IMSA Restructures Logistics, Development Series Management

International Motor Sports Association today announced the hiring of Steven Sewell as the Development Series Director, as former series manager Mike Simons was named to the newly created position of Director of Logistics.

“Mike has done a great job with our two development series, the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama and the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Championship," said Vice President of Operations Scot Elkins. “His primary past experience is in logistics and this step is a major increase of responsibilities, which will now include all IMSA series including the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patr¢n.

“In order to continue the growth and expansion of the GT3 and Lites series that Mike has fostered, we will be adding a new Development Series Director to continue this growth plan. Steven Sewell brings a wealth of technical knowledge that will help our development series and improve the technical analysis capabilities of the ALMS as well.

“This restructuring places us in an excellent position for continued success in 2011. I have all the confidence that both guys will exceed our stakeholder’s expectations in their new roles"
Simons looks forward to his new responsibilities.

“I have really enjoyed my time as Series Manager for the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama and the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Championship Series," said Simons. “Working with the drivers and teams has been an experience I will always treasure. I’m looking forward to my new role with IMSA and the opportunities ahead."

Sewell has an extensive motorsports background, including stints as Director of Operations for the Skip Barber Racing School, Technical Director for the Atlantic Championship and most recently, as General Manager of Xtrac, a leading supplier of high performance transmissions.

“I’ve spent the majority of my nearly 30-year motorsport career in a variety of positions within the realm of development series," said Sewell. “I am thrilled with the prospect of focusing all my previous experience and knowledge into the already well-recognized IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama and the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Championship. Mike Simons has done a brilliant job in establishing these series as premier in their own right and I look forward to working closely with corporate partners, drivers, teams, and the hard-working IMSA staff to further enhance this legacy."

Both development series will be on the track Monday and Tuesday, February 7 and 8, for the support series portion of the Sebring Winter Test.