ALMS P1 champions look forward to future

After a dominant season in the P1 class, Muscle Milk Pickett Racing captures team and driver championships.

After 15 successful seasons, the checkered flag was dropped on the American Le Mans Series Presented by Tequila Patrón.

Literally.

Last weekend's 2013 championship awards ceremonies concluded with ALMS founder Dr. Don Panoz waving the checkers. ALMS, however, is due to transfer its spirit and exciting competition to the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in 2014. The organization, the result of merger of ALMS and GRAND-AM Road Racing, debuts with the Jan. 25-26, 2014 Rolex 24 At Daytona.

ALMS celebrated its final championships following the 16th Annual Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. Many, if not most, of those crowned at Chateau Elan will compete with next year's merged organization.

"It's the end of the ALMS but we look forward to the future," said P1 co-champion Klaus Graf, who shared the title with Lucas Luhr on the Muscle Milk Pickett Racing team. "We have a strong team and we can't wait until next year."

Greg Pickett's organization dominated the top category winning eight of 10 races – and 14 out of 20 in 2011-12. Luhr's bid for a 50th ALMS victory ended with when mechanical issues sidelined the team's HPD ARX-03C at Road Atlanta.

"Everyone can be really proud of what we have achieved over these last few years," said Luhr.