Acura announces its 2010 ALMS challenger. Quietly.
It seems that amidst the chaos of an auto show press day, a few things can go unnoticed. Acura has rather quietly lifted the curtains on their 2010 American Le Mans Series and 24 Hours of Le Mans contender in Chicago. The Acura ARX-01c will be fielded by 2009 ALMS P1 class champs Highcroft Racing in the P2 class (P1 class for seven of nine ALMS races) and is actually an evolution of their 2008 car. The car will wear the 2008 XM Radio livery instead of last years Patron Tequila livery because the French hate tequilla. Actually, it probably has more to do with French ad laws but it will be Highcroft's debut at 24 Hours.
So, why the change of class? "We are awaiting full details from the ALMS, but we expect the LMP1 cars to be slowed and the LMP2 machines to be offered more performance freedoms," says Highcroft team owner Duncan Dayton. So far, only one car has been confirmed, but negotiations are underway to field a second car. Right now David Brabham is the only confirmed driver. Another ARX-01c will run in European Le Mans Series by the British based Strakka Racing.
[Planet Le Mans and Auto Blog]
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