Coming off its most successful year ever, The American Le Mans Series is well-positioned to weather the economic storm facing the auto industry. Building on record fan interest and participation from new teams, auto manufacturers and corporate partners, 2009 promises to be an exciting year. Here’s an early preview of what to expect at Petit Le Manspowered by Mazda6 at Road Atlanta this September 23-26:

This year’s American Le Mans Series lineup includes the return of BMW and their factory-backed program in the GT2 class under the auspices of BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team, one of the iconic names in the racing industry.

Mazda, long recognized as one of the worldwide leaders in motorsports participation, has chosen one of the most revered names in sports car racing - Dyson Racing - to lead its expanded two-car LMP2 factory effort.

Acura, meanwhile, will reinforce its commitment to the Series with a new two-car LMP1 effort (de Ferran Motorsports and Patrón Highcroft Racing) to go along with a strong LMP2 entry (Lowe’s Fernandez Racing).

In addition, several stalwarts have confirmed their plans for the Series in ‘09.

Porsche’s factory-supported efforts in GT2 will be led by last year’s champions, Flying Lizard Motorsports, and Farnbacher Loles Racing.

Corvette Racing returns with its cellulosic E85-powered Corvette, beginning the season in GT1 before making the transition to GT2 following the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Tom Milner will again head the effort for Panoz Team PTG with its Panoz Esperante GTLM.

Once again, the American Le Mans Series will feature more auto manufacturers - Acura, Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette/GM, Ferrari, Ford (GT), Dodge (Viper), Mazda, Porsche and Panoz - than any other major racing series in the world. And yet another team is still poised to announce a brand new marquee to this year’s grid.

The American Le Mans Series kicks off its 2009 season with the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 21. The 12th annual Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta is September 23-26, 2009. Ticket on sale now!