Joint venture between Quimera, IMSA and ALMS to spearhead next generation of green racing

Strategic sustainability project specialists Quimera, the International Motor Sport Association (IMSA) and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) will combine their respective areas of expertise in 2012 at the start of a new global initiative to develop the next generation of sustainable motor sport.Working together closely, initial steps will be taken to prepare investors, the general public, media, sponsors and other interested parties for motor sport's impending embrace of clean technology. By 2013 this joint venture will be ready to launch its new international Electric Vehicle (EV) series, the first clean technology professional motor sport championship that will include various categories and remain open to any OEMs eager to showcase and develop their own green credentials in a cost-controlled environment.Working strategically, both IMSA and Quimera have immediately begun to define their objective of organizing a global, non-fossil fuel based championship.Initially, a version of the Quimera AEGT All-Electric GT car is expected to debut in demonstration runs at selected American Le Mans Series race events in 2012. While the championship is expected to begin in the USA at races run in conjunction with the ALMS, a clear international scope has already been outlined with the intention to invite any national governing body, promoter or country from around the world to join this ground-breaking motor sport project.

By embracing the "cleantech concept", the championship is also looking to include motorcycles as part of its event roster. Indeed, Quimera can already count on the support of the TTXGP World Championship, currently the world's leading international electric series, as evaluations continue into the possibility of hosting joint-race weekends. For the first time ever this will ensure an event that features clean technology on two wheels as well as four, helping significant commercial and technical benefits to be realised for all stakeholders concerned.IMSA and Quimera's partnership is expected to develop further by empowering R&D activities with both new and existing technologies, therefore emphasising motor sport's essential role as a test bed for the automotive sector, technology transfer and other key potential applications. A key goal of this joint venture is to establish a series operating at the very forefront of motor sport's clean technology development.Initial categories under consideration:GTAEGT (525 kw - 700bhp): The world's first and most powerful all-electric GT racing car has already been designed, built and tested in extreme conditions by Quimera. Powertrain up to 600kw with carbon fibre chassis. Homologation requires no minimum cars to be manufactured while the category will also allow for inventive bodywork design. Complies with all sanctioned safety regulations.Touring GT (300kw - 390bhp): Prototypes currently being constructed by Quimera. This is an open category with all OEMs invited, although multiple single class OEM championships will be considered (discussions taking place). Powertrain up to 350kw with carbon or tubular chassis. Homologation requires no minimum cars to be manufactured. Complies with all sanctioned safety regulations.NB: Series organisers are currently negotiating an initiation series to be based on slightly modified road legal cars with a powertrain up to 150kw. This is intended as an OEM showcase for current EV consumer technology and provides a dynamic platform for the introduction to non-fossil fuel-based race series.OPEN WHEELF3 type (220kw - 285bhp): The company Electric Formula has spent the past two years promoting its Formulec project and designing, developing and testing its EF01, the world's first 100% electric single-seater racing car, which will lay the foundations for an open category adhering to rules and regulations. Powertrain up to 250kw with carbon fibre chassis. Complies with all sanctioned safety regulations.NB: An F1-type specification car is currently in the process of design and engineering.OTHERLMP type: Currently in discussion with two potential partners. Specifications to be finalised.Drifting: (170 kW-220bhp): Prototype of the Quimera/Letteriello All Electric Drift Car-AEDC01. Powertrain up to 250kW. Complies with all sanctioned safety regulations.TTXGP: The TTXGP World Championship will expand its format to include more classes and different race formats. With its unrivalled experience in electric racing, the series already boasts technology, knowledge and an exciting team line-up to provide thrilling competition and an enthusiastic fan base from the start.QUOTES:Javier de Rocafort, Quimera Chairman of the Board: "For Quimera, this project is not simply confined to developing environmentally friendly cars that will offer an insight into the future of motor sport. It also concerns encouraging the dramatic shift soon to occur in the way the industry has operated up until now. More important than the act of car racing is how we actively evolve and prepare the future for coming generations. In this regard, our partnership with IMSA and the American Le Mans Series allows us to investigate and better understand the potential applications of these new technologies in the toughest possible environment - and in one of the largest automotive consumer markets in the world, the USA."Scott Atherton, President & CEO Panoz Motor Sports Group - IMSA/ALMS: "We have often quoted the fact that the most important race in the world is the race among automobile manufacturers to develop new sustainable transportation solutions. Our alliance with Quimera is the embodiment of that race. It enables us to continue our leadership in green racing and truly takes us to the next level. We have been actively seeking a practical and viable opportunity to develop EV motor sport and we believe Quimera's technologies and plans are absolutely on target. As the global leader of green racing, the opportunity to link these events to our American Le Mans Series weekends provides an ideal fit for all involved."Eric Barbaroux, Formulec President: "Formulec is delighted to be invited into IMSA and Quimera's new EV series, and to be the first full-electric open-wheel car included in the category. We will propose new, 100% electric-powered racing categories while also identifying promoters, teams, drivers, partners and media equally eager to develop this new approach to racing. What's more, we will draw up an innovative and attractive concept that is geared towards fans of motor sport and technology, but one that also appeals to a new, younger audience."Azhar Hussain, TTXGP: "Electric motor sport represents an opportunity to drive innovation beyond the technology. We have to look at the delivery and fabric of how we provide for the sport. Nobody is immune to the tremendous socioeconomic and geo-political forces at work around us today. Nothing stays the same, and nor can we. This partnership is part of our shared vision for the next generation of motor sport. We invite you all to be part of it."


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