ALMS targets 2013 for Detroit return

The American Le Mans Series has targeted a return to Detroit’s Belle Isle circuit following today’s announcement that Indycar will revive its race there next season.

However the ALMS will not join the single-seater series at the event in 2012 as it clashes with the test day for next year’s Le Mans 24 Hours. With much of the ALMS field likely to contest the French classic running a race over the weekend of the test is not feasible.

“While we enjoyed being a very successful part of the renaissance of this great race on Belle Isle in 2007 and again in 2008, the 2012 Detroit race and the Le Mans test day next year share the same date on the calendar, creating a direct conflict which could not be resolved for 2012,” said ALMS ALMS president Scott Atherton.

“In 2013 however, we foresee a resolution of the date conflict with the Le Mans test day, enabling the ALMS to compete in the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix,” Atherton continued. “While our participation in this classic Motor City race is not possible in 2012, we will continue to work hard with everyone involved to take part in 2013.”

ALMS last raced in Detroit during the 2007 and 2008 campaigns.

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James Weeks