04 Sep 2017 2017/18 Asian Le Mans Series introduction

The Asian Le Mans Series is the reference endurance racing series for prototypes and GT classes in Asia. It offers the regions only direct pathway into World Championships for both Prototype and GT race cars, and into the world’s most significant endurance race – the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one that all teams and drivers want to win. Indeed this season the Series will offer four money-can’t-buy invitations to the 2018 race.

Providing Asian drivers and teams with the perfect introduction to multiclass endurance racing, the Asian Le Mans Series is ideal for those looking to make the step up to the World Championship. It also provides an opportunity to compete in a professional motorsport environment while learning and understanding the unique challenges of endurance racing such as fuel and tyre management, and driver changes. 

The 24 Hours of Le Mans held this year was a significant one for the Asian Le Mans Series graduates. Not only was there a record number of teams that have competed in the Asian Le Mans Series that entered the race, they all finished what is recognised as one of the toughest motorsport challenges in the world.

Leading the way was Chinese team Jackie Chan DC Racing. The team represents a growing number of Chinese teams and drivers that are making an impact on the global motorsport stage. The team has raced in the Asian Le Mans Series since day one , and this year finished an outstanding 1st and 2nd in the LMP2 Class, and 2nd and 3rd overall in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The 2016/17 season of the Asian Le Mans Series saw the format evolve, with races increasing to four hours in duration, and the Series visiting four different circuits in Asia, including visiting the Zhuhai International Circuit in China. The 2017/18 season will see one race increased to 6 Hours, and as a result of growing interest in prototype racing in China, the Asian Le Mans Series is planned to increase to include two rounds in China in coming years.