Jaguar pulls plug on ALMS program

Jaguar and RSR Racing on Friday announced that their American Le Mans Series GT-class campaign will not continue in 2012, “as Jaguar focuses all of its efforts on its ambitious global product-growth plan. Every aspect of Jaguar Cars is committed to its global growth plan—meaning prudent and frequently difficult business decisions are being made along the way in order to ensure that every available resource is channeled towards its future."

Paul Gentilozzi’s Michigan-based Rocketsports Racing was behind the Jaguar XKR GT program since its inception in 2009, but the effort never quite lived up to expectations and hopes. The XKR GT recorded several top-10 finishes during its competition history, but it never finished a race in a position better than sixth after struggling to find speed to match the ALMS front-runners.

Gentilozzi said, “I could not be more proud of the impact we have made in North America with Jaguar loyalists. I have been racing Jaguar XKs for more than a decade and will continue to hold in esteem our accomplishments and victories that include a GT win in the 24 Hours of Daytona and seven manufacturers’ and drivers’ championships in the Trans-Am Series.

“RSR will continue to develop its line of aftermarket performance products for the current line of Jaguar cars. In addition, RSR will launch its XKR track car to the public."

Meanwhile, Jaguar left the door open for an eventual return to competition.

“The energy, focus and sheer determination within the RSR team are all virtues Jaguar has been proud to have been associated with," the company said in a prepared statement. “Nonetheless, Jaguar has a rich heritage in motorsport and envisions that in the future, the brand could again be associated with racing at the highest level." AutoWeek