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Porsche moves back to Prototype Racing for 2006

Penske Motorsports, Inc. will return to sportscar racing with Porsche: the historic announcement was made at Road Atlanta on the opening day of the second round of American Le Mans Series competition this season.

The two powerhouses in racing have formed the partnership to compete in the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class. Penske Motorsports plans to run their first race at the Petit Le Mans in October at the Road Atlanta road course -- a 1,000-mile or 10-hour endurance run, whichever comes first.

"Our American racing customers have made it clear to us that they would like to move up several levels in the ALMS competition, as would we. We believe this new Porsche prototype program will provide the means to do so," commented Porsche Cars North America President and CEO Peter Schwarzenbauer.

ALMS President and CEO, Scott Atherton expressed the series' excitement in Friday's announcement: "Porsche's return to prototype racing is the culmination of a process in which we have been involved with every step of the way. It is not possible to put into words what this means for the American Le Mans Series."

Porsche has won five manufacturer GT (GT2 in 2006) titles over the past six years. The German manufacturer holds the all-time record for race wins.

The competition in International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) between Porsche and Ferrari has long been stamped in the memory of many endurance fans worldwide.

Roger Penske, of course, is not new to endurance or sportscar racing, either. The top racing organization currently fields a winning team in the Indy Racing League. Penske Racing, Inc. has a rich history of success, much of that with Porsche.

The two joined forces back in 1972 and 1973 to notch race victories in the former Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Can-Am Series.

"The fact that Porsche is returning with a racing program in the LMP2 class in 2006 was going to be a big announcement all by itself," said Atherton, "but to add Penske Motorsports' involvement beginning this year in Atlanta at Petit Le Mans makes this one of the most significant developments in the history of the American Le Mans Series."

photo courtesy Porsche

Porsche LMP2 details for 2005-2006

The Porsche prototype will be powered by a new 3.4-liter, 90-degree V8 engine. Able to produce 480hp at 10,100 rpm under the ACO's regulations, the lightweight Porsche engine has a very low center of gravity. It features four valves per cylinder, a dry sump lubrication system, and an air intake manifold with single cylinder throttle valves.

The engine is tied to a Porsche-engineered sequential 6-speed constant mesh transmission. A structural part of the car, the gearbox is operated by a paddle shift system on the steering wheel and incorporates a triple-disc carbon fiber racing clutch.

Like the 1998 911 GT1 race car and current Carrera GT street car, the Porsche LMP2's monocoque chassis is constructed of carbon fiber. It is attached to a strong yet lightweight framework (built to the latest safety standards of international road racing) that includes a front and rear double-wishbone suspension with ball joints, adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, and four-way shock absorbers.

For optimal stopping performance, the braking system includes twin master cylinders, adjustable brake balance, and internally vented carbon brake discs (380 mm front and 355 mm rear). For driver comfort and safety, the new prototype is equipped with power steering and a tire pressure control system. An integral partner in the car's development process, Michelin is supplying race tires for the new Porsche prototype.

photo courtesy Porsche