Mowlem confident for ALMS

AUTOSPORT-backed sportscar driver Johnny Mowlem is optimistic that his Saleen deal for this year's American Le Mans Series will be a winning one. Speaking at AUTOSPORT International, the Briton said he believes the car can compete with the GTS establishment

Jan 8, 2004, 11:18 AM

"All the weight penalties are supposed to be gone for this year," said Mowlem. "ACEMCO is a great team and committed to doing this properly. They have two cars but will only run one and use the other for testing.

"The Saleen is an underrated car because nobody has ever gone racing with a proper budget to develop it. In 2001 at Le Mans, when the car was brand new, we were two seconds quicker than the Corvettes. Now we are back to where we should be, and reliability looks good.

"Corvette will be tough to beat, with the might of General Motors behind them and the switch to Michelin tyres. Ferrari will also be there, of course.

Mowlem and co-driver Terry Borcheller will do the full American Le Mans Series, beginning with the Sebring 12 Hours in March. It's unlikely the Saleen will be at Le Mans, but Mowlem hopes to line up a Ferrari drive for the June classic.