Its main competitor is the American Le Mans Series, also begun in 1999 from the ashes of IMSA. Most in the business believe that there is not room for two major sports car sanctioning bodies in the U.S. "The American Le Mans Series is a joke," says Said. "They hire all European drivers, and American companies aren't standing behind Americans. The Chevrolet Corvette is one of the most American cars there is, and they only have one American driver on the team. I'm a strong believer in America supporting Americans, and if I don't say it, who will?" It was in one of those Corvettes, you'll recall, that Dale Earnhardt Jr. had a serious crash and fire last year as a guest driver.
Said thinks the powerful field in this year's 24 Hours should help Grand-Am "put its final dagger in American Le Mans." Grand-Am and Daytona execs proclaimed the event a major success, even though the stands, as they usually are, were almost empty.
