ALMS: Petersen/White Lightning Team Splits

Petersen/White Lightning Racing owner Michael Petersen has decided to turn the focus of his operation away from international sports car racing to international rally racing for the 2008 season. His team will compete under the Petersen Motorsports banner in the FIA Marathon Rally World Cup, which includes the canceled Dakar event, while White Lightning is searching for a new partner to return to the American Le Mans Series’ GT2 class in ‘09.

“This was truly a difficult decision,” said Petersen, whose team won two class titles in the ALMS. “We have had such a great run of success in the American Le Mans Series and at Le Mans.

“However, it came time to make the decision and I am really enjoying my time in off-road racing again. I believe that the American Le Mans Series is a great series but I feel like this is absolutely the right decision for Petersen Motorsports at this time. While we have had great success in sports car racing it is time for a new challenge and few challenges are greater than marathon rallies.”

Team manager Dale White added: “Unfortunately, this ends a long tradition in the American Le Mans Series with Mike and I want to thank him for his support. We have had a lot of success together in sports car racing. At the same time, White Lightning Racing is eager to continue our participation in the American Le Mans Series. We are actively working to get our program back in place as soon as possible.”