rivalry

I'm really looking forward to the start of the American Le Mans Series races this year, for several reasons. Audi has debuted a new Le Mans prototype car to replace the ultra-successful R8 car, a turbo-diesel called the R10 (silver car pictured). Porsche will also be campaigning a new entry in the LMP2 class, the RS Spyder (pictured in yellow behind the R10). The R10 and RS Spyder are not directly competing within a class together but they will be racing for overall victory in the endurance races. This will be the first full season of competition for both new designs, so it should be very interesting to see how well they do.


The other reason I'm so excited about the ALMS season this year is the new GT2S class they've created for sedan-based touring cars. Lexus will be campaigning the all new IS350 in this class, and since I am a Lexus-owner-to-be I am of course going to root for them to take the checkered flag! BMW has joined the battle with their M3 racecars which are no strangers to racing victory. Meet the enemy (pictured at left)! I will hopefully see some photos of the IS350 racecars soon and share them here.

The 2006 ALMS championship begins at Sebring on March 18. Like last year, I hope to make it to the ALMS race when it comes out to Laguna Seca in October.