ACO finalises 2011 ILMC calendar

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) confirmed that the two premier races on the American Le Mans Series 2011 schedule would be featured as part of the prestigious Intercontinental Le Mans Cup championship next season.

The Series’ season-opener - the 59th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring (March 19) - will be the first race of the 2011 ILMC championship and Petit Le Mans (October 1) will be the sixth race of the seven event global championship format.

“Having our two showcase events – the 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans – as key components to the prestigious Intercontinental Le Mans Cup will raise these two great races even further in stature on the global stage,” said Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón. “We look forward to the many corporate partner opportunities and renowned race teams that these events will attract as we play a vital role in establishing the ILMC as one of the premier motorsport competitions in the world.”

The 2011 six-race 2011 ILMC calendar includes:
1. Sebring 12 Hours (Florida USA) March 19
2. Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours (BEL) May 8
3. Le Mans 24 Hours (FRA) June 11-12
4. Imola 6 Hours (ITA) July 3
5. Silverstone 6 Hours (GBR) September 11
6. Petit Le Mans (Georgia, USA) October 1
7. 6-Hours race to be organized in China (name defined in relation to circuit) November 12

The inaugural 2010 ILMC season included one race from each of the ACO sanctioned Le Mans series’ - Silverstone (Europe); Road Atlanta’s Petit Le Mans (North America); and Zuhai, China (Asia)

Series teams and factory efforts that competed in at least one Intercontinental Le Mans Cup race last year were Drayson Racing, Jaguar’s RSR, BMW’s Rahal Letterman, Ferrari’s Risi Competizione and Porsche’s Flying Lizard Motorsports. In addition, Flying Lizard regular season drivers Patrick Long and Joerg Bergmeister placed best in GT class at Zuhai in Porsche’s 911 GT3 R Hybrid that ran as unclassified due to its hybrid status. Drayson Racing competed in all three events and placed third overall in the ILMC championship.

Jean-Claude Plassart, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “Thanks to this balanced international seven-race calendar our events will take place in six countries on three continents, so the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup will really take off in 2011. Endurance, the bedrock of our activities since 1923, will come out of this championship, whose regulations are based on those that have made the success of the Le Mans 24 Hours, with its prestige reinforced. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest is especially proud to contribute directly to the international development of this branch of motor racing in which the sporting, competitive and attractive aspects for the general public are highlighted, as well as the most innovative technologies.”

Frédéric Henry-Biabaud, ILMC General Manager: “We’re convinced that this calendar is going to enhance the values of endurance through a technological, responsible and sporting approach towards racing that will give endurance the place it deserves. For its first full season, this programme meets the expectations of spectators, manufacturers, teams and partners with seven events on some of the most legendary motor racing circuits in strategic economic markets.”

Additional information :

— Format: Four 6-hour races, one of 1000 Miles (Petit Le Mans) one of 12 Hours Sebring) and one of 24 Hours (Le Mans).
— Petit Le Mans is a 1000-Mile race (1609 kms) with a maximum duration of 10 hours.
— Double points will be awarded for the Le Mans 24 Hours compared to the other events counting towards the ILMC classifications.
— The 2011 ILMC will finish in China. Once the circuit has been selected its name will be communicated straight away.
— The Chinese round of the 2011 ILMC will be held on a Saturday.
— The Le Mans 24-Hours test day will take place on Sunday 24th April 2011.