From AutoWeek:<p>- says if testing continues to go well for Audi R8, it may come to US for Daytona 24 and Sebring 12 hr. (previously reported here but now another source). Also, Audi has added Michele Alboreto to driver lineup.<p>- mentions the American LeMans series finale could be on 12/31/99 in San Diego with the race ending just before midnight/New Years.<p>Other Sources<br>-----------------------<br>- the A4 turbo is now eligible for the Motorola Cup Endurance series in the Touring class as well as the Speedvision Endurance series.<p>- Speedvision has also signed on as sponsor of the SCCA Pro's World Challenge series. They've also renamed the classes. T1 is now World GT (these cars are also eligible for USRRC's GT3 division). The S4 will be eligible in this class. T2 is now called World Touring.<br>They have released an initial 6 race schedule.<p>1999 Speedvision World Challenge Schedule*<p>Date Event/Venue<br>May 21-23 Mosport Park, Bowmanville, Ontario, Can.<br>May 27-31 Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, Conn.<br>June TBA<br>July 9-11 Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wis.<br>July TBA<br>July 30-Aug. 1 Le Player’s Ltee. Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Can.<br>Aug. 27-29 West Michigan Grand Prix, Grand Rapids, Mich.<br>Sept. 17-19 Pikes Peak International Raceway, Fountain, Colo.<br>Sept./Oct. TBA<p>* - A 10th event will also be added.

The closest race is at Pikes Peak....man, thats about 24 hours away from here. How the hell am I ever gonna see an A4 in action without travelling a ton. Laguna Seca and Sears Point, come on race organizers! You can do it.<p>Steve S.<br>97 2.8QM

I hear you brother! I think its more due to expense in traveling than anything else. Most WC teams are not funded that well .. a couple of trips to the left coast can almost double the yearly budget. Me, personally, I'd LOVE Portland, Laguna or Sears added.<p>There's still some 11th hour dealings going on with USRRC/SCCA Pro & Professional Sports Car/Panoz/ALSM and Octogon (my opinion) so there's still some waining hope for a SOUND coast-to-coast showcase for sports car racing.<p>If that could happen, I'm sure you'd see more of the support series (Speedvision and MC) follow the shows to the strong West Coast venues.<p>The "talk" of SEMA show was these series captalizing on the amazing growth of young dudes & dudettes tricking out their Asian and Euro small cars. They follow the lead and look of Euro Touring car (large wheels, low, body work). We would, of course, like them to look to our series as their lead so I think you'll see better marketing and a more touring "look" in the future.<p>As usual, a long winded response! Sorry.<p>pt<br>98.5 30vQM

Maybe then, if that Mini LeMans race in San Diego works out ok, then it COULD open the doors for other races???