One day following the reveal of the new series name and branding, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest has confirmed it has reached a "global strategic agreement" with the new United SportCar Racing championship, set to debut with the 2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona.
The two-part agreement between the organizations involves a licensing agreement to allow the continuation of the Petit Le Mans name, the approval of select competitors to have entries to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as the provision to explore and develop new avenues for endurance racing together in North America.
"The ACO is delighted through this alliance partnership that goes beyond a simple licensing agreement, to continue our collaboration that started 14 years ago, with Don Panoz and the creation of ALMS, and that has been of great benefit to both partners," said ACO President Pierre Fillon.
"This Strategic Alliance will lead to a close collaboration between the ACO and United SportsCar Racing to promote, develop and reinforce endurance racing in North America. Through this global agreement, I am convinced endurance racing will continue to be in safe hands in North America for many years to come.”
Under the current ACO regulations, select cars from no fewer than two USCR classes will be eligible to compete at Le Mans and in the FIA World Endurance Championship. The "GTLM" category for ACO-homologated GT cars and LMP2-spec cars in the new combined "Prototype" class are planned to be embraced.
“A key component in the unification of the GRAND-AM Rolex Series and the American Le Mans Series was the ability to continue a relationship with Le Mans and the ACO," said GRAND-AM founder Jim France. "My family has admired the 24 Hours of Le Mans for decades, and we hold it in the same high regard as the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
"The opportunity to maintain a link to Le Mans is as important to me as it is to all United SportsCar Racing manufacturers, teams and drivers.”
No word has been given on the possibility of Daytona Prototypes competing at Le Mans in the future.