BREAKING: Audi withdraws from 2009 American Le Mans Series

[EJ25RUN]

The self proclaimed leader in "green racing", the American Le Mans Series, will be losing one of its premier teams for 2009. After winning nine consecutive LMP1 championships with the R8 and then the R10 TDI, Audi will no longer have a works team in the ALMS in 2009. The only official Audi appearance in North America will be the debut run of the new R15 TDI at Sebring in March. After that, the R15 will go to Le Mans and Audi will be represented by the new A4 in DTM and the R8 LMS in GT3 racing.

Audi hasn't indicated whether it will make the R10s available to Champion Racing or any other team. Champion has been operating the Audi Sport North America program for several years. The current economic conditions have been cited by Audi racing boss Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich as part of the reason for withdrawing from ALMS and also the European Le Mans Series.

[seanrg1116]

damn that sux

[SampaGuy]

seriously wtf

[EJ25RUN]

seriously wtf

I dont understand myself. Why would they leave as soon as they have confirmed the R15 will be ready for Sebring? The usually have their 3 year cycles but their hedging their bets from the get go this time.

I'd also want to know if this is the same story for the Le Mans series in Europe.

This is definitely not the way let Peugoet win Le Mans.

[EJ25RUN]

Endurance live confirmes this is a global ending. Only Sebring and LeMans remain.

Wolfgang Ullrich, head of the motorsports division at Audi, has declared that the German manufacturer will not attempt to defend its crown in the Le Mans Series next year.

"We will not participate in the LMS," he said in an interview with Autosport where he also explained that the decision emanated from a willingness to reduce expenses.

"We all have to face that the economy is moving and everyone has to put something into their pocket to save money," Ullrich stated.

"The LMS has grown quite significantly but you have to face the fact that to make the best out of less money, there is no choice but to cut parts of the programme," Ullrich added.

The news comes only a few days after the team announced the introduction next year of its new car, the R15 TDi, in replacement of the successful R10 TDi in which Alexandre Premat and Mike Rockenfeller gained the Le Mans Series title this year.


It appears that for the time being, Audi's next diesel-powered machine has been confirmed at only two venues: the Le Mans 24 Hours in France and the 12-hour race at Sebring in the United States, the latter event serving as the American Le Mans Series' season-opener.

Following its participation in the series over the last nine seasons, it remains to be seen if Audi will contest the entire ALMS championship once more.

"We are still in discussion about the American programme," Ullrich said. "There has to be a board decision to do it, but we are all working on it very hard."

[Andy_013]

that sucks, no audi at road atlanta

[CARBON GST]

Well... no "Audi backed" cars. There still may be Audis... just not funded by Audi. And I think the competition R8 will be available for customers.
There's more here too:
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20081205/FREE/812059995

[EJ25RUN]

I think all the news so far shows that if Champion racing doesn't get an R10, then Audi in ALMS prototypes is definitely over.

[Sport1.3]

America refuses to support diesel technology, what’s new about that. imho, campaigning in a series with factory backing in hopes to gain a foothold in North America market for clean diesel technology is a lost cause. Look at almost every American manufacturer refusing to bring over diesel variants of their popular American cars (example: Ford and their subcompact lines).....even when some of the American public are screaming otherwise. It’s simply not profitable any longer to necessitate the need for their involvement in a series like this. They may be winning races, but they have little to gain here in the American market doing so

[Elbow]

This has been in the talks for a few weeks now.

[Elbow]

When will the R10's be for sale for personal buyers? I want one for HSR like the guy running all the old R8's.

[EJ25RUN]

When will the R10's be for sale for personal buyers? I want one for HSR like the guy running all the old R8's.

No news on that or confirmations. I think Audi will be a bit more private about the diesel tech since that is what will run Le Mans until the ACO changes regulations drastically.

[1SICKLEX]

Glad I got a chance to watch it race at RA. What a car.

I was sad when I read this as well.

[Elbow]

I'm officially going to Sebring, who else is going?

[2turbo4u]

This is just messed up. The Audi's make the ALMS fun and enjoyable to watch. Now we gonna be left with a bunch of slow noisey cars running around

[speedminded]

I'm officially going to Sebring, who else is going?

I might be down for that, March 21st right? It depends on how much I go skiing in Feb. & March!

[Elbow]

This is just messed up. The Audi's make the ALMS fun and enjoyable to watch. Now we gonna be left with a bunch of slow noisey cars running around

Ummm no

[OnURleft]

I read this awhile ago. I was so disappointed to read this.

[blacknightteg]

so with audi and porsche pulling out wtf prototypes are going to be left in the alms, just acura owning everything?

[AnthonyF]

I can see why. They won so many, what else do they need to prove?

I am actually kinda of sick of LeMans. it is my MOST favorite race(s) to watch and they are playing favorites. They allow the Audi team and Corvette team to get away with murder while other cars suffer. What happen to; "Run what ya Brung?"

-Ant.

[Elbow]

Audi didn't get away easily AT ALL last year....

[FDslider]

hehehe, i just recently moved down here to Sebring with my Fiance. I live literally 15 min from the track. However, I just also got the Position of 2009 Formula BMW Race Team Manager. So I might be moving back to DC WAY before March. Uhhhhhhh oh well

[FDslider]

Audi didn't get away easily AT ALL last year....

Oh, and Simon... My girl LOVED the Ferrari handbag. Thanks my man!!

[Elbow]

Oh, and Simon... My girl LOVED the Ferrari handbag. Thanks my man!!

Cool! Glad to hear that. Congrats on the new job!!! I guess things got better lol

[FDslider]

Cool! Glad to hear that. Congrats on the new job!!! I guess things got better lol

yeah, sold my M3 that weekend, moved down here that Friday, and once i got here, got the job offer the next weekend hahaha. I'm just trying to get our main sponsors right now. I am hoping PokerStars.net pulls through. I already have a badass paint/vinyls scheme for the Formula BMWs. And we have 2 BRAND new FBMWs and 2 VERY fast drivers. The mechanic that taught me everything will be returning from South America and I KNOW that car will be PERFECT. Hopefully everything works and we win the championship for 2009. I believe we will. I will keep IA informed. And we will be in Brazil in October!!!! for the Brazilian Grand Prix, duh. ahahaha. Have a good one man.

[Elbow]

Damn!! Very nice! Congrats hope the season goes well for you all, keep us updated!

[FDslider]

Damn!! Very nice! Congrats hope the season goes well for you all, keep us updated!

Oh I def will. I have always been lurking in the shadows on IA hahaha, so I will def be on here when I am not FULLY occupied. I love ATL, esp Road Atlanta. My home track. Hopefully the Official FBMW testing will take place there once again this year. One of the smoothest tracks in the US of A. ahhhhh home sweet home

[dazn]

yeah, sold my M3 that weekend, moved down here that Friday, and once i got here, got the job offer the next weekend hahaha. I'm just trying to get our main sponsors right now. I am hoping PokerStars.net pulls through. I already have a badass paint/vinyls scheme for the Formula BMWs. And we have 2 BRAND new FBMWs and 2 VERY fast drivers. The mechanic that taught me everything will be returning from South America and I KNOW that car will be PERFECT. Hopefully everything works and we win the championship for 2009. I believe we will. I will keep IA informed. And we will be in Brazil in October!!!! for the Brazilian Grand Prix, duh. ahahaha. Have a good one man.

Martin?
what team?

[T.S.]

Damn!! Very nice! Congrats hope the season goes well for you all, keep us updated!

I might be down for a road trip! when is sebring?

[Elbow]

March 18-21

[blacknightteg]

i just want the alms to stay competitive, this past petite was one of the most competitive petites that was ever ran. There were actually more prototypes then gt cars. it was actually worth staying till the end to watch. I wish that would continue. i love going to these races and if the competition starts to dwindle, it will suck.

[Elbow]

Only AUDI has pulled out, that's just ONE team, there are more teams coming in this year anyway.

[FDslider]

Martin?
what team?

I am not Martin. I know the Martin you speak of, and YES, he is very very good. Took a long time working on the cars, but def made sure EVERYTHING was spot on and perfect. Love that dude. He was my teacher. Besides Glimmerveen. And the Comprent crew. Big props to all of them. And Comprent won the IMSA Lites Championship with a small budget. So anything is possible if you have a great crew, great leadership, and an outstanding driver.

[B96v6]

Woot! Big ups to Comprent! Especially that awesome IMSA Lites chief mechanic. I hear he's dead sexy, too!

Good luck in FBMW, Jr.

BW

[Elbow]

^Do you work at Comprent?

[Elbow]

^Do you work at Comprent?

[Elbow]

^Do you work at Comprent?

[FDslider]

Oh yes. B96v6 works at Comprent. He is the chief mechanic for the IMSA Lites program, and HELL, pretty much ALL OF THE DAMN CARS IN THE SHOP!!!! Brandon White is not only a great mechanic, but also does data acquisition, as well as setting up all the cars before, during, and after the races. He can def handle any formula car from the ground up. I'll vouch for his punk azz any day of the week!!! Def knows his racing. And also had a 96 civic hatch with the stock 1.6L or whatever, he rebuilt it and ported it himself and I will admit that it had some balls for a lil single cammer. Seriously. Always suprised me when I got in the pass. seat. A

And congrats again on winning the Championship B-DUB!!! You def earned it.

[B96v6]

Like I said, it was a team effort of which you were a part. Too bad you haven't even seen the trophy - it's pretty trick. The shut down the machine shop at Elan for two weeks to make the trophies for ALMS, VW (i mean Porsche....) Cup, and IMSA Lites. Hopefully you'll have one next year!

And I need to get in touch with that kid who bought the Silver Rollerskate (and it was a '98) and make sure he's taking good care of it. Trying to get the wife to stabilize her spending so I can start on the Miata! Doing all these club races makes me want to get out there and compete. Though Kevin has said that he wants to take the championship car to Roebling or something and having he, Terry and I drive it. I can't imagine how he's going to get in it.... Have to bring a hoist!

BW

[B96v6]

http://www.youtube.com/user/jgoringsbnc

Couple of vids. Hopefully we'll get our qualifying lap (1:18.5) up from Petit this year shortly.

BW