ALMS 2000
Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen

It is hard to imagine a better start in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS): Audi celebrated a 1-2 victory in the Sebring 12-Hour race in Florida last weekend with the new R8. On 1 April, the Audi team which leads the overall ALMS points standings, will contest the race at Charlotte (North Carolina).

In the second of twelve ALMS races, Audi will enter two modified 1999-spec versions of its open-topped sports racing car. „After our success at Sebring, expectations are quite high of course, but for the last year’s cars, this race will be a particular challenge“, says Head of Audi Sport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

The two latest R8s have already returned to Europe and are currently being prepared in Ingolstadt for the season highlight, the Le Mans 24-Hour race, which forces Audi Sport North America to use the first generation Audi R8. Team director Reinhold Joest shows a belligerent opinion: „Despite this fact, I am very optimistic as we had a very good test at Charlotte recently.“

Michele Alboreto, Frank Biela, Rinaldo Capello, Allan McNish and Emanuele Pirro will share the cockpits of the two Audis in the 2 3/4 hour race at Charlotte.

Charlotte Timetable


Wednesday, 29 March
08.00 – 17.00 hours free practice

Thursday, 30 March
10.15 – 11.15 hours free practice
14.40 – 15.00 hours 1st qualifying

Friday, 31 March
10.30 – 11.30 hours free practice
14.30 – 14.50 hours 2nd qualifying

Saturday, 1 April
08.30 – 08.55 hours warm-up
15.00 hours start