PC

CORE autosport — While awaiting official confirmation, the two-time class champions appear set to defend its crown again, opting to remain in PC after evaluating a potential expansion to P2. Team owner Jon Bennett and Colin Braun are expected to return to the No. 05 Oreca FLM09, while the second car could see some new faces for 2013.

Having been caught out by the ALMS/GRAND-AM merger, CORE autosport will likely remain in PC for another year. (Photo: John Dagys)

PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports — Often the closest team to challenge the mights of CORE in 2012, the Bobby Oergel-owned organization plans to return with at least one PC entry. A second full-season car is also possible, depending on finalization of key partners in the coming weeks.

Merchant Services BAR1 Motorsports — The Brian Alder-led team is planning to mount a two-car full-season attack, no matter what happens to its aspirations in P2. Look for Kyle Marcelli to likely return to the lead entry, with Chapman Ducote part of the lineup in the second entry and the Downs brothers to possibly play a role in PC as well.

RSR — The Paul Gentilozzi-owned team is currently in a holding pattern, waiting for the 2014 regulations, before finalizing its plans for next year. While a sponsor is in place for PC, RSR is also eying a shift to drag racing, which would see the team field an entry in the NHRA Pro Stock division. However, if Gentilozzi decides to return to ALMS, look for the possibility of a two-car PC effort, with Bruno Junqueira as the lead driver again.

Dempsey Racing — While awaiting final confirmation, team principal Joe Foster is working towards re-signing the Silicon Tech Racing-backed Oreca FLM09 of Henri Richard and Duncan Ende for a second consecutive season. No major changes would be expected from this program for 2013.

Performance Tech — Part-timers in PC in 2012, Performance Tech looks set to return to a full-season effort next year, with newly crowned IMSA Prototype Lites champion Tristan Nunez set to make the step up to the ALMS. A test next month should decide the Team USA Scholarship winner’s co-driver for next season’s campaign.

HVM Racing — The veteran IndyCar squad is set for a switch to sports cars for 2013. While the priority may currently be on securing a LMP2 program in the WEC, HVM is also aiming to be on the ALMS grid in PC as well. No word has been given on potential drivers.

Confirmed Entries: 4
Additional Likely Entries: 2-3
Additional Possible Entries: 4

GT

Corvette Racing — A mainstay in the ALMS, look for Corvette Racing to defend its GT title with a rather unchanged program for 2013. All four of the Pratt & Miller squad’s full-season drivers - Oliver Gavin, Tommy Milner, Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia - are set to return.

Extreme Speed Motorsports — Already confirmed for a return in 2013, it’s also status quo for the Scott Sharp-owned squad, which will see Sharp, Johannes van Overbeek, Guy Cosmo and Ed Brown back in the pair of Ferrari F458 Italias. Having received an auto invite to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an entry in the French classic also appears to be likely.

SRT Motorsports — Part of a multi-year program, the pair of SRT Viper GTS-Rs will embark on its first full ALMS season. The Bill Riley-run program is not expected to see any major changes, but rather refinements, following significant improvements from its debut at Mid-Ohio through the season-ending Petit Le Mans. An entry for the 24 Hours of Le Mans is also possible.

Team Falken Tire — Currently the only Porsche GT team confirmed to return, the Derrick Walker-managed effort will remain unchanged for 2013, with both Bryan Sellers and Wolf Henzler set for a championship attack with its Falken-shod Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. While having explored the possibility of fielding a second car, the current status of a potential expanded effort remains unknown.

Lotus Alex Job Racing — Part of a multi-year program, the Lotus Evora fielded by Alex Job Racing will return for next year, with both Townsend Bell and Bill Sweedler back as drivers. Further developments to the mid-engined sports car are planned, including wind tunnel time during the off-season leading into 2013.

BMW Team RLL — Arguably the biggest question mark surrounding the 2013 is the status of BMW and Team RLL. Will the factory squad continue with BMW M3 GTs, run new GTE-homologated Z4s or not be on the grid altogether? The Bavarian manufacturer has been tight-lipped on its future plans, with further information likely to come early next month.

Paul Miller Racing — A mainstay in the GT category for the last two seasons, Paul Miller Racing’s 2013 plans have not yet been decided. While it would make sense to remain in the GT ranks, presumably with its Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team potentially move to GTC, either. Whatever happens, look for Bryce Miller to be at the wheel.

TRG — Multiple sources have indicated that the Kevin Buckler-led operation is evaluating an entry into the ALMS GT ranks with an Aston Martin Vantage V8. While nothing appears to have been finalized, the deal is likely to be dependent on a funded driver or car owner. Buckler has declined to comment at this time.

Risi Competizione — Having withdrawn from professional GT racing following this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, there has been occasional whispers of Risi Competizione returning the the fray, either in the Rolex Series or ALMS. However, there are currently no strong indications of such an effort is underway for 2013.

Black Swan Racing — While having been close to purchasing a Corvette C6.R, the elimination of the to-be-introduced GT-Am category has seen the Tim Pappas-owned squad look elsewhere for 2013. Expect to see Black Swan’s plans be announced later this month. It’s unlikely to include the ALMS.

Confirmed Entries: 8
Additional Likely Entries: 0
Additional Possible Entries: 4