The Acura division of American Honda Motor Co has announced plans to enter the American Le Mans Series in 2007 with a factory prototype programme.
The Acura prototype initiative is the first factory motorsports programme for Acura, the luxury brand of American Honda Motor Co in its 20-year history. Multiple Acura-powered LMP2 entries will make their competition debut at the 55th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring to start the ALMS season in March of 2007.
Acura's race programme will feature engines designed and developed by Honda Performance Development mated with chassis from some of the world's most prestigious manufacturers including Lola from England and Courage of France.
Recognising the leading-edge technology and manufacturer involvement present in the Series, the Acura-related announcement adds yet another world-class manufacturer into the ALMS ranks. The series is the only sports car platform to offer such competitive diversity on the worldwide stage. When the 2007 American Le Mans Series season opens, Acura will stand alongside marques including Audi, Aston Martin,
BMW, Chevrolet,
Ferrari, Lexus, Mazda, Panoz, Porsche and Saleen on the grid that boasts more than 10 of the world's elite automobile manufacturers competing head-to-head.
"The American Le Mans Series has always featured factory involvement from the most prestigious collection of auto manufacturers in the world. Today, it is with great pride that we welcome Acura," said Scott Atherton, president and CEO of the ALMS. "Our platform features world-class manufacturers showcasing their products in one of the most extreme, but relevant forms of motorsports - endurance sports car racing. Acura has done exhaustive research and has confirmed that the American Le Mans Series is the premium brand of motorsports and involvement in the Series is the best way to display its technology and innovation to our upscale and affluent audience.
