The first privateer LMP1 of 2006

[cameraman]

Following a successful campaign in the 2005 American Le Mans Series, Autocon Motorsports has unveiled today its plans to return to the LMP1 class with an AER-powered Lola EX257 for the 2006 season.

Autocon is the first privateer team to confirm its entry for the eighth year of the American Le Mans Series.

The car was the Dyson Racing #20


Mike Lewis will pilot the car in nine of the 10 races on the American Le Mans Series' 2006 schedule. Chris McMurry, a regular in the series' prototype ranks, will drive in eight races. Willman, who teamed with Lewis in six events in 2005, will drive in the three longest races of the season (Sebring, Petit Le Mans and the Monterey Sports Car Championships), as well as at Houston, Salt Lake City and Portland.

ALMS web site (http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?NewsID=1677)

[Sean O'Gorman]

So how many times in '06 do you think they'll finish within a lap of the leader?

[extramundane]

So how many times in '06 do you think they'll finish within a lap of the leader?

The potential is there. The car is very well sorted at this point, and the Autocon guys aren't going to be pushing as hard as the Dyson boys, so the car should be quite reliable. They'll likely still be counting on attrition, but they shouldn't be nearly as far behind.

Also notable is that Chris McMurry is jumping from Miracle. I'm guessing his replacement will have something to do with Miracle's P1 plans.