level 5. "This new chapter furthers our goal of continuing to build and develop winning cars in the U.S. and across the globe."
In 2013, West Race Cars is committed to significant investments in the series, with a goal of having at least eight cars in L2 competition at each event. West is currently building five brand new WX10 cars, which will be available for drivers looking to compete in the L2 division of the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda series in 2013.
“West Race Cars have long been an integral component of IMSA's Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda championship in general, and the L2 class specifically," said Steven Sewell, IMSA’s Development Series director. “The assets that Level 5 bring to West will have a dramatic effect on its ability to commit significant resources to the L2 category and its competitors. Multi-class racing is a part of IMSA DNA, and we now have an even stronger partner in West Race Cars in the L2 category for the 2013 season."
West is dedicated to developing prototype teams and drivers in IMSA's Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda series. For the 2013 season, a points fund has been designed to encourage L2 drivers to attend all events and vie for the championship. Any driver who competes in all 2013 races will get their IMSA race registration fees paid back at the conclusion of the season. West will also be offering a championship prize package.
As an additional commitment to Cooper Tires Prototype Lites L2 competition, West Race Cars will ensure that a factory representative is in attendance at each event to assist teams with technical issues. A parts trailer will also be on hand during race weekends to ensure drivers and teams have the parts they need to succeed on track.