Audi May Not Compete in 2008 ALMS Citing Unfair Weight Rules

Contrary to our previous report that Audi confirmed it will return to American Le Mans Series competition in 2008, the company will not commit to a return until it knows if the ALMS will impose a 50-kilogram (110-pound) weight penalty--mandated for the 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans--on LMP2-class cars.

Audi believes that the extra weight will allow its LMP1 prototypes to compete with the Penske-run Porsche RS Spyders, which won eight of 12 races in 2007. It wants IMSA, the ALMS sanctioning body, to impose the full weight, but Audi Sport boss Wolfgang Ullrich has suggested he will accept a compromise.

"The full 50 kilograms would be the best that could happen, because I always ask for consistency of rules [between Le Mans and the ALMS]," he said. Will he accept the 25-kilogram (55-pound) compromise rumored to be IMSA's favored option? "I don't want to go into details, but we have to see that we have a fair chance to win this championship."

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ThierryHenry14 - 12/4/2007 2:05:47 PM

+4 Boost

Well, if ALMS wants teams to compete in Le Mans fairly, they should give level playing field and follow the rules stated by ACO.

BMW4me4ever - 12/4/2007 3:00:53 PM

+4 Boost

I agree ..

Atenza28 - 12/4/2007 5:34:55 PM

+3 Boost

There losses were also due to other ALMS sanctions including but not limited to smaller fuel cells because the Audi's had better mileage and slower fuel rigs so that it takes longer to fuel said smaller cells during stops. I think Audi is used to bringing winning technology to race series and being banned or sanctioned by now, it's happened for years.

Atenza28 - 12/4/2007 5:38:38 PM

+2 Boost

*Their losses... And by the way the ALMS says it's all due to making races closer. So that their is competition, but the competition should be between LMP1 cars not LMP1 and LMP2 cars. If other LMP1 cars cannot compete that's their fault not Audi's and LMP2 cars really shouldn't have a chance. That's like sanctioning the Corvettes and Astons' (GT1 cars) so that Porsche and Ferrari (GT3 cars) have a chance at beating them.

ThierryHenry14 - 12/4/2007 6:17:32 PM

+2 Boost

Regarding the SCCA, thats why Audi pulled out of the Speed GT, and the series is now as quiet as a Prius engine...

But yes, if Audi pulls out, its a big, BIG loss for ALMS. If things at ALMS does not get better and have more fair rules, ACO should punish the sanctioning body, IMSA, by not allowing the teams into Le Mans. Then we'll see how many teams will still be in ALMS...

ThierryHenry14 - 12/5/2007 8:26:15 PM

+2 Boost

Yea, it was Galati and Pobst. I got a chance to go watch a race in Limerock, back in 04, I think, it was pretty fun.

MeanVulcan - 12/4/2007 9:32:52 PM

+2 Boost

The SCCA is now a joke and so will the ALMS. Since when do we cripple the stars so the mediocre competitors have a chance to win. Maybe we should send slower athletes to the Olympics so everyone gets a chance to beat us, or maybe we should fatten up our swimmers so they slow down just enough to allow the competition a "fair" chance.

Personally, I hate taking any gimmes from anyone. Maybe its just me but pride stands for something, and this is one of those instances. Competitors are so eager to "take what they can get". That is a shamefull attitude comparable to beating a disabled athlete in the 100meters. The thing is, since everyone is doing it, its acceptable. There are profits to be made, who cares about the sport.

SCCA and ALMS deserve to be in ruins and unless they change their ways I hope they go bankrupt. This fan does not enjoy the heated competition when its all FIXED!

Rather than change the rules unfairly, they should spend the little brain power they have and attract more big names, sponsors, marketing, whatever it takes!