The recently announced merger of the American Le Mans Series and GRAND-AM series opens an exciting new chapter in North American sports car and endurance racing. Each series will maintain its respective schedule and rules for the 2013 season, as preparations are made for the two series to combine into a single series beginning with the 2014 season.

Leaders and staffs of the two series are already working with manufacturers, teams and promoters to build that platform with announcements of classes, rules and the 2014 schedule all expected by mid-2013.

Here are some of the areas to watch.

Key Players

Chaired by GRAND-AM founder Jim France, with ALMS founder Dr. Don Panoz as vice chairman, the board of the new series includes representatives of both series and the acquiring NASCAR-related holding company. As the two series end their respective 2012 seasons, look for appointments of key executive, operating, marketing and technical and competition leaders to create and implement the plan.