When history looks back on the 2006 American Le Mans Series, it likely will be seen as the watershed year for the Series. Recognized as not only the fastest growing motorsports series in North America but perhaps also the world, the American Le Mans Series showed increases in most all categories including attendance, TV viewership, manufacturer participation and corporate sponsorship revenues.
"With most every significant benchmark up this past season, I cannot begin to tell you how enthused we are about the 2007 campaign," said American Le Mans Series President and CEO Scott Atherton as he assessed the recent performance of the Series while looking ahead to next season. "With new teams from Acura and Porsche coming to the grid along with others to be announced during the offseason, coupled with increased corporate partner involvement, there is truly reason to celebrate as we prepare for Winter Tests and the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring."
With an enhanced television package in 2006 that included a 50/50 split between network TV (CBS) and cable (SPEED), the Series had 40 percent more viewers than it had a year earlier. This coming season's campaign adds not only two more races but also another network – NBC. The American Le Mans Series adds races at Long Beach, CA; Detroit, MI; and St. Petersburg, FL. CBS is scheduled to televise four races, NBC one, and SPEED seven, including the growing popularity of the final four "Race to the Championship."
"Our new races impact seven of the top 10 and 12 of the top 20 media markets in the country," said Atherton. "We are certainly taking the premium brand of motorsport racing to venues where we can showcase our product."
Full 2006 SEMA Auto Show Gallery link
2006 SEMA Auto Show Photo Gallery
We've also added more photos to our Paris to Bejing rally photo gallery so be sure to check them out!
Mercedes-Benz Paris to Bejing Photo Gallery
More photos in our show photo galleries...
AutoSpies.com Photo Galleries
Read Article