America’s two premier sports car racing series will combine in 2014 following today’s formal announcement that GRAND-AM and the rival American Le Mans Series are merging. Pictured above in a toast are Ed Bennett, President GRAND-AM, Jim France, founder GRAND-AM, Dr. Don Panoz, founder ALMS, Scott Atherton, President, ALMS.

Under the agreement, which also includes Road Atlanta and the lease to operate Sebring International Raceway, the new series, not yet officially named, will combine the best of both series to create a sports car mega-series beginning in 2014.

Announcements regarding classes, technical rules, schedule, and TV partnerships will follow in due course.

Reports indicate the new organization will be run by board including GRAND-AM founder Jim France as Chairman, and ALMS founder Dr. Don Panoz as Vice Chairman. Board members include NASCAR Vice Chairman /EVP Lesa France Kennedy, ALMS President/CEO Scott Atherton, GRAND–AM President Ed Bennett and NASCAR Vice President/Deputy General Counsel Karen Leetzow.

Both series will continue to operate independently through the 2013 season.