Petersen Motorsports/White Lightning Racing has closed the door on its successful sportscar operation - for 2008 at least - after failing to land the sponsor it needed to ensure a front-running American Le Mans Series campaign.
Having set the standard for US-based sportscar team since breaking onto the scene in 1998, team manager Dale White began a vigorous search for a partner to continue the team's participation in the GT2 class with
Ferrari, Michelin, MOMO and Tifosi Eyewear but, with no marketing partner having been finalised with just weeks to go before the season-opener at Sebring, the decision was taken to abandon its plans for 2008.
While pursuing marketing partners to mount a full return to the American Le Mans Series in 2009, co-owner Mike Petersen has decided instead to build upon a renewed enthusiasm for off-road marathon rallies - which was rekindled on last year's Dakar - to focus on an international campaign this season.
"This was truly a difficult decision," Petersen admitted, "We have had such a great run of success in the American Le Mans Series and at Le Mans, but it came time to make the decision and I am really enjoying my time in off-road racing again.
"I believe that the American Le Mans Series is a great series, but I feel like this is absolutely the right decision for Petersen Motorsports at this time. While we have had great success in sports car racing, it is time for a new challenge and few challenges are greater than marathon rallies. I do want to take this time to thank Ferrari and Michelin for their support and to all the guys on the team that have given so much to the program over the years."
