Founder's Cup to be introduced in 2005

American Le Mans Series Introduces Founder's Cup To Celebrate Accomplishments of Gentlemen Drivers

BRASELTON, Ga. - Drivers in the American Le Mans Series whose primary career is not racing will have their own championship to compete for in 2005 as series organizers introduce the Founder's Challenge Cup.

ALMS Founder Don Panoz will unveil Founder's Cup trophy at Sebring. Click here for Hi-Res Named in honor of ALMS founder Don Panoz, the Founder's Challenge Cup will recognize drivers in each race, with points awarded for a season-long championship. The champions will receive unique, specially designed awards that will be revealed at the 2005 season-opening event at Sebring.

"Drivers who do not earn their primary living from racing, colloquially known as Gentlemen Drivers, have been the bedrock throughout the history of sports car racing," said Tim Mayer, Chief Operating Officer of IMSA, the sanctioning body of the American Le Mans Series. "We need to recognize them for their achievements in the sport."

"Several years ago we introduced the IMSA Cup to recognize privateer racing teams, and the new Founder's Challenge Cup is another award in that same vane," said Mayer. "All of the drivers and racing teams in the American Le Mans Series, whether factory or privateer, professional or gentleman, deserve appreciation for their effort in competition."

Mayer said that full details of the Founder's Challenge Cup will be announced at a later date.

-alms-