The Green Challenge was part of the American Le Mans Series signature endurance race, the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta Saturday. (Photo: ALMS)

Many, including Oge, believe the Green Challenge represents a real game changer within the motorsports and automotive industries.

“Racing has always been associated with high power and fast driving as well as
innovation in safety and performance,” said Oge. “But (up until now) we have never been able to put racing and green(ing) together. The truth is we are facing two very severe issues in this country. We have to be self-sufficient when it comes to energy. Burning fossil fuels creates greenhouse gas emissions and has severe consequences. Our hope is by starting here and introducing environmentally friendly technologies, we will continue and transfer such developments to what you and I drive on a daily basis. I applaud the American Le Mans Series and all involved in this effort.”

Often viewed as the most sophisticated and technical racing series in the world whole showcasing advanced technologies that transfer directly from the race car to the customer showroom car, the American Le Mans Series has become the global leader in green racing. The 11 automobile marquees that race in the Series - Audi, Acura, Aston Martin, BMW (’09), Corvette, Ferrari, Porsche, Dodge, Mazda, Panoz and Ford - readily admit that the relevancy of the American Le Mans Series and its ability to create an environment to develop technologies is one of the primary reasons they race in the world’s leading sports car series.

“We have begun something that will have a profound effect on the motorsports and automotive industry,” said Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series. “When you get the type of support we have had from the highest levels of the EPA and DOE, you know that you are involved in something that can really make a difference. Fuel efficiency and energy independence are two of the most relevant topics we all face today and the American Le Mans Series is prepared to lead the way.”

Oh yes. And by the way, Audi Sport North America in its R10 TDI diesel-powered prototype won the actual race with drivers Allan McNish, Dindo Capello and Emanuele Pirro. Audi has won nine straight years at Petit Le Mans

Top Five Green Challenge Scores

Prototype
Penske No. 6 30.690
Penske No. 5 31.222
Audi Sport N.A. 31.319
No. 1
Dyson Racing 31.562
No. 20
Audi Sport N.A. 32.070
No. 2

GT
Corvette Racing No. 3 20.391
Drayson Barwell No. 007 20.479
Corvette Racing No. 4 20.652
Flying Lizard No. 45 25.227
Farnbacher-Loles No. 87 25.821