The Asian Le Mans Series (AsLMS) has faced numerous challenges since its inception, yet it has also achieved significant successes. Established by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the series has navigated economic hurdles, low participation, and logistical complexities to become a prominent fixture in the world of endurance racing. This article examines the challenges the series has faced and the triumphs it has achieved.
Initial Struggles
The Asian Le Mans Series
was launched as a successor to the Japan Le Mans Challenge, which ended in 2007. The series aimed to attract teams and drivers from across Asia, but it faced significant challenges from the outset. The inaugural season in 2009 was marred by the cancellation of a planned race in Shanghai due to economic circumstances.
Participation was another major hurdle, with the series struggling to attract a sufficient number of entrants. The first race of the relaunched series in 2013 saw only eight cars on the grid, marking the smallest field in ACO-sanctioned racing at the time. These challenges highlighted the difficulties of establishing a new racing series in a competitive motorsport landscape.
Overcoming Obstacles
Despite these early struggles, the Asian Le Mans Series has made significant strides. The ACO took over as the organizer in 2014, addressing issues related to low car counts and canceled events. This change marked a turning point for the series, allowing it to stabilize and grow.
The series has also expanded its geographic reach, hosting races in the Middle East and planning events in Australia, although the latter was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These expansions have helped to increase the series' visibility and attract a broader range of participants.
Achievements and Future Prospects
One of the series' notable achievements is its ability to offer automatic invitations to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans for its champions. This incentive has been a significant draw for teams and drivers, enhancing the series' appeal.
Looking ahead, the Asian Le Mans Series continues to evolve, with plans to introduce a new Hypercar class in the 2026-27 season. This class will feature non-factory, privateer entries, further diversifying the competition.
The series' journey has been marked by both challenges and triumphs, reflecting the dynamic nature of motorsport. As it continues to grow, the Asian Le Mans Series remains committed to providing a competitive platform for endurance racing in Asia and beyond.
