Atherton says ALMS will survive poor economy

While there’s weakness in the GT1 and prototype categories, with participation basically down to one manufacturer (Acura) and some privateers, American Le Mans Series president and CEO Scott Atherton says the GT2 category has never been stronger.

"Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, Panoz, the Corvette factory team about to re-emerge as a GT2 team," he said. "It’s the best of times in GT. Depending on who you are, some would say that’s even more interesting because those cars truly represent an example of the manufacturer racing what they sell. So when we talk about the relevance in the series, and the direct link from the race track to the road car and show room, it’s never been better. And people here who are fans on site, and watching television, that Porsche is the absolute DNA donor of the one you and I can go buy. Same with the BWI and so on.

"So yes, right now in the top level prototypes, it’s still incredibly interesting because of the technology that’s there. It represents the leading edge of automotive technology. While some would say that Acura looks nothing like any Acura I’ve ever seen on the road, that may be correct. But the technology under the skin of that Acura is directly linked back to what’s going on with the road car. That’s what separates the American Le Mans Series from virtually every other form of motor sports right now."

Atherton says the GT1 class is on its way out, with one more running to allow Corvette to finish up its run at Long Beach.

"I think it’s a matter of natural selection," he said. "The manufacturers have decided the future of GT1 and there isn’t content there." The overall focus will turn instead to GT2.