By Alexander Stoklosa

This year’s 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race is shaping up to be a memorable one—if only because next year the class structure is being shaken up thanks to the merger of the American Le Mans series and Grand-Am. We’re going to be down in Florida this weekend photographing the action, and as an appetizer we’ve brought you some hot shots from Thursday night’s practice session. Racing in the dark is cool for several reasons, not the least of which is the red-hot brakes on full display.

The merger of ALMS Grand-Am will bring about two big changes next year—the elimination of the ultra-powerful LMP1 cars like Audi’s R18 e-tron Quattro from competition, as well as a name change for the series to United SportsCar Racing. Next year’s top class will be named Prototype, and even though LMP1 cars won’t be allowed in, the oddly cool DeltaWing will be. This weekend, our focus will be on how DeltaWing performs against more-established players like Audi, which is looking to end its run in ALMS on a high note. Recall that the DeltaWing took an early exit from last year’s Le Mans contest after being taken out by a Toyota hybrid—a TS030, not a Prius. GT fans will get to watch Corvettes—still of the C6 variety, since C7-based racing Vettes have yet to arrive—Porsche 911 GT3 RSRs, and Ferrari 458 Italias duke it out. For a full rundown of the field competing in this weekend’s race, head over to ALMS’s Spotter’s Guide.

• Comparison Test: 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia vs. McLaren MP4-12C, Porsche 911 GT2 RS
• Comparison Test: 2013 SRT Viper GTS vs. 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
• Photos and Info: 2014 Porsche 911 GT3

Interestingly, Nissan has dropped its sponsorship of the DeltaWing. (The Japanese automaker had provided the project’s engine.) As a result, the car has fancy new chromed-out livery and a larger, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine designed by Elan Motorsports Technologies. The DeltaWing crew also will show off a new closed-roof iteration of the race car, though it won’t race. If anything, the canopy and shiny finish further enhance the DeltaWing’s finned-sex-toy-on-wheels look.

Qualifying takes place today, and the race kicks off Saturday at 10:30 in the morning. This weekend also plays host to the F1 season opener in Australia and the first 2013 LeMons race. If you’re planning to get tanked for St. Patrick’s Day, we don’t suggest sidelining any beer drinking—but we do suggest tuning in to the Sebring and F1 races while you kick a few back.

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver