i think this is pretty cool...granted you normally associate that engine builder with NASCAR, but its cool to seem them expand into this style of racing.
Roush Yates, one of racing's premier designers and constructors of high-performance engines, announced Friday that it will become anengine supplier to the American Le Mans Series in LMP2 starting in 2011. Its initial offering is the Ford V6 EcoBoost Turbo for installation in a variety of prototype chassis. Lola will offer the Roush-prepared EcoBoost as a standard installation in its open-top and coupe prototypes.
“Everyone at Roush Yates Engines is excited to partner with such a prominent car constructor of LMP sports cars” said John Maddox, Sports Car Program Manager for Roush Yates Engines. “We are proud to build exceptional engines to pair with Lola's LMP2 design as we enter this innovative championship. Roush Yates Engines plans to use this opportunity to continue improving our technology and efficiency as we strive towards our goal of becoming world-class engine builders.”
“This is a significant and obviously very positive development for us,” said Scott Atherton, president and CEO of the ALMS. “It is another example of a manufacturer that shares our view of racing's relationship to the showroom – using a high-performance environment such as the American Le Mans Series to develop relevant, innovative technology that can be transferred to production cars. We continue to stand alone as motorsport's leader in manufacturer diversity and innovation, two traits that we believe were critical to Roush Yates' decision to supply Ford engines for LMP entrants starting next season."
The Ford engines from Roush join Honda's new power plant, which was unveiled at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, as additions to the LMP fold for 2011.
