American Le Mans Series Kicks Off Mazda Raceway Season

February 23, 2012 by Mazda Raceway / American Le Mans

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca kicks off its 55th season with the American Le Mans Monterey, presented by Patrón, an exhilarating six hour endurance race, May 11-12.

Featuring multiple classes of high-tech sports cars competing together, the American Le Mans Series sees constant passing and on-track battles throughout each race. The six hour endurance race takes competitors from daylight, to dusk and into the darkness, pushing drivers' and crews' mental and physical abilities.

The 2011 American Le Mans Series Championship was secured, with one race to go, at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca last fall by Dyson Racing who won the LMP1 Drivers and Team Championships. At that same race Mazda won the Engine Manufacturer title and Dunlop the Tire Championship. Dyson Racing wrapped up the Michelin Green X Challenge championship for the year at the season-ending Petit Le Mans.

A notable new entry to the 2012 American Le Mans Series is Lotus Alex Job Racing. This is the first time a factory backed Lotus has participated in the Series and they couldn't have chosen a better partner; Alex Job Racing is the longest competing and most successful team in the American Le Mans Series. IndyCar veteran Townsend Bell and ALMS Founders Cup winner Bill Sweedler are the team's drivers.

The Mazda MX-5 Cup, Unlimited Racing Championship, Cooper Tires Prototype Lites powered by Mazda, Cadillac Pirelli World Challenge and IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama support races provide on-track activity throughout the weekend. Off-track offerings include driver autograph sessions, grid walk, race simulators, tech talks, and of course, plenty of food, beer, wine and Patrón.

Advance purchase general admission is $60 for a two day pass. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. There is free parking and VIP parking available for $30. Hospitality options start at $250 per person.

For more information, to reserve camping, rent a hospitality suite or purchase tickets call 800-327-7322 or visit www.MazdaRaceway.com.