Braselton, Ga. - The International Motor Sports Association, the sanctioning body of the American Le Mans Series, has announced a number of rules adjustments for the 2006 American Le Mans Series, which starts with the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 18.

Two deal directly with GT1 entries. Aston Martin Racing's two DBR9s will compete with a minimum weight of 1,125 kilograms, the standard minimum for GT1 cars. That is 50 kilos lighter than was mandated by the ACO following last year's running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, due to changes in the car's aero package since the 24 Hours. That also is a reason for a larger air restrictor, which will allow more air into the engine and produce more horsepower.

Similarly, the Saleen S7Rs, like the two fielded by Konrad Motorsports, will be allowed a larger restrictor size based on the weight table at which it will run based on ACO regulations. Saleens also will benefit from a larger refueling restrictor that lets fuel flow quicker into the car's tank.

IMSA also announced adjustments for older generation prototypes, having granted extensions to LMP900/675 cars through the end of 2005. Two Lola EX257-AERs, one each fielded by Autocon Motorsports and Highcroft Racing, will race with a minimum weight of 700 kilograms, up from 675 in 2005. The two cars also will see smaller engine restrictors, as well.

The Audi R8, winner of 48 American Le Mans Series races since 2000, will see 35 additional kilograms from 2005 to a minimum weight of 935. The fuel capacity is unchanged from last season, and the restrictor will be the same size as 2005.

In LMP2, B-K Motorsports' Mazda-powered Courage C65 will be allowed to race with a minimum weight of 750 kilograms (unchanged from last year), which is 25 kilograms less than current generation P2s. The B-K entry also can run with a larger restrictor. The same goes for P2 cars with a two-liter turbo, particularly the Lola B2K/40, Lola B05/40 and WR-Peugeot.

This information supercedes any prior adjustments that were previously announced. As 2006 unfolds, IMSA's Technical Department will monitor car performances and may authorize future adjustments based on guidelines previously established in an earlier bulletin.