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038-066 Shortcuts_SU05 Carmel Magazine 4/22/13 2:56 PM Page 3 SHORTCUTS EVENT Photo: DMT Imaging May Marks Final American Le Mans Monterey Five classes of race cars, including prototypes, Porsches and Aston Martins, speed around Laguna Seca Raceway's curves together this May, for the final running of the American Le Mans series. The four-hour race challenges drivers and pit crews alike. he green flag signals the start of this June's 24 Hours of Le Mans in The field includes sleek prototype cars along with more recogniza- T ble racers from Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin and others. Past race Raceway Laguna Seca on May 9, 10 and 11. organizers will also present off-track festivities that celebrate the ALMS' France, but local fans will enjoy a taste of the famed event when the final season of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) comes to Mazda Gill Campbell, Laguna Seca CEO and general manager, calls ALMS "the ultimate in sports car racing." "At least five classes run together on the track at the same time, so you've got a lot of different of variables of horsepower, driver capability, drivers include the likes of Scott Pruett and Patrick Dempsey. Event French connections, and spectators can participate in a pre-race pit walk, autograph sessions and additional opportunities to interact with team members. At the end of this season, the ALMS will merge with Grand-Am Road skill set, size of cars and speed of cars. They all compete at the same time, Racing. Laguna Seca, which hosts a Grand-Am event on September 7-8, This year's ALMS weekend opens with practice laps and qualifying ses- "This is one of the most exciting series of events to watch on the but in different classes," says Campbell. has held ALMS events every year since the series launched in 1999. sions beginning at 8 am on Thursday and on Friday. After a full day of track," says Campbell. American Le Mans Monterey event kicks off at 3:30 pm. Cars compete starts at $30 (children 12 and under are free with a paying adult). For tickets Saturday racing, including parade laps and related activities, the capstone for four hours, circling the track from daylight to dusk in a test of speed, endurance and control. 40 C ARMEL MAGAZINE•SPRING/SUMMER General admission for American Le Mans Monterey, presented by Patron, and information, visit www.mazdaraceway.com or call 800/327-7322. —Renee Brincks 2013