Classes

The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón features racing that is more exciting than any other motorsport championship. Given the speed variation between the classes, there is literally a battle for position in every corner on almost every lap. That’s the nature of the ALMS’s multiple-class format. It’s a dynamic that offers unparalleled suspense.

P1
Featuring some of the most technically sophisticated race cars in the world, prototypes are purpose-built racing machines. Multiple manufacturers build and race P1s including offerings from Honda Performance Development and Lola along with the diesel-powered Audi R18 TDI and R18 Hybrid and Toyota’s TS030. These ultra-engineered racing machines typically produce between 475-575 horsepower, have a minimum weight of 900 kilograms (approximately 1,985 pounds), can accelerate from 0-100 mph in four seconds and reach top speeds near 200 mph.All P1 race cars have red Leader Lights and red car numbers.

GT
Production-based, moderately modified two-wheel drive race cars comprise the GT class – Aston Martin Vantage, BMW M3 GT, Corvette C6.R, Ferrari F458 Italia, Lotus Evora and Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. The GT cars share many similarities to their showroom brands. With top speeds of up to 180 mph, these elite GTs produce between 450-500 horsepower and have a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms (2,745 pounds).All GT race cars have green Leader Lights and green car numbers.*

P2

Smaller and less powerful than their P1 counterparts, P2 cars still are impressive, purpose-built prototypes. Like P1, multiple manufacturers supply both open-top and coupe chassis including Lola, Honda Performance Development and Oak-Pescarolo. P2 cars can produce similar HP figures to GT cars but weigh 900 kilograms.All P2 race cars have blue Leader Lights and blue car numbers.

PROTOTYPE CHALLENGE
The LMP Challenge class features the ORECA FLM09 prototype. The race car has a minimum weight of 900 kilograms – without driver and fuel like its P1 and P2 brethren – with 430 hp. The FLM09 features a full carbon fiber chassis, carbon brakes, and an Xtrac sequential gearbox with paddle shifting. All PC cars race on single-supply Michelin tires.All PC race cars have purple car numbers and a single green light at the rear of the car.

GT CHALLENGE
The GT Challenge class features three specifications of Porsche’s 911 GT3 Cup car. As in GT, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars are based on the road-going Porsche 911 GT3 RS. With top speeds of up to 150 mph, the minimum weight for all Porsche 911 GT3 Cups is 1,205 kilograms (approx. 2,655 pounds).All GTC race cars have orange car numbers and a single green light at the rear of the car.

*For the FIA World Endurance Championship round at Sebring, cars in the GTE Pro class will use green Leader Lights, and cars in the GTE Am class will use yellow Leader Lights.