ALMS to Phase In LMP2 Weight Gain

The American Le Mans Series looks certain to phase in the 50 kg weight increase mandated for LMP2 prototypes over the next two seasons.

The ALMS and its sanctioning body, IMSA, previously reserved judgment on the increase of the class minimum to 825 kg, announced by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest-the Le Mans organizer-in June. Now, they have signaled that they are unlikely to implement the full 50-kg increase, which would give LMP2 cars little chance of challenging LMP1 machinery, for next season.

IMSA executive director Doug Robinson said his organization and the ALMS would "use commonsense" in introducing the new Le Mans weight limit.

"We want to keep our fans happy and keep the competition between the two prototype classes," he said. "We haven't announced a decision, but phasing-in what Le Mans has decided over the next couple of years could be the right solution."

An announcement should follow the publication of the 2008 Le Mans rulebook in November. AutoWeek