Imsa Releases Adjustments For Aston Martin, Saleen, Older Prototypes

The International Motor Sports Association, the sanctioning body of the American Le Mans Series, has announced a number of rules adjustments for the 2006 American Le Mans Series, which starts with the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 18.

Two deal directly with GT1 entries. Aston Martin Racing's two DBR9s will compete with a minimum weight of 1,125 kilograms, the standard minimum for GT1 cars. That is 50 kilos lighter than was mandated by the ACO following last year's running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, due to changes in the car's aero package since the 24 Hours. That also is a reason for a larger air restrictor, which will allow more air into the engine and produce more horsepower.

Similarly, the Saleen S7Rs, like the two fielded by Konrad Motorsports, will be allowed a larger restrictor size based on the weight table at which it will run based on ACO regulations. Saleens also will benefit from a larger refueling restrictor that lets fuel flow quicker into the car's tank.

IMSA also announced adjustments for older generation prototypes, having granted extensions to LMP900/675 cars through the end of 2005. Two Lola EX257-AERs, one each fielded by Autocon Motorsports and Highcroft Racing, will race with a minimum weight of 700 kilograms, up from 675 in 2005. The two cars also will see larger engine restrictors, as well.

The Audi R8, winner of 48 American Le Mans Series races since 2000, will see 35 additional kilograms from 2005 to a minimum weight of 935. The fuel capacity is unchanged from last season, and the restrictor will be the same size as 2005.

I hope the DBR9s kick Corvette Racing's ass at Sebring :D I have heard rumours that BMS Scuderia Italia and Russian Age Racing will both bring their DBR9s to Sebring :D

[CENTER]IMSA Bulletin #06-04[/CENTER]
1) Based on a change to entered configuration the following are announced:

a) Aston Martin Racing DBR9
I. Minimum weight 1,125kg.
II. Restrictor table column: 1,175kg.

b) Konrad Motorsports Saleen S7R
I. Restrictor: One weight-column size larger.
II. Minimum weight: -25kg from elected restrictor weight table weight.
III. Re-Fueling Restrictor: 38mm

2) The following adjustments are announced:

a) Lola EX257 AER (From 2005 ALMS Configuration)
I. Minimum Weight: 700kg
II. Maximum wing width: Maximum width of car.
III. Maximum fuel capacity: 90L
IV. Restrictor: 41.8mm @ 2500mb (Single restrictor-or equivalent for two)

b) Audi R8 (From 2005 ALMS Configuration)
I. Minimum weight: 935kg
II. Maximum wing width: Maximum width of car.
III. Maximum fuel capacity: 90L
IV. Restrictor: 30.7mm @ 1670mb

c) Courage C65 Mazda
I. Minimum weight: 750kg
II. Restrictor: Based on multiplier of 1.25 (D=((d-1x1.25)+1)

d) LMP2 (Lola B2K/40 or any 2005 or 2006 specification) cars with 2000cc
turbo charged engine.
I. Restrictor: 45mm @ 2500mb boost

3) This bulletin supersedes any prior specification issued under balance of
performance for the above listed cars and will remain in effect until the
end of the 2006 season, or until superseded by further bulletins