Atherton Speaks On 2010

American Le Mans Series President and CEO Scott Atherton spoke to members of the media on Monday, providing an outlook on the season ahead. Atherton confirmed a Sebring entry of 36-37 cars, with over 30 cars committed for the remainder of the year.

With over 30 cars entered for the full season, the ALMS sees a significant increase in its car count from last year. (John Dagys)

Below are some interesting snippets from Atherton taken from the luncheon:

Thoughts on the Winter Test entry:

“When you think of car counts and you look at what is here today with a winter test of 28 cars participating, and all-time record for our Series by a long shot, the previous record being 18, I think that in itself speaks volumes. We’ve added new teams, we’ve added new sponsors, we’ve added new drivers, and in just about every category of measure, there’s new content to be referenced.”

On the ever-changing auto industry:

“As everyone has witnessed, the auto industry has evolved and changed radically over the past 18 months. The focus on new technology and innovation has never been more acute. There’s very few racing opportunities that go hand-in-hand with those focused efforts. We are at the top of that list and are clearly in a leadership position.

“We’re also expanding our efforts to go beyond what has traditionally been our approach. By that I mean, spending more and more time in Washington DC. I think the future of the automobile lies not just in Detroit, which most people would say is the default destination. We feel it’s a 50/50 split between Silicon Valley and Washington DC and we plan to be involved in both.”

On efforts to re-introduce factory prototype teams:

Could additional manufacturers be headed to LMP by as early as 2011? (John Dagys)

“If I had to say what’s the most important element in my job description, I’d have to say that’s at or top of the list. To suggest that hasn’t been the focus or we have let that one get away from us, I’d argue that for the rest of the day. I think it’s the byproduct of a lot of economic decision making that’s been made by boardrooms around the world. There’s a bit of paradigm shift that’s occurring right now with new prototype regulations that will come into effect in 2011.

“I feel like we’re in a bit of a lame duck year. It’s understandable that any new factory related prototypes would not be introduced in 2010, consistent with those rules and regulations knowing there’s new rules and regulations coming in 2011. But I don’t think thats’s the primary reason why they’re not here. I think it’s strictly economically driven.

“I can tell you because it is a part of an every day effort. There is content in the pipeline. There is reason for great optimism, both from manufacturers that have historically been represented on our grid as well as manufacturers that we have not had on our grid in a prototype before.

“It’s a ‘full court press’ effort, and like most things in this type of motorsport, there’s a cycle to it. The only way to even out that cycle is to take the variable out of the equation and that means no works involvement, period. And right now, I like the ride.”

Second Dyson Lola-Mazda To Reappear?

Despite a cutback from two cars to a single Lola B09/86 Mazda for the full-season LMP championship, Dyson Racing hasn’t given up hopes of fielding the No. 20 car in select rounds this year. While both Butch Leitzinger and Marino Franchitti, drivers of the No. 20 car from last year, have moved onto different teams in 2010, the Poughkeepsie, NY-based squad could reappear as soon as the six-hour race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in May, according to Chris Dyson.

Chris Dyson and Guy Smith return to the No. 16 Dyson Racing Lola-Mazda for 2010. (John Dagys)

“We really put a lot of effort to get our second car out there, but we couldn’t put all of the resources together,” Dyson said. “During the off-season we made some pretty substantial steps on the engine program. There was a finite amount of resources, so we did what we could with what we had.

“We’re trying to develop some commercial opportunities that will bring the second car out at the key races this year. Sebring is a little premature. Realistically looking from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca-on, there’s some possibilities that we’re looking into now.

“I think everyone wants to see the No. 20 car out there again and we’re working on that. But we want to make sure we’re doing a good, solid job with what we have. I think we’re going to have a great program this year.”