Sebring 2005 test announced

American Le Mans Series Teams To Have Four-Day Sebring Test

Braselton, GA - At the same time that Major League Baseball pitchers and catchers are reporting to Florida for Spring Training, American Le Mans Series racing teams will have their own version of Florida training when IMSA and Sebring International Raceway host a four-day open testing session Jan. 31-Feb. 3.

The testing session will help teams prepare for the 53rd annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, America's oldest and most prestigious sports car race, that will open the 2005 American Le Mans Series season Mar. 16-19.

"This test has been organized in our continuing efforts to make participation in the ALMS more affordable," said Tim Mayer, Chief Operating Officer of IMSA, the sanctioning body for the American Le Mans Series. "The testing fees are discounted highly from Sebring's normal winter testing rates and provide teams the perfect opportunity to test and prepare for the upcoming season."

IMSA recently announced tire and testing rules also designed to reduce costs, Mayer said.

"We've had many inquiries from teams and expect a turnout from across all four classes of competition," Mayer said. "This is even an opportunity for European teams to accomplish significant testing at one of the most storied tracks in sports car racing.

"We considered coming up with a catchy name for this test, but in the end pragmatism won out," he said. "This is all about providing a practical and cost-effective testing option for our teams."

"We look forward to having the teams from the ALMS at Sebring," said Tres Stephenson, President and General Manager of Sebring International Raceway. "The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring continues to grow each year and having this series-wide testing session six weeks before race time is a sign of that growth. The test will be beneficial to everyone involved."

The 3.7-mile circuit will be open for testing from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. all four days, with a scheduled one-hour lunch break daily at 12 noon. Teams will be admitted into the paddock area for setup on Jan. 30.

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