This is Larry Morgan (of Turn 10)'s synopsis of the press conference.
Just watched the live stream of the combined press conference of Grand-Am and ALMS, at the Daytona 500 Club, and here is my synopsis. The conference lasted a little less than an hour, and both put me at ease, as well as left a lot of unanswered questions. Four main individuals were seated at the head table...Jim France, Dr. Panoz, Scott Atherton and Ed Bennett, who all spoke and then fielded questions from the press. I'll address what I perceive as the unanswered questions first:
1) Road Atlanta and Sebring, as well as Watkins Glen, are "in the mix", but no mention of "ownership" of the tracks. All three track managers were present. Scott Atherton alluded to the fact that Dr. Panoz' assets (meaning the tracks), were brought to the merger along with Watkins Glen. No mention was made of Mosport.
2) Tech specs (formula) is yet to be determined. It appears both DP and Prototypes will be included, but not necessarily LMP1!
3) Relationship with FIA, WEC, and ACO is still to be determined! (see comments below).
4) Tires, whether single source or multiple manufacturers, is yet to be determined.
5) Sponsors for series yet to be ironed out. (both Rolex and Patron were present).
6) Support series are also to be determined.
What was present, however, was a mutual passion and dedication to sportscar racing, especially in North America, and a mutual dedication to insure that sportscar racing in North America continues and, in fact, develops into the premier sportscar series in the world! (I sensed, personal opinion only, that they have had it with WEC, ACO and FIA!)
Another interesting fact: Discussions on the merger started 6 months and 14 days ago on a golf course between Jim France and Dr. Panoz. It was precipitated by some discussions with Scott Sharp and Ed Brown with Jim France at the previous Daytona 24, and later discussions between Scott Atherton and Jim France, before the golf match. They touted it as the best kept secret in motorsports history! Discussions were held with sponsors, teams, manufacturers, etc., in the ensuing days.
Now, for the overall summary:
1) Grand-Am and ALMS are merging into one organization, with the goal of sportscar racing "reaching it's pinnacle" and becoming the "premier sportscar series in the world"!
2) The 2013 schedule for both series will continue as originally planned for 2013.
3) Beginning with the Daytona 24 in January 2014, the two series will run as one as a combined North American championship series, followed by the Sebring 12 Hr, which will be co-produced, co-advertised, etc.
4) Dr. Panoz will be the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the new series.
5) The name of the new series is yet to be determined.
6) It is the desire of the new series that they continue their relationship with the ACO and the 24 Hr. of LeMans, and is also the wish of the new head of the ACO, but it was made clear that the first priority lies with the fans in North America, the manufacturers, and the teams. As was stated..."After all, this IS a North American series"! They would "like" however, to have a few teams qualify for LeMans. As stated, "it's easier said than done", but they are "up to the challenge".
7) It is too early to determine the "class structure", but almost certainly, the GT categories of both ALMS and GA will continue.
Combined practice sessions of the various classes will be held prior to establishing the final formula.
9) It is anticipated that the 2014 Daytona 24 and Sebring 12 will attract more fans and more entries, with many teams fielded from "overseas" with both domestic and international manufacturers.
10) DP's were "alluded to" as continuing, with the caveat that they were taking into consideration, the previous investments and the commitment of the teams. It wasn't that strong, however, so my personal feeling is that the DP's will eventually disappear, probably by attrition.
11) The schedules will be merged with the "best and brightest" of both GA and ALMS cars. Initial thought is a 12 race series. Certainly, Daytona, Sebring, Road Atlanta and Watkins Glen will be on the schedule, with the remaining tracks to be decided. I would think that Mid-O, Road America, and other "MAJOR" tracks would be there also. In all likelihood, (my opinion) all the ISC tracks would be included. The ability to negotiate favorable television packages will also play a role.
12) The Delta Wing car is "part of the agreement" and still in the mix. Again, it was emphasized that LMP1 was beyond the current capability of GA and ALMS, but DP's and LeMans Prototypes will be continued, but they will take care of the "American series" and "OUR interests" first.
So...there you have it. Apparently, there is still a lot of work to be done, and we still have no vision as to what to expect, but I sensed a total commitment from both series to make this work.
