Will Audi Pull Out of ALMS?

Frustrated by the lack of competition in ALMS rumors are abounding that Audi may pull the plug on the series in 2008 and move on to other venues. We speculate this will definitely happen if they continue undefeated in 2008.

With the recent appearance of a spec built carbon fiber bodied Demo R8 at the Speed World Challenge, maybe Audi is reading itself for a return to the series it dominated with the S4 and the RS6. If the Audi were to renter this the Speed World Challenge it would duke it out with both Aston Martin and the world class Chevrolet Corvette teams that have dominated the series for the last decade.

Speculation of a future performance diesel R8 variant would be an interesting addition to the field, and success in this arena would continue to fuel the diesel marketing campaign in the US. Possibly solidifying the diesel engine as a creditable performance alternative.

When asked about the possibility of a return to the series, an Audi official who chose to remain nameless simply said they are always evaluating all motor sports series and all options are always open.

Should Audi move on to more competitive venues with the possibility diesel entry? How about NASCAR?

BM3W - 3/21/2007 10:23:15 AM

+4 Boost

I would like to see Audi in Formula 1. The could really show case their talents there.

EvoAudi - 3/21/2007 10:32:51 AM

+5 Boost

the day Audi goes to nascar is the day i'll shoot myself.......seriously.

Agent009 - 3/21/2007 12:23:15 PM

+2 Boost

What? You can see a diesel A6 going head to head with a Chevy?...LOL

S4cabriofoxone - 3/21/2007 1:03:50 PM

+3 Boost

Didn't you mean "can't"?

But yes, I CAN'T.

IamEvilHomer - 3/21/2007 10:49:57 AM

+3 Boost

you will never see Audi in Formula 1 or Nascar because Audi races to develop tech for their road cars. AMLS and similar races are great for that.

Were ever they go I am sure they will do well. They have great racing teams.

matt635 - 3/21/2007 11:58:57 AM

+2 Boost

"AUDI RACES TO DEVELOP TECH FOR THEIR ROAD CARS.."

D T M ????

Explain what exactley they get from DTM then... you might want to read the tech regs for DTM before you answer.

S4cabriofoxone - 3/21/2007 11:13:47 AM

+3 Boost

They won't EVER go to NASCAR, but F1 would be interesting.

AlexTx - 3/21/2007 2:58:40 PM

+1 Boost

Real race fans care...

matt635 - 3/21/2007 5:16:33 PM

0 Boost

Audi fans care 'cos they'll have nothing to gloat about, and motorsport fans care 'cos it'll make the races interesting again.

07mcs - 3/21/2007 4:02:09 PM

+3 Boost

Formula 1 Used to be where all the new stuff came out of . Like Active Suspension, pioneered by Williams. But now with all the regulations and restrictions on engine development, in an effort to promote lower cost for small teams to compete, F1 has been handicapped in the innovation part of racing.

1uberaudi - 3/21/2007 5:47:28 PM

+2 Boost

They cannot be beat. Whatever the circuit maybe.

Kostin - 3/22/2007 3:12:51 AM

+1 Boost

I think they should participate in FIA WTCC.I belive it's the most representative race because manufacturers use street cars adapted for the track.I BET they will participate starting next year.
Formula 1 is considered to be the ultimate driving sport but the cars there have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in common with the street cars.Look at Renault for example.They're world champions but their street cars are one of the cheapest.I belive that if you want to sell stock cars you should race in touring car championships.

Spyderman - 3/22/2007 3:33:56 AM

+1 Boost

Frustrated by the lack of competition!?
What a joke!!!
if that were true, they would be lobbying the ACO to retract the overwhelmingly favorable pro-diesel rules in order to give non diesel manufacturers an incentive to build P1 cars to compete with them.
On the other hand, they wouldn't constantly whimper about IMSA not upholding the 5% restrictor reduction that the ACO ruled for P2 cars in 2007.

d1sinfo - 3/22/2007 5:01:54 PM

+2 Boost

Yes, they will pull out because the Lexus IS-F will dominate prototype racing.

richardp996 - 3/26/2007 1:51:11 PM

+1 Boost

That sucks for Lucas Luhr, as he left Porsche as an official driver because Porsche was not racing with the LMP1 class. This is rumored why he left to become an Audi driver, starting at DTM and making his way up.

I agree with Spyderman wholeheartedly, if Audi was aurging with the lack of competition, they wouldn't have suggested their disliking with IMSA's ruling that allowed the LMP2 cars from Acura and Porsche to be so competitive. Before Sebring the whole Audi camp stated the race will be hard and the LMP2 cars should comply with the ACO rules of having larger restrictor plates because they are a little too competitive.