ALMS: GT1 class faces the axe

[Plex]

The GT1 category in the American Le Mans Series could be phased out following Chevrolet's announcement that it won't run a full programme in 2009, reports Autosport magazine.

The championship organisers are to look at the future of the top GT class, after General Motors confirmed that its Corvette C6.Rs will only race in the blue riband Sebring 12 Hours, Long Beach and then the Le Mans 24 Hours next year.

ALMS chief operating officer Tim Mayer said: "GT1 may fall fallow or become a one-car class, at which point we would have to take a pragmatic view.

"Maybe we could have some kind of blue riband GT1 Cup incorporating Sebring, Long Beach and Petit Le Mans. Alternatively we can put it to bed. We don't have to have GT1."

The ALMS and its sanctioning body IMSA have expressed reservations about the new GT1 regulations written by the FIA for 2010.

IMSA executive director Doug Robinson claimed there was "no significant manufacturer interest in GT1" in the US. He also expressed reservations about policing a class that demands engines remain as standard.

Chevrolet announced on Tuesday that intends to switch to GT2 with a Corvette C6 that will race in selected ALMS through the second half of 2009 in preparation for a full campaign, including Le Mans, in 2010.

The GM brand has thrown its lot in with Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin to form a so-called 'gang of four'. They have stated they will not build new-rules GT1 cars in the clear hope that it will fail to get off the ground and international GT racing will become a one-class category running to GT2 rules.

Autosport