Following this morning's announcement regarding the return of the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, American Le Mans Series President and CEO Scott Atherton said the series intends to race there again as well – but not next year. A scheduling conflict between the 2012 race and the test day for next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans will prevent the ALMS from running the Detroit event next summer, even though the ALMS had left a "June TBA" date on its provisional calendar that was announced at Petit Le Mans.
“While we enjoyed being a very successful part of the renaissance of this great race on Belle Isle in 2007 and again in 2008, the 2012 Detroit race and the Le Mans test day next year share the same date on the calendar, creating a direct conflict which could not be resolved for 2012,” Atherton said.
“In 2013, however, we foresee a resolution of the date conflict with the Le Mans test day, enabling the ALMS to compete in the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. While our participation in this classic Motor City race is not possible in 2012, we will continue to work hard with everyone involved to take part in 2013.”