What Is 2013 Asian Le Mans Series season

Overview

The 2013 Asian Le Mans Series marked the fifth season since the revival of the endurance racing championship in Asia. Organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the series aimed to promote prototype and GT racing across the Asian continent with a compact four-round calendar.

Spanning from late 2013 to early 2014, the season attracted international teams and drivers seeking experience in Le Mans-style endurance formats. The series served as a regional counterpart to the European Le Mans Series and a development platform for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

• Round 1 took place on October 26–27, 2013, at Okayama International Circuit in Japan, featuring a 3-hour race format.
• Round 2 was held on November 16–17, 2013, at Zhuhai International Circuit in China, continuing the 3-hour endurance format.
• Round 3 occurred on January 25–26, 2014, at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, combining GT and prototype entries.
• Round 4 concluded the season on February 16, 2014, back at Sepang, marking the first time the finale was held in mid-February.
• The 2013 season featured four classes: LMP1, LMP2, GT, and CN (Challenge National), with varying levels of manufacturer and privateer involvement.

How It Works

The Asian Le Mans Series follows the ACO’s global endurance racing framework, blending prototype and grand tourer cars in timed races across multiple classes. Each round consists of a three-hour race requiring mandatory pit stops, driver changes, and compliance with ACO technical regulations.

• LMP1: The top prototype class featured factory-supported entries like Rebellion Racing’s Lola-Toyota B12/60, competing for overall victory.
• LMP2: A cost-capped prototype category where KCMG dominated with four wins, using a Ligier JS P2 powered by Nissan.
• GT: Grand Touring cars included Porsche 911 GT3Rs and Ferrari 458 Italias; Tung Racing won the class title with consistent podium finishes.
• CN (Challenge National): A regional prototype category primarily for Asian teams, featuring Dome and Ligier chassis with motorcycle engines.
• Scoring System: Points were awarded based on finishing position, with full points for outright winners and scaled rewards per class.
• Eligibility: Teams earned automatic entries into the 24 Hours of Le Mans based on performance, particularly in LMP2 and GT categories.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2013 Asian Le Mans Series featured diverse entries across four performance-tuned classes. The table below compares key specifications and outcomes.

KCMG emerged as the most dominant team, sweeping the LMP2 title and securing Le Mans eligibility. The GT and CN classes highlighted regional talent, with Asian drivers and teams taking center stage. The series maintained tight technical parity to ensure competitive racing across all categories.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season reinforced the Asian Le Mans Series as a vital bridge between regional motorsport and global endurance racing. It offered teams a pathway to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and helped develop Asian driving talent on an international stage.

• Le Mans Access: LMP2 champions earned automatic invitations to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, increasing the stakes for competitive teams.
• Regional Growth: The series expanded motorsport infrastructure in China, Malaysia, and Japan, supporting local circuits and teams.
• Driver Development: Young drivers like Alex Yoong and David Cheng gained experience in high-performance prototypes and GTs.
• Manufacturer Exposure: Porsche, Toyota, and Nissan used the series to showcase performance and reliability in Asian markets.
• Endurance Format: The three-hour races emphasized strategy, reliability, and teamwork, mirroring larger ACO events.
• Global Integration: The series connected Asian teams with the ACO’s global racing ecosystem, fostering international collaboration.

With strong participation and competitive racing, the 2013 season laid the foundation for future growth in Asian endurance motorsport.