2011 promises to be an exciting season for American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón regular Robertson Racing, which can today confirm a number of developments for the coming year.
The biggest news concerns the completion of a deal with one of motorsport’s most successful technical partners – Michelin – which will support the Atlanta-based squad’s efforts next season.
The French company is the most successful tire manufacturer in ALMS history, having helped take 33 class titles and more than 100 wins since the Series’ inception in 1999. Last year also saw it notch a 13th consecutive overall victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours to take its total tally to 19.
In another development, a second Robertson Racing-built Ford GT will be entered for the entire American campaign following its introduction at the Petit Le Mans season finale last October.
Regular drivers David Robertson and Andrea Robertson will once again co-drive the No. 40 machine with the combined efforts of David Murry and Anthony Lazzaro – the former NASCAR and IndyCar ace who made his debut with the team at Road Atlanta – behind the wheel of the No. 04 car.
An announcement concerning additional drivers for the season’s endurance events will be made in due course.
Robertson Racing also can confirm it has submitted two entries for the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours which, subject to the ACO’s acceptance, would see the squad compete at the Grand Prix of Endurance for the very first time.
Team Manager Andrew ‘H’ Smith: “2011 promises to be the most exciting season in Robertson Racing’s history. Having Michelin onboard is a real coup considering its phenomenal success in GT and sports car racing around the world, and naturally we can’t wait to start developing the partnership.
“The team has moved forward and progressed a great deal over the last 12 months thanks to our successful expansion into a two-car operation and pending application to race at Le Mans. In a category dominated by manufacturers, I think we can be proud of what we’ve achieved so far. I’m sure this is just the beginning.”
Robertson Racing’s first run on Michelin tires was at Sebring February 1-2 ahead of the annual preseason ALMS Winter Test at the same venue next week. General admission tickets to the Winter Test are $10 per day with no paddock admission or overnight camping.
The first race for the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is the 59th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida on Saturday, March 19. The race, set for 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, March 19, will be shown live and in its entirety on ESPN3.com and americanlemans.com. ABC will provide coverage beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 20. Visit the American Le Mans Series’ schedule page for information on tickets and area accommodations.
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