The X-Factor Grand Prix of Sonoma
Sears Point Raceway / Sonoma, California
July 20 - 22, 2001


Official Schedule and Event Supplementary Regulations

OFFICIAL SCHEDULE AND EVENT SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS
Sanctioned by SPORTS CAR and Held Under the SPORTS CAR Code
and the ACO Specifications “2001” 

THE X-FACTOR
GRAND PRIX OF SONOMA
Sears Point Raceway / Sonoma, California
 

Wednesday, July 18, 2001
12:00 pm -   5:00 pm                       Paddock open for Competitor Rig Parking                                               
Thursday, July 19, 2001

  7:00 am -   5:00 pm                       Paddock open for Competitor Rig Parking
  8:00 am -   5:15 pm                       Promoter Test Day for Support Series (Star Mazda, SPEEDVISION World Challenge and Historic IMSA GTP)
  9:30 am - 10:00 am                       Practice - Russell Racing Series
10:00 am -   5:00 pm                       SPORTS CAR Registration (In Paddock)
12:15 pm -   1:00 pm                       Lunch
  1:00 pm -   1:30 pm                       Practice - Russell Racing Series
  4:00 pm -   4:30 pm                       Practice - Russell Racing Series 

Friday, July 20, 2001

  7:00 am -   5:00 pm                       SPORTS CAR Registration
  8:00 am -   5:00 pm                       Technical Inspection by Appointment for ALMS Competitors at the SPORTS CAR Technical Trailer (Timing Transponders will be provided by SPORTS CAR)
  8:00 am -   8:30 am                       Practice - Star Mazda
  8:40 am -   9:10 am                       Practice - Trans-Am Series for BF Goodrich Tires Cup
  9:20 am - 10:05 am                       Practice - SPEEDVISION World Challenge
10:15 am - 10:45 am                       Practice - Historic IMSA GTP
10:55 am - 11:25 am                       Practice - Star Mazda
11:25 am - 12:10 pm                       Lunch
12:10 pm - 12:40 pm                       Test Session - ALMS (GTS/GT)
12:40 pm -   1:40 pm                       Combined Test Session - ALMS (LMP 900/LMP 675/GTS/GT)
  1:40 pm -   2:10 pm                       Test Session - ALMS (LMP 900/LMP 675)
  2:20 pm -   3:05 pm                       Qualifying - Trans-Am Series for BF Goodrich Tires Cup
  3:15 pm -   3:45 pm                       Qualifying - Russell Racing Series
  3:55 pm -   4:25 pm                       Practice - Star Mazda
  4:35 pm -   5:20 pm                       Practice - SPEEDVISION World Challenge
  5:30 pm -   6:00 pm                       Practice - Trans-Am Series for BF Goodrich Tires Cup
  6:10 pm -   6:40 pm                       Practice - Historic IMSA GTP 

Saturday, July 21, 2001

  7:30 am -  3:00 pm                        SPORTS CAR Registration
  8:00 am                                         MANDATORY BRIEFING FOR ALL AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES DRIVERS AND TEAM MANAGERS/CREW CHIEFS ONLY – DRIVER LOUNGE 1ST FLOOR OF MEDIA BLDG.
  8:00 am -   9:00 am                       Technical Inspection for ALMS Competitors at the SPORTS CAR Technical Trailer
  8:00 am -   8:45 am                       Qualifying - Star Mazda
  9:00 am - 10:00 am                       Combined Practice - ALMS (LMP 900/LMP 675/GTS/GT)
10:15 am - 11:00 am                       Qualifying - SPEEDVISION World Challenge
11:30 am -   1:00 pm                       Trans-Am Series for BF Goodrich Tires Cup Race (100 Miles)
12:00 pm -   1:00 pm                       Driver Autograph Session for ALL American Le Mans Series Drivers at the Main Concession area in the paddock
  1:00 pm -   1:45 pm                       Lunch
  1:45 pm -   2:45 pm                       Combined Practice - ALMS (LMP 900/LMP 675/GTS/GT)
  2:55 pm -   3:25 pm                       Qualifying - Historic IMSA GTP
  3:00 pm -   4:15 pm                       Mandatory tire marking for ALL ALMS Competitors at the SPORTS CAR Technical Trailer
  3:50 pm -   4:40 pm                       SPEEDVISION World Challenge Touring Race (50 Minute Window)
  4:55 pm -   5:15 pm                       Qualifying - ALMS (GTS/GT)
  5:25 pm -   5:45 pm                       Qualifying - ALMS (LMP900/LMP675)
  5:50 pm                                        Post-qualifying Press Conference for ALMS class pole sitters in the Media Center
  6:05 pm -   6:50 pm                       Star Mazda Race - 45 Minutes 

Sunday, July 22, 2001

  7:15 am                                       Motorsports Ministries Chapel Service in the Driver Lounge 1st Floor of Media Building
  7:30 am - 12:30 pm                       SPORTS CAR Registration
  8:00 am -   9:00 am                       ALMS refueling installation shall be ready for inspection
  8:00 am -   8:15 am                       Warm Up - Historic IMSA GTP
  8:30 am -   9:00 am                       Combined Warm Up - ALMS (LMP 900/LMP 675/GTS/GT)
  9:15 am -   9:45 am                       Russell Racing Series Race - 30 Minutes
10:00 am - 11:00 am                       Historic IMSA GTP Race - 60 Minutes
11:00 am - 12:00 pm                       Lunch
12:00 pm -   2:45 pm                       The X-Factor Grand Prix of Sonoma for the American Le Mans Series Race - 2 Hour 45 Minutes
  2:55 pm                                         Post-race Press Conference for ALMS class winners in the Media Center
  3:15 pm                                         All ALMS Timing Transponders must be returned to the SPORTS CAR Technical Trailer
  3:15 pm -   4:05 pm                       SPEEDVISION World Challenge GT Race (50 Minute Window) 

Schedule may be amended to accommodate local conditions.

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS 

CHAPTER 1: GENERAL CONDITIONS

 

ART. 1 - DEFINITION OF THE EVENT 

The X-Factor Grand Prix of Sonoma race is listed on the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) international calendar as a Restricted International Event.  It is held under the FIA International Sporting Regulations, the SPORTS CAR Code, the ACO Specifications “2001” and these supplementary regulations and amendments thereto.

ART. 2 - ORGANIZATION

2.3   -   Organization Committee:

            H. Doug ROBINSON, Managing Director, SPORTS CAR
            Bill DONALDSON, Executive Director, American Le Mans Series
            Scott ATHERTON, President and COO, Panoz Motor Sports Group

ART. 3 - INFORMATIONS ABOUT THE EVENT

3.1  -                Name of the Event:   The X-Factor Grand Prix of Sonoma 

3.2  -                National Sporting Authority: 

            Automobile Competition Committee for the United States, FIA, Inc. (ACCUS-FIA)

            Address:               1500 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 101
                                        Northbrook, Illinois 60062
           
Telephone:            (847) 272-0090
            Fax:                     (847) 272-0101                                       

3.3 -     Organizer:

            Professional Sports Car Racing, Inc. (SPORTS CAR), organizes the “The X-Factor Grand Prix of Sonoma” as part of  the 2001 “American Le Mans Series” with equipment and facilities supplied by SPORTS CAR and Sears Point Raceway, the creator of the Event.       

            Address:               14175 Icot Boulevard, Suite 300
                                        Clearwater, FL  33760
            Telephone:            (727) 533-0503
           
Fax:                     (727) 533-0787
            Internet:                www.professionalsportscar.com 

3.4   -   Selection Committee:

            Bill DONALDSON, Executive Director, American Le Mans Series
            Charlie COOK, Technical Director, American Le Mans Series
            H. Doug ROBINSON, Managing Director, SPORTS CAR 

3.5   -   Place of the Event:            Sears Point Raceway                                Phone:    (707) 938-8448
                                                   Highways 37 & 121                                   Fax:        (707) 938-8430
                                                   Sonoma, California 95476 

3.6   -   Preliminary practice session:  None 

3.7   -   Date of the Event:  Sunday, 22nd July 2001 

3.8   -   Entries:

              Opening:          28th May 2001
              Closing:           5th July 2001 (midnight) 

3.9   -   Length of the Race Track:  2.52 miles 

3.10 -   Direction of the race:  Clockwise 

3.11 -   Duration or length of the race:  2 Hours 45 Minutes 

3.12 -   Number of cars admitted:

              Preliminary practice:            Not Applicable
              Practice:                             39 Maximum
              Race:                                  39 Maximum 

3.13 -   Start (rolling):  Sunday, 22nd July 2001 / Hour: 12:00 noon 

3.14 -   Administrative Checking & Scrutineering:

            Administrative Checking

              Venue:             SPORTS CAR Registration
           
  Schedule:         10:00 am - 5:00 pm         Thursday, 19th July 2001
                                         7:00 am - 5:00 pm         Friday, 20th July 2001 

            Scrutineering

              Venue:             SPORTS CAR Technical Trailer
           
  Schedule:         By Appointment 

3.15 -   Parc Fermé:  To be announced 

3.16 -   Fuel:

            Place of Delivery:    ELF Racing Fuel compound located     Fuel distribution hours:
                                         in the ALMS paddock                          Thursday, 19th July - 8:00 am  -    5:00 pm
            Distribution:            Service pump at ELF Racing                Friday, 20th July - 8:00 am -    5:00 pm
                                         Fuel compound                                   Saturday 21st July - 7:30 am  -    5:30 pm
            Storage                Approved 55 gallon drums (available      Sunday, 22nd July - 7:30 am  -    4:00 pm
                                         at ELF Racing Fuel compound) 

3.17 -  American Le Mans Series Team Managers’ Briefing:                                        

             Date: Saturday, 21st July 2001 / Hour: 8:00 am
          
  Venue:  Driver Lounge 1st Floor Media Bldg.
          
  MANDATORY ATTENDANCE OF THE TEAM MANAGERS
          
  Each Team Manager must sign attendance documentation

          
 
Fine: $500.00 US - per person not attending 

3.18 -  American Le Mans Series Drivers’ Briefing:

             Date:  Saturday, 21st July 2001 / Hour: 8:00 am
          
  Venue:  Driver Lounge 1st Floor Media Bldg.
          
 MANDATORY ATTENDANCE OF THE DRIVERS

          
 Each Driver must sign attendance documentation
          
 Fine: $500.00 US - per person not attending 

3.19 -   Delivery of identification equipment:  Not Applicable 

3.20 -   Winners’ Press Conference:     

             Venue:  Media Center
             Hour:   Immediately following podium prizes & cups presentations 

3.21 -   Organization Press Officer:

            Andy HALL 

3.22 -   Timing:

            SPORTS CAR Timekeepers 

            Per the SPORTS CAR Code, SPORTS CAR will require each car to be fitted with a timing transponder in an approved location and manner.  It must be subject to inspection at all times and surrendered or replaced upon request.  The transponder must not be tampered with nor transferred to another car unless specifically approved by SPORTS CAR.  Cost to replace a lost or damaged scoring transmitter is $750.00 invoiced to the entrant.  Failure to obtain and install the assigned transponder will result in the car not being scored. 

3.23 -   Official Posting Board: 

            SPORTS CAR Technical Trailer 

3.24 -   Prizes & Cups:

              Date:             Sunday, 22nd July 2001
              Venue:          Victory Podium 

ART. 4 - MAIN OFFICIALS 

4.1   -   In charge of Sporting and Technical operations:

              Martin KAUFMAN

4.2   -   Stewards of the Meeting:

              Chairman:  H. Doug ROBINSON
              International Steward: Roger PEART
              National Steward: Brian KOHL

4.3   -   Race Control:

              Race Director:  Martin KAUFMAN
              Clerk of the Course:  James FOYLE
              Assistants:

               Simone SMILJANIC
               TBA

4.4   -   Competitors Liaison:

               Cindy ROBINSON
               Carol MUELLER

4.5   -   Scrutineers:

              SPORTS CAR Scrutineers

4.6   -   Timing & Scoring:

              Chief of Timing:  Phil “Gypsy” WHITE
              SPORTS CAR Timekeepers

4.7   -   Chief Medical Officer:

              Dr. Ron KROME

4.8   -   Race Operations

              Operations Director:  Gordon GRATIOT
              Safety Team:  Don MUELLER
              Paddock Control:  Ron SHARP

4.9 - Pit & Grid Control:

              Dick MARTIN 

ART. 5 - ORGANIZATION PERMIT 

• Permit No:  2001-03

CHAPTER II: SPORTING RULES 

ART. 3 - ENTRIES 

3.1   -   By Thursday, 5th July 2001 (midnight) at the latest entry forms must be sent to the Organizer. 

ART. 4 - GENERAL CONDITIONS 

4.4   -   Passes & Credentials:

            Passes:  Any person concerned, whatever the reason, with an entered car, and present in any other capacity whatsoever in the paddock, pits or on the pit lane must wear his pass in a visible location.           

            Overcrew credentials will be sold by Sears Point Raceway upon authorization of the entrant at a cost of $45.00 each.  SPORTS CAR’s annual credential will also serve as a valid credential for this event.  (Copies of annual waivers must be on file at the SPORTS CAR Operations Trailer). 

            Each car that enters an American Le Mans Series event will receive a serialized season-long team support vehicle pass.  This pass will remain the property of Professional Sports Car Racing.  SPORTS CAR reserves the right to remove cars found in the paddock without a parking sticker at the owners expense.  Lost or stolen season-long support vehicle passes can be replaced one time only at a cost of $100.00. 

4.5   -   Paddock and Pits:

            Allocation for Paddock and Pit space is under the Organizer’s exclusive responsibility.           

ART. 5 - GENERAL DISCIPLINE & SAFETY 

5.10 -  Delimitation of the pit lane:  Pit lane delimited by two transverse yellow lines. 

5.11 -  Place of “Stop and Go” area:  Team designated pit space. 

5.15 -  Mandatory tracksuits:  Any person who is permitted to have access to the "working" or the "signaling" areas must wear identification provided by the organizer.  During the race anyone who has access to the working pit lane must wear fire resistant clothing. 

ART. 6 - ADMINISTRATIVE CHECKING 

6.1   -   It concerns:

            6.1.1 - Presentation of compulsory valid documents:

                         Entrant’s license (both FIA and SPORTS CAR)
                         Drivers’ licenses (both FIA and SPORTS CAR) - FIA International Grade B minimum for PROTOTYPE, Grade C for GTS and GT.
                          For Entrants and Drivers from Countries outside the United States:  permission to race in the United States granted by their National Sporting Authority (A.S.N.)                       

ART. 7 - SCRUTINEERING 

7.3   -   Presentation of the cars to Scrutineering:

            7.3.1 - The Entrant’s National Flags:  3 decals: 36 x 22 cm on each side, 26 x 16 cm on the bonnet.

            7.3.2 -  The Driver(s) National Flag(s) and Name(s):  On each side of car above door opening the national flag(s) of the driver(s) as well as the name(s) shall be displayed.  Minimum height of both flag(s) and name(s) shall be 4 cm.

            7.3.3 - Mandatory Decals:  3 SPORTS CAR decals on each side and bonnet; 3 ALMS decals on each side and bonnet; Class decal both sides (GT only, both sides and rear) and 2 Fuel decals one on each side. 

            Cars found during the event without required series decals will not be eligible for awards.  Cars with decals of other competing series and sanctioning bodies must be removed prior to technical inspection. 

7.4   -   The Scrutineers will check:

            7.4.2  The refueling installation which shall be ready for inspection.

                      Schedule:  Sunday, 22nd July 2001 from 8:00 am - 9:00 am 

7.5   -   Racing numbers:

            7.5.1 - Allocation:  Assigned by the Organizer. 

ART. 8 - WEIGHING 

8.2   -   During the qualifying practice sessions:

            8.2.2 - Drivers must abide by the signals made by the Marshals and they must stop when the red light is on:

                       Fine and penalties (Art. 8.2.5):  Not Applicable

            8.2.5 - In case of a breach and should the deficiency in weight not result from an accidental cause:

                       Fine and penalties:  Not Applicable

ART. 9 - QUALIFYING PRACTICE SESSIONS 

9.2   -   Schedule:

              Saturday, 21st July:              4:55 pm - 5:15 pm (GTS and GT)
                                                          5:25 pm - 5:45 pm (LMP 900 and LMP 675)           

9.3   -   Preliminary session:  Not Applicable 

ART. 10 - FREE PRACTICE (WARM-UP) 

            10.2.2 - Schedule:  Sunday, 22nd July 2001 from 8:30 am - 9:00 am

            In case of change in the weather conditions, an unscheduled practice session will take place if possible (schedule:)  Not Applicable 

ART. 11 - PRESENTATION OF THE CARS AND OF THE DRIVERS 

Details of implementation regarding specific presentation (Sunday, 22nd July) will be notified to Competitors at the Driver and Team Manager Briefings on Saturday, 21st July at 8:00 am. 

ART. 12 - STARTING GRID 

12.1     -   a/ Drivers nominated to start the race:  Entrant shall nominate the driver to start the race 30 minutes after the end of the final qualifying session.

                b/ Posting time of the starting grid:  Will be posted 1 hour after the end of the warm-up session.

                12.3.1 - “Pole position” (place on track):  Reserved for the car which has achieved the fastest lap time during qualifying sessions is on the left of the front row according to circuit homologation by the FIA. 

12.4     -   Access to the grid before the start:  Access to the grid is not permitted 30 minutes prior to the start of the race. 

ART. 13 - STARTING PROCEDURE

 

13.3       Reconnaissance lap(s): 

                Detailed information will be provided at the Driver and Team Manager briefing on Saturday, 21st July at 8:00 am. 

13.4     -   Start (countdown):        5 Minute warning - Clear grid except for officials and necessary team personnel
                
                                  1 Minute warning - Clear grid of all individuals except for officials

                13.5.3 - A car leaving the pits that way may join the race only after all cars have passed the pit exit during their first racing lap:

                Penalty for early start:  One (1) lap.

                13.6.2 - The driver may then complete the formation lap but under no circumstances is he allowed to overtake a moving car except if in trouble: 

                Penalty:  Stop and Go. 

ART 14 - MODIFIED STARTING PROCEDURE

CASES OF STARTING PROCEDURE MODIFICATION: 

14.1     -   Weather conditions change after the free practice (warm-up) session:

                If the track is:

                a) dry, although all practice sessions have been wet,         

                b) wet, although all practice sessions have been dry

                ... an additional 30 min. free practice session will be scheduled if possible:  Not Applicable 

ART. 15 - INFORMATIONS & SIGNALING 

All signaling during practice, qualifying and race must be done from the team signaling area driver’s left on the pit straight.  Each team is permitted a maximum of 2 people per car in the signaling area during the practice and qualifying sessions and after the start of the race.  No structure may be erected in that area. 

ART. 16 - PIT STOPS 

PIT LANE:

16.1     -   MINIMUM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ON THE PIT LANE (F.I.A. REGULATIONS) AND, IF NECESSARY:  Per SPORTS CAR Code Article 6.5.4. 

16.3     -   Speed Limit:  60 kph on the pit lane (radar control):

                Penalty(ies) for speeding:  Stop and Go.  Repeat infractions will result in greater or cumulative penalties at the discretion of the Race Director. 

ART. 17 - REFUELING 

17.5     -   Autonomous fuel rig support:  Free standing supply tank must conform to Appendix B.  See diagram page 109.

ART. 18 - REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE 

                18.2.2 - By 4 persons maximum:

                b/ Equipment ready prior to pit stop:  All materials must remain behind the pit wall until the car has stopped in its designated pit space.

                18.6.2 - To heat the tyres in the pit lane (“working area”), in the pits and on the starting grid:  not permitted on the pit lane and the starting grid; elsewhere: not permitted.

18.12   -   Outside assistance (“push starting”, etc. is prohibited when a car leaves the pit to rejoin the race):

                Penalty:  Car must return to its designated pit space.  The driver must switch off and restart the engine without assistance. 

ART. 19 - PERSONNEL PERMITTED IN THE PIT LANE 

19.1     -   Safety overalls (as a minimum):

                All the personnel listed below shall wear fire-resistant overalls, balaclavas and goggles apart from the Team Manager provided he does not intervene on the car and the fuel attendants who must abide by Art. 17.6.2b:

                a/ When refueling is in the process:  The refueler, vent man and fire extinguisher attendant.  In addition, both the refueler and the vent man must wear a helmet.

                b/ For maintenance and repairs:  Not applicable except for Note 1.

                c/ Signaling area:  Not applicable except for Note 1. 

                Note 1:  All persons within the boundaries designated as pit lane must wear fire resistant overalls during the race. 

19.2 - Mandatory overvests:  Not Applicable 

ART. 20 - PIT FITTING-OUT 

20.4     -   Lighting equipment (races run partly by night):  The lights must be aimed in such a way to avoid blinding the driver. 

ART. 21 - DRIVER’S CHANGE 

21.2 -       Maximum driving time:  A Driver may not drive more than 2 hours during the race.

                Fine and penalty:  Exclusion of car, drivers and entrant.  Computation of the time requirement will be at the sole discretion of SPORTS CAR. 

ART. 23 - NEUTRALISATION OF THE RACE:  “SAFETY-CARS” 

23.2       Identification:  One Safety-Car fitted with revolving yellow lights. 

23.3     -   Procedure: 

                   The Race Director may dispatch the Safety Car at any time during an event in order to correct a hazardous situation.  Drivers will be warned that the Safety Car will be used when all turn stations display two stationary yellow flags or one yellow flag and an SC Board.

                    No passing is permitted anywhere on the circuit.  If possible, the Safety Car will enter the course ahead of the leader, who must slow down to facilitate this.  Failure of the overall leader to slow down and take up position behind the Safety Car may result in a one (1) lap penalty.  All competitors will then follow the Safety Car in single file; stragglers should catch up with the field as quickly as possible consistent with safety.  Competitors may not pass the Safety Car unless they are specifically waved by. 

                    The pit entrance will be closed from the beginning of the Safety Car intervention until the Safety Car has picked up the overall leader and main field.  The Race Director will then instruct Pit Control to re-open the pits.  Any car which enters while the pits are closed and receives assistance before the pits have been re-opened will receive a penalty of a minimum of one lap. 

23.4     -   Pit Stops:

                   Competitors may enter the pits at any time while the Safety Car is on course, but may not re-enter the racing circuit unless directed by a marshal.  The pit exit will close at the moment that the Safety Car passes a predefined point, which will be announced in the Drivers’ Briefing and will re-open when the Safety Car and main pack of cars have passed pit exit. 

23.5       End of Operation: 

                   When the course is clear, the Race Director will instruct the Safety Car to extinguish its safety lights to indicate that the end of the Safety Car intervention is about to occur.  The Safety Car will exit the course at the pit entrance area and the field will be under Starter’s orders.  On the restart, the Starter will display the green flag and the yellow flags will be dropped. 

                    Special Safety Car procedures for a given event will be discussed at the Drivers’ Briefing. 

ART. 24 - FINISH 

            24.1.1 - If the car classified first in the General Classification has not crossed the start/finish line after the race duration has expired within a time equal to twice its fastest race lap, the checkered flag will be displayed when the next passing car crosses start/finish.

            24.1.2 - The checkered flag will be displayed for a maximum of four (4) minutes.

            24.2.1 - Should, whatever the reason, the Checkered Flag be displayed after more than 90% of the prescribed time is elapsed (with the exception of stopping the race as specified in Art. 22), the race will be deemed to have finished when the flag is displayed. 

            24.2.2 - Should, for any reason, the Checkered Flag be delayed, the race will be deemed to be finished when the prescribed time is elapsed or distance is covered. 

ART. 25 - CLASSIFICATIONS 

25.2     -   Classification requirements:

            25.2.1 - The car placed first in the General (Overall) Classification is the car which has covered the greatest distance in the shortest time when it receives the Checkered Flag on the race track.

            25.2.2 - Every car must cross Start/Finish on the race track while the Checkered Flag is waved to be classified as "running" at the end of the race.

            25.2.3 - Cars will be classified according to the actual distance covered during the race and the time in which they covered it.

            25.2.4 - Should the race be run in two (or more) parts, the winning car is the one which has covered the greatest distance in the shortest time. 

ART. 26 - PRESS CONFERENCE 

After the qualifying sessions:  About 5 minutes after the end of the last qualifying session, the driver who has achieved the “Pole position” in category and class must attend a Press Conference in the designated Media Interview Area. 

At the Finish:  First place overall and category class winners shall attend the Winner’s Press Conference as soon as the prize giving ceremony on the podium is completed and as instructed by the Officials. 

ART. 27 - PRIZE MONEY & CUPS 

Drivers and crew members must wear series required patches as designated in the SPORTS CAR Code.  Drivers and crew members appearing at award ceremonies without required patches or with patches from competing series or sanctioning bodies will result in the entrant forfeiting all prize money. 

American Le Mans Series

                                        LMP 900        LMP 675          GTS              GT
Overall Position                  Bonuses        Bonuses          Bonuses        Bonuses                  

  1 - $35,000  11 -  2,000     1 - $7,500      1 - $7,500        1 - $8,000       1 - $8,000
  2 -  22,000   12 -  2,000     2 -   5,000      2 -   5,000       2 -   5,000       2 -   5,000
 
3 -  15,000   13 -  2,000     3 -   2,500      3 -   2,500       3 -   2,500       3 -   2,500
  4 -  10,000   14 -  2,000     4 -   1,000      4 -   1,000       4 -   1,000       4 -   1,000
 
5 -   7,000    15 -  2,000
 
6 -   6,000    16 -  2,000
 
7 -   5,000    17 -  2,000      TOTAL RACE PURSE:  $216,000 (includes 10% to Privateer Points Fund)
  8 -   4,000    18 -  2,000
  9 -   3,000    19 -  2,000
10 -   2,400    20 -  2,000

NOTE:  “Factory Teams” are not eligible for “per-race” prize money.  Any race prize money earned by a  “Factory Team”  will be added to the end of the year Privateer Points Fund.  Factory Teams not eligible  for prize money will be designated by the American Le Mans Series and SPORTS CAR at their sole discretion. 

PRIVATEER POINTS FUND 

This year-end Points Fund will accrue 10% of posted race purse ($21,600 for this event) per race plus any unpaid “Factory Team” prize money. 

The year-end distribution of the Points Fund will be based on the following schedule: 

15 points for taking the green flag.                                        At the end of the year the Fund will be distributed as follows:
  5 points for completing 25% of the laps of the class winner.
 
5 points for completing 50% of the laps of the class winner.  a)   Total money ÷ Total points = dollar value of each point
  5 points for completing 75% of the laps of the class winner.  b)   Dollar value of each point x the number of points earned
  5 points for taking the checkered flag.                                       by each car = Total pay out to each team

Total points available per car per race = 35. 

To be eligible to receive year-end award payment from the Privateer Points Fund, an Entrant must enter an eligible car which is invited to and competes in at least eight (8) American Le Mans Series races. 

ART. 29 - SANCTIONS & PROTESTS 

29.1     -   The nominated officials may inflict the penalties specifically set out in these Sporting Regulations in addition to/instead of any other penalties available to them under the International Sporting Code:  See Article 8 "Sporting Regulations" of the 2001 SPORTS CAR Code. 

29.2     -   Protests and Appeals shall be lodged in accordance with the International Sporting Code and the 2001 SPORTS CAR Code and submitted with a fee as outlined in the 2001 SPORTS CAR Code.

APPENDICES 

I - INSURANCE: 

Professional Sports Car Racing, Inc. (“SPORTS CAR”) provides Participant Accident Coverage for all SPORTS CAR-sanctioned racing activities, including practice and qualifying and is extended to drivers, mechanics, officials, crew members, car owners, and pit workers, as well as other individuals holding appropriate credentials and having clearly defined duties allotted to them. 

The policies extend to accidental bodily injury sustained in a restricted area while this area is in the control of SPORTS CAR and which occurs independently of any other causes. 

The limits provided under the Participant Accident Coverage are as follows: 

        Accidental Death                                         $ 25,000
        Accidental Dismemberment                          $ 10,000
        Primary Accident Medical Benefit                  $  5,000
        Excess Accident Medical Benefit                  $495,000
        Accident Total Disability                               $      100 payable weekly up to 104 weeks 

        Please note that after the $5,000 Primary Medical limit, the medical coverage is provided on an excess basis.  This means that Excess Coverage is over and above any other medical insurance available to the individual - including, but not limited to, Workers Compensation or any individual or group health plans. 

Examples of Policy Exclusions for which coverage is not provided for are self-inflicted injuries, pre-existing conditions, assault and battery, among others.  Coverage is, at all times, limited to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the master policy. 

Claims should be reported to Professional Sports Car Racing officials at:

Professional Sports Car Racing, Inc.
Attn: Gordon Gratiot

14175 Icot Boulevard, Suite 300
Clearwater, FL 33760
Phone: (727) 533-0503
Fax: 9727) 533-0787
E-mail: professionalsportscar@mindspring.com

The program is administered by:

Wisenberg Insurance & Risk Management
Attn:  Peter Lyon
Post Office Box 983
Houston, TX  77001-0983
Phone (713) 507-9476
Fax (713) 507-4724
E-Mail:  plyon@wisenberg.com

III - MISCELLANEOUS: 

DRIVER REGISTRATION:   To be eligible for point awards, each Driver must drive at least 10 laps.

Change of a Driver:  Changes regarding a nominated Driver are not permitted after administrative checking is closed (Friday, 20th July 2001 at 5:00 pm).  A driver change after Registration is closed will only be permitted by the race director in case of force majeure and with permission of the Stewards’.

Qualifying Driver:  The entrant must record the name of the Driver who achieved the Officialfast lapduring qualifying, on the Qualifying Driver form.  The Qualifying Driver form must be given to a pit lane official within 30 minutes after the end of each qualifying session.  The final Qualifying Driver form must also include the nominated Starting Driver.  The penalty for changing the Starting Driver after the nominating form has been submitted, is loss of qualifying position and the car will be placed at the rear of the starting grid. 

Qualifying Tires:  Only one (1) set of tires may be used per car in each qualifying session.  All qualifying laps must be completed on that set of tires regardless of Driver.  These tires must be presented at the specified technical location for marking per the official event schedule prior to participating in any qualifying session.  Each car must start the race on no less than three (3) of the marked tires on which it recorded its fastest qualifying time.

TECHNICAL INSPECTIONS:  All cars for the American Le Mans Series must be presented for and pass technical inspection by Saturday, 21st July at 9:00 am.  Timing transponders will be provided by SPORTS CAR.

DRIVERS LOGS:  To assure the accuracy of results and point awards, it is imperative that driver logs are FILLED OUT COMPLETELY and turned in to a pit lane official within 30 minutes after the end of the race, or the retirement of the car.  Cars retiring prior to the conclusion of the race must also turn in their scoring transponder(s). 

DRIVER AUTOGRAPH SESSION:  A driver autograph session for ALL American Le Mans Series drivers has been scheduled for Saturday, 21st July from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Main Concession area in paddock. 

CONTINGENT AWARDS:     A complete list of contingent awards will be available at SPORTS CAR Registration.  Decals and patches can be picked up at the SPORTS CAR Technical Trailer. 

The X-Factor Grand Prix of Sonoma
Promoter’s Information

Article 1 The Promoter 

                Sears Point Raceway                                 Steve Page - President/General Manager
                Highways 37 & 121                                     Patrick McGuinn - Director of Operations
                Sonoma, CA  95476                                    Tim Schuldt - VP of Sales & Marketing
                                                                                 John Cardinale - Director of Media Relations
                Phone:     (707) 938-8448                            Annette Musson - Hospitality Manager
                Fax:         (707) 938-8430

Article 2 Television Coverage               

                USA                              :  NBC - Live beginning at 4:00 pm
                International                 :  Eurosport - Highlights on 29th July beginning at 8:45 pm 

Article 3 Media coverage other than television 

                Press:  Both national and international journalist from general public magazines along with national and local newspapers. 

                Radio:  Broadcast live on American Le Mans Radio Web @ americanlemans.com

Article 4 Competitors and Partners Activities

                Catering:  Teams interested in catering for this event should contact Annette Musson at (707) 938-8448, ext. 130. 

                Team catering support vehicle passes will be $3,500 and can be obtained through Annette Musson at Sears Point Raceway at (707) 938-8448, ext. 130. 

                Hospitality/Equipment Rental:  Teams interested in hospitality and/or equipment rental (tents, tables, chairs, etc.) are asked to contact Annette Musson at Sears Point Raceway at (707) 938-8448, ext. 130.               

Article 5 Principal Information 

                Testing:  There will be a non-SPORTS CAR Sanctioned Test Day on Thursday, 19th July for SPEEDVISION World Challenge, Star Mazda and Historic IMSA GTP competitors.  There will be a test session for ALMS competitors on Friday, 20th July.

                The test day fee for all competitors is $350 per car.  Arrangements can be made through Sears Point Raceway by contacting Jon Pearson at (707) 938-8448, ext. 125. 

                Golf Cart Rentals:  Teams wishing to rent golf carts for this event are asked to contact Molly McBride with Sears Point Raceway at 707-938-8448, ext. 109. 

                Paddock Parking:  The paddock will be open for rig parking under SPORTS CAR’s direction from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 18th July, and will re-open at 7:00 am on Thursday, 19th July.  All paddock parking will be assigned by SPORTS CAR.

                NOTE:  Due to the very limited paddock space available for this event, American Le Mans Series teams will not be allowed to erect awnings on their transporters.

                Team Move Out:  All American Le Mans Series teams must vacate their garage and exit the paddock area on Sunday evening.

                Paddock Restrictions:  No glass containers, pets, ATV’s or motorcycles will be allowed in the paddock.  Individuals must have proper credentials to enter paddock area.       

                Noise Curfew:  NO race engines may be started prior to 8:00 am or after 6:00 pm unless schedule dictates.


Contact us at info@professionalsportscar.com with comments or questions.
Copyright © 2001 Professional Sports Car Racing, Inc.