Tequila Patron has increased its involvement with the American Le Mans Series to become the championship's presenting sponsor.

The title American Le Mans Series Presented by Tequila Patron will be used this season, and the company will increase its advertising and hospitality activities at ALMS races. Though financial terms were not revealed, well-placed industry sources claim the deal is worth as much as US$500,000.

Patron first came into the series as a sponsor and advertiser - primarily with the Highcroft team - in 2008. It will continue to back Highcroft this year, and its colours will also be seen on Scott Sharp's new Extreme Speed Ferrari GT2 team - which counts Patron boss Ed Brown among its drivers - and on GT Challenge Porsches run by Alex Job Racing and Velox Motorsports.

"In the years since we first partnered with the American Le Mans Series, we've been incredibly impressed with the league's commitment to its partners and dedication to world-class racing," said Patron marketing chief Matt Carroll. "The American Le Mans Series truly represents the future of motorsports and we couldn't be more honoured to be partnering with this great organisation."