Lexus Joins GT2S In The ALMS
The news earlier this week of the first two entries into the new ALMS GT2S class is rapidly followed by the next confirmed pair of cars – two Lexus IS 350s, to be entered by Team Lexus.

Team Lexus will build, develop and campaign the new cars, with technical assistance and backing from Lexus. Work has already started on preparing the IS 350s for the 2006 American Le Mans Series, with driver lineups to be announced at a later date.

Chuck Goldsborough is the man behind Team Lexus, and he’s previously raced Lexus cars in the Grand Am Cup – but he’s also had an eye on Le Mans rules racing in the recent past.

“Developing and racing two brand new cars in a series new to us will be a major challenge but one that we relish,” said Goldsborough. “We’ve been building our team along with the new cars this year and are looking forward to some of the most exciting and competitive road racing in North America.”

Chuck Goldsborough made an appearance at the Le Mans Test Day in April 2004, but never actually got to drive the diesel-powered Taurus Sports Lola (he’s pictured in his distinctive Lexus overalls, with Calum Lockie), but now he and his own team will be racing under (almost) ACO rules anyway, with their own cars.

“Much like we hope the new IS will become, we view the American Le Mans Series as an aspirational series,” said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter. “It's an ideal fit for Lexus because it celebrates the technology and performance inherent in the best cars.”

Lexus executives were known to be exploring different avenues for their future racing projects during the summer months. A rather different version of the Lexus, the SC430, will be racing in Super GT in Japan next year. The new GT2S class in the ALMS provides the scene for the 3.5 litre, V6 Lexus to go head to head with its BMW rival from the same road car sector.

There are a number of North American series in which the Lexus could have competed next year.

“The Lexus brand coming into the American Le Mans Series is as close to a natural fit as we could ever imagine,” commented Scott Atherton, president and CEO of the ALMS. “When anyone mentions Lexus, many of the same attributes that are associated with the American Le Mans Series come to mind – words like luxury, high performance, leading-edge technology, style and quality describe both brands. On behalf of the series, and its manufacturers and competitors, we are proud and honored to welcome Lexus into our competitive ranks.

“This represents more than the addition of another prestigious manufacturer to our ranks. Lexus will bring another wave of elite sponsors, high-end clientele and a level of activation that we expect will establish a new benchmark. Lexus’ involvement in the American Le Mans Series will have a positive impact by every measure.

“But the best part,” hints Scott Atherton, “is that there still is more good news to come.”

The Lexus and BMW GT2S cars are not currently eligible for the Le Mans 24 Hours, but both will be competing directly with their Porsche, Panoz and Ferrari GT2 rivals, in the ALMS.

“Series officials are working closely with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) to evaluate the involvement of GT2S cars in the American Le Mans Series,” says the ALMS statement, “with the possibility of making them eligible for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the future.”