Four street races on 2007 schedule

Next year's ALMS calendar features four street courses amongst an expanded 12-race schedule.

After its usual season-opener at the Sebring 12 Hours, the ALMS launches into a run of three street races - joining the IRL at St. Petersburg, then running alongside Champ Car at both Long Beach (for the first time) and Houston.

The ALMS will also join the bill for the IRL's recently announced Detroit event in September.

Portland is the only existing ALMS venue that will be dropped next season.

The ALMS season traditionally waits until after the Le Mans 24 Hours before getting underway in earnest, but 2007 will see a record five races being held before Le Mans in June.

"We are truly excited about not only our new venues and expanded line-up, but also the balance and logistical flow of our 2007 schedule," said Tim Mayer, COO of the American Le Mans Series and IMSA.

"Each year it is gratifying to see new venues and promoters reach out to us because they understand the value that the American Le Mans Series brings to their market and fans.

"It is a great growth opportunity for our series to not only race at the historic and traditional courses of Sebring, Road America, Mid-Ohio, Mosport, Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca, but also to take our exciting brand and series to new venues like St. Petersburg, Long Beach and Detroit.

"It creates so many opportunities for our manufacturers, teams and partners."

2007 ALMS schedule:

Rnd  Date         Venue
 1.  17 March     Sebring 12 Hours
 2.  31 March     St. Petersburg
 3.  14 April     Long Beach
 4.  21 April     Houston
 5.  19 May       Salt Late City (Miller Motorsports Park)
 6.  7 July       Lime Rock
 7.  21 July      Mid-Ohio
 8.  11 August    Road America
 9.  26 August    Mosport Park
10.  1 September  Detroit
11.  6 October    Road Atlanta (Petit Le Mans)
12.  20 October   Laguna Seca