IMSA and ACO have announced that they have extended their existing strategic alliance and license agreement for another 10 years.
The extension was announced during the Automobile Club de l’Ouest pre Le-Mans press conference on Friday.
The two governing bodies stand on the eve of a huge boom in prototype racing across the two championship with the arrival of the joint LMDh prototype formula.
As part of the agreement, IMSA will be allowed to provide three annual invitations for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This previously sat at two invitations.
This extends to one entry into a GT category, one entry into LMP2 and an LMH/LMDh entry starting in 2023. Until LMDh/LMH become active, IMSA may select an LMP3 for the third entry in 2022.
“We are preparing to embark on a historic new era of sports car racing that would not have been possible without the spirit of partnership and collaboration between IMSA and the ACO,” said IMSA president John Doonan.
“This is shaping up to become a new ‘golden era’ for our sport that will excite existing sports car fans and enable both of our organizations to engage with new audiences all over the world.”
“Speaking for all of IMSA, we are thrilled to formalize this long-term extension of our strategic alliance with our friends at the ACO.”
Pierre Fillon, ACO president, added: “Following on from the historic convergence of our competitions, this agreement materializes our intention to shape the future of endurance together.
“This decision is wonderful news for teams and fans alike. Our discipline will be a talking point on both sides of the Atlantic, which spurs us on to pursue our work side by side and with the other key players in our sport.”
