From Autoweek · Jonathan Ingram · · 1m 20s
Petit Le Mans Saved Endurance Racing
Don Panoz's 1998 Petit Le Mans revived sports car racing by bypassing FIA conflicts.
In brief
Don Panoz's 1998 Petit Le Mans revived sports car racing by bypassing FIA conflicts. Don Panoz's 1998 Petit Le Mans created a pathway for American teams to compete at Le Mans, saving endurance racing from FIA interference. Originally reported by Autoweek.
New FIA-Le Mans Contract
A 10-year FIA-Le Mans contract extends the World Endurance Championship through 2037.
Petit Le Mans 1998
Don Panoz held the first Petit Le Mans in 1998 with a $550,000 licensing agreement for Le Mans rules.
FIA and Le Mans Conflict
The FIA and Bernie Ecclestone attacked Le Mans rulebooks starting in 1990, killing Group C and the World Sports Car Championship.
Panoz's Role
Panoz bypassed the France family to directly work with the ACO and Le Mans organizers.
American Le Mans Series
Panoz launched the American Le Mans Series in 1999 and bought IMSA for $30 million in 2012.
European Le Mans Series
Panoz financed the inaugural European Le Mans Series in 2001 despite low car counts.
FIA's Shift
The FIA focused on Formula 1 after Panoz's financial support for Le Mans.
GT3 Category
The FIA's 2006 GT3 concept helped develop fair competition with Le Mans and is now booming.
In short
Don Panoz's 1998 Petit Le Mans created a pathway for American teams to compete at Le Mans, saving endurance racing from FIA interference.
