NEWS // ROUSH YATES TO SUPPLY ENGINES FOR ALMS

Roush Yates has just announced that they will offer a race-prepared version of Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 for American Le Mans Series prototype competition in 2011. Roush Yates is developing the engines for use under the new 2011 LMP2 rules that require production-based engines. Lola has already jumped on board and will offer installation kits for both of their 2011 LMP2 cars. According to Kenna Primm, a spokesperson for Roush Yates, the race engines will be reduced to 3.2-liters, the maximum allowed under ALMS rules, and will produce roughly 400hp. Follow the link for the official press release... [read more]

ROUSH YATES TO SUPPLY LMP ENGINES FOR 2011

Another manufacturer joins Series; Lola commits installation package

Already armed with more manufacturers than any other major motorsports series in the world, the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is adding to its ranks for 2011. Roush Yates, one of racing's premier designers and constructors of high-performance engines, announced Friday that it is joining the world's leading sports car championship as an engine supplier in LMP2 starting in 2011. Its initial offering is the Ford V6 EcoBoost Turbo for installation in a variety of prototype chassis.

Already, renowned chassis constructor Lola has announced that will offer the Roush-prepared EcoBoost as a standard installation in its open-top and coupe prototypes.

"This is a significant and obviously very positive development for us," said Scott Atherton, Series President and CEO. "And it is another example of a manufacturer that shares our view of racing's relationship to the showroom - using a high-performance environment such as the American Le Mans Series to develop relevant, innovative technology that can be transferred to production cars. We continue to stand alone as motorsport's leader in manufacturer diversity and innovation, two traits that we believe were critical to Roush Yates' decision to supply Ford engines for LMP entrants starting next season. With today's announcement we now add another major brand to the list of LMP engine suppliers for 2011 - Honda having already announced and displayed its new LMP motor at Le Mans earlier this year. The addition of Roush Yates and its Ford engine now gives LMP entrants two excellent choices with more still to come."

"Everyone at Roush Yates Engines is excited to partner with such a prominent car constructor of LMP sports cars" said John Maddox, Sports Car Program Manager for Roush Yates Engines. "We are proud to build exceptional engines to pair with Lola's LMP2 design as we enter this innovative championship. Roush Yates Engines plans to use this opportunity to continue improving our technology and efficiency as we strive towards our goal of becoming world-class engine builders."

Roush Yates joins a number of committed engine suppliers for LMP competition in 2011 including the aforementioned Honda along with longtime Series competitors AER and Judd. With next year's LMP2 regulations specifically targeting production-based engines with reduced horsepower and increased efficiency, other manufacturers such as BMW, Ford, Jaguar, Nissan and Toyota have each been actively rumored as potential suppliers next season as well.

In addition to the V6 EcoBoost Turbo, Roush Yates also is evaluating its Mustang V8 for LMP competition. Both the engine constructor and Lola are investigating the potential for LMP1 cars in the future, perhaps as early as next year.

Lola has been an active participant in the American Le Mans Series dating back to the first race in March 1999. In this weekend's Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge, four Lola chassis will compete in LMP – coupes for Drayson Racing and Dyson Racing, and open-top prototypes for Autocon Motorsports and Intersport Racing.

"We could not be more pleased with Lola's increased involvement in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón," Atherton added. "We know it has been working diligently with several new clients to bring them into our series – and the results are beginning to show. Lola has proven to be an excellent technical partner with numerous collaborators, and we look forward to seeing more new Lola LMP cars on our grid next year. Lola's involvement with our series dates back to the beginning, and I believe we would both agree it has been a great relationship for all involved. And the future is brighter than ever."

"We are delighted to confirm this important partnership today," said Robin Brundle, Managing Director, Lola Cars International Ltd. "For two exceptional brands like Lola and Roush Yates Engines to come together like this illustrates a shared vision for global endurance racing."

This year's Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge – Round 6 of the 2010 championship – is set for 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 7. Live race and qualifying video will be streamed online at americanlemans.com – race coverage will start at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday and qualifying at 1:45 p.m. ET on Friday. Live radio coverage will be available on American Le Mans Radio presented by Porsche – a production of Radio Show Limited – as well as Sirius Channel 127 and XM Channel 242. The race will be broadcast at 12:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 15 on CBS Sports. Visit the Series' schedule page for ticket and accommodation information. Live Timing and Scoring, track schedule, entry list and much, much more will be available on Racehub at americanlemans.com.

You can follow the Series on Twitter (almsnotes) and on our Facebook page and the official YouTube channel.

Image and Info: American Le Mans Series
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey