IMSA releases preseason ALMS regs

The International Motor Sports Association released a series of preseason updates for competitors in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patr¢n. The Series’ sanctioning body announced regulations dealing with driver eligibility in three classes, schemes for ALMS Leader Lights, car numbers and other rules for 2011.

Driver Ratings
Drivers in the LMP2, LMP Challenge and GT Challenge classes will be classified according to their competitive history including previous series, race results and championships, and past racing licenses held, among other factors. Once IMSA receives the appropriate information, it will – in conjunction with the ACO – assign a driver rating that applies to all IMSA and ACO events for 2011.

Leader Lights
For all races in 2011, LMP1 cars will carry red Leader Lights and LMP2 cars will have blue lights. The GT class will change from yellow to green for the coming year.

The ALMS introduced the Leader Light system about 10 years ago. It allows fans to keep track of the first-, second- and third-place cars in each class. The system has since been adopted by the ACO for the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Car Numbers
With the 59th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida and Petit Le Mans as rounds in the ACO’s Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, all car numbers will begin with ‘0’. The standard ALMS numbering system will apply in other events.

Number decals will be required on the front of all ALMS cars in 2011.

Other regulations
IMSA will strictly enforce the 110dB sound level in 2011. … Louvers on front and rear bodywork above the wheels must remain fully intact. Any detachment must be replaced on the car’s pit stop after the damage has been discovered. … The two main headlights and two main taillights must remain on at all times, regardless of daytime or nighttime driving.