What Is 2013 American Le Mans Series VIR 240

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 American Le Mans Series VIR 240 was a 2-hour 40-minute endurance sports car race held on August 24, 2013, at Virginia International Raceway. It was the eighth round of the 2013 American Le Mans Series season, featuring multiple prototype and GT classes.

Key Facts

The 2013 VIR 240 took place on August 24, 2013, at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia
The race lasted 2 hours and 40 minutes, part of the 10-race 2013 American Le Mans Series schedule
Level 5 Motorsports won the P2 class with drivers Scott Tucker, Christophe Bouchut, and Luis Díaz
Corvette Racing's Tommy Milner and Oliver Gavin won the GT class in the No. 4 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R
The event drew over 25,000 spectators and was broadcast live on ESPN3

Overview

The 2013 American Le Mans Series VIR 240 was a pivotal sports car endurance race held at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton, Virginia. As the eighth round of the 10-race 2013 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) season, it showcased top-tier prototype and grand touring machines competing across multiple classes.

This race was notable for its tight competition, dramatic weather changes, and high-profile manufacturer involvement. The event drew significant attention from motorsport fans due to its strategic timing mid-season, influencing championship standings in both prototype and GT categories.

August 24, 2013: The race occurred on this date, marking the mid-point of the ALMS season and serving as a key battleground for championship contenders across all classes.
2 hours and 40 minutes: The race duration was set at 2h40m, a format designed to test both driver stamina and team strategy under changing track conditions.
Virginia International Raceway: Located in Alton, Virginia, the 3.27-mile, 17-turn road course presented technical challenges including elevation changes and blind corners.
Five competing classes: The race featured P1, P2, GT, GTC, and GX classes, allowing diverse vehicles from LMP prototypes to production-based sports cars to compete simultaneously.
25,000+ spectators: Attendance figures reflect strong fan interest, boosted by pre-race events, manufacturer displays, and live ESPN3 coverage.

How It Works

The American Le Mans Series followed a multi-class endurance racing format, where different vehicle classes raced simultaneously but were scored independently. The VIR 240 required teams to balance speed, fuel efficiency, and pit strategy over the 2h40m duration.

Endurance Racing Format: The 2h40m race tested teams' ability to maintain performance over time, requiring precise pit stops, driver changes, and tire management under pressure.
Multiple Classes: P1, P2, GT, GTC, and GX classes ran together; each had unique performance windows and championship points systems managed by IMSA.
Driver Lineups: Most entries used two or three drivers; endurance specialists like Scott Tucker and Oliver Gavin were common in top-tier entries.
Scoring System: Points were awarded based on class finishing position, with additional points for leading laps and pole position, influencing season-long titles.
Weather Impact: Temperatures reached 88°F, with humidity affecting tire wear and engine cooling, leading some teams to alter strategies mid-race.
Refueling Rules: ALMS allowed mid-race refueling, a key tactical element—teams optimized fuel loads to minimize pit time while maximizing track position.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key performance metrics and results across the top five finishers in the 2013 VIR 240:

Class	Team	Drivers	Finishing Position	Laps Completed
P1	Corey Club Motorsports	Jon Bennett, Colin Braun	1st	78
P2	Level 5 Motorsports	Scott Tucker, Christophe Bouchut, Luis Díaz	2nd	77
GT	Corvette Racing	Tommy Milner, Oliver Gavin	3rd	76
GTC	Orbit Racing	Anthony Lazzaro, Craig Stanton	4th	74
GX	Race LLC	Nick Longhi, Tim Lewis	5th	73

While the P1 class took the overall win, each class champion earned critical points toward the ALMS Manufacturers' and Drivers' Championships. The close lap counts highlight the competitive balance across classes, despite differing vehicle performance levels.

Why It Matters

The 2013 VIR 240 had lasting implications for sports car racing in North America, occurring just before the 2014 merger of ALMS and Grand-Am into the unified IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. It served as a final showcase of ALMS's multi-class endurance format.

Championship Implications: The results tightened the GT and P2 title races, with Corvette Racing and Level 5 Motorsports gaining crucial points.
Manufacturer Exposure: Chevrolet, Porsche, and Mazda used the event to demonstrate performance, aiding marketing and development programs.
Driver Careers: Strong finishes elevated drivers like Oliver Gavin and Scott Tucker in team and sponsor evaluations for future seasons.
Technical Development: Teams tested aerodynamic and engine setups at VIR’s high-speed sections, informing future race strategies and car designs.
Fan Engagement: Live ESPN3 coverage and on-site events helped grow ALMS’s audience ahead of the 2014 series merger.
Historical Significance: As one of the final ALMS races before unification, it marked the end of an era in American endurance racing.

The 2013 VIR 240 remains a benchmark event for motorsport historians and fans, illustrating the depth and excitement of pre-merger American endurance racing.