2008 IMSA Lites schedule

The International Motor Sports Association has released the 2008 schedule for IMSA Lites presented by Hankook as the prototype feeder series looks to continue the momentum it has created since its first season in 2006. Now in its third year, the series has produced a schedule that is a mirror image of this past season.

Six of the best permanent road course venues in North America will play host to two IMSA Lites rounds per event as it plays a supporting role with the American Le Mans Series. As is the case with North America’s premier brand of motorsport, IMSA Lites will feature multi-class racing. It presents a dimension of competition as drivers must be aware of the class’ distinctly different speeds as they navigate the race tracks. It is the same challenge American Le Mans Series drivers face.

“IMSA Lites has, without a doubt, exceeded expectations we laid out for it when it was formed three years ago," said Tim Mayer, IMSA Chief Operating Officer. “It is an ideal platform for developing the next wave of prototype competitors in the American Le Mans Series, and the events we have selected for 2008 will help us continue to do just that."

IMSA Lites features three separate classes of open-top sports racer prototypes – Lites1, Lites2 and Lites3. The series offers a step up to those racers who would like to advance beyond the club racing level in preparation for a career in a world-class organization like the American Le Mans Series.

Lites1 is exclusively for the DP02 chassis designed and produced by Elan Technologies. It features a carbon-fiber monocoque, race-designed suspension and uprights, a six-speed sequential gearbox, and a full aerodynamic package that features a front splitter, diffuser and rear wing. It will be powered by 2.3-liter, inline four engines prepared and sealed by Elan Power Products.

West Race Cars is the exclusive provider for chassis in Lites2. The WR1000 racer is powered by a 1,000-cc Kawasaki powerplant prepared and sealed by George Dean Racing. Lites 3 will be made up of Formula SCCA cars designed by Elan/VanDiemen and sold by SCCA Enterprises.

2008 IMSA LITES PRESENTED BY HANKOOK SCHEDULE

Dates	Event	Location
March 13-14	Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida	Sebring International Raceway Sebring, Fla.
May 17-18	Utah Grand Prix	Miller Motorsports Park Tooele, Utah
July 11-12	Northeast Grand Prix	Lime Rock Park Lakeville, Conn.
Aug. 23-24	Mobil 1 presents Grand Prix of Mosport	Mosport International Raceway Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
Oct. 2-3	Petit Le Mans	Road Atlanta Braselton, Ga.
Oct. 18-19*	Monterey Sports Car Championships	Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, Calif.

*Signifies event with one-hour, 15-minute endurance race.