Baby prototype class could attract MG

Next year's American Le Mans Series will feature a class for the LMP675 'baby prototype' category in 2001 - the class in which MG plans to make its international racing return

Nov 14, 2000, 5:35 PM

The ALMS will add the class to its current format that caters for LMP900 cars, such as Audi's R8, as well as GTS and GT cars. The move brings it closer in line with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest's rules for the Le Mans 24 Hours, where MG plans to enter a pair of Lolas powered by its own engines. Other European teams could be tempted to join in, such as the French ROC concern which ran a pair of VW-powered Reynards at Le Mans this year.

"This year, LMP675 cars were permitted to participate in ALMS events, but due to the limited number of cars available for competition, they were grouped with the more powerful LMP900 cars," said series spokesman Doug Robinson. "As the 2001 season approaches, interest from chassis and engine manufacturers continues to grow and car availability has increased significantly. Now is the time to take the next step."

The LMP675 class cars will now be able to battle out their own drivers, manufacturers and teams championships.