The American Le Mans Series recently announced that it’s partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy and SAE International to incorporate “green racing” principles into its 2008 season. ALMS will be the first motorsports series to meet the criteria for green racing being developed by these groups.  The Series also announced its first-ever “Green Racing Challenge,” which encourages manufacturers to introduce and develop their enviro-technologies, specifically as part of the 1,000-mile Petit Le Mans race, though protocols and criteria for the Challenge haven’t been announced yet.

“The auto manufacturers competing in the American Le Mans Series have made it very clear that this is a direction and an overall initiative that is important to them,” said Scott Atherton, president and CEO of the Series. “At a time when nearly all of motorsports has lost its relevance regarding progressive technology or any connection from the race track to the showroom floor, the American Le Mans Series stands alone in providing a platform of solutions for our nation's automotive, transportation and energy needs.” All race cars in ALMS already compete on alternative fuels with the introduction of E10 last year and, of course, Audi’s diesel-powered racer. For the ’08 season, E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline) will become a fuel option, with the championship Corvette Racing already signed on as early adapters. ALMS also noted that its rules support the introduction of an electric hybrid race car. The season starts March 15 with the 56th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.