After pulling the wraps off the all-new 2013 SRT Viper production model at today’s New York auto show, Chrysler surprised the media by announcing that it will return to American Le Mans Series GT competition later this summer with a pair of SRT Viper-GTS-Rs entered by a factory-backed SRT Viper Racing team.

“Racing has been a significant part of the illustrious history of Viper not only with wins on the track, but also in the continued development of the street cars –and our new 2013 SRT Viper models are proof of those lessons learned,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO-Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC.

SRT Motorsports has partnered with Riley Technologies on the design-and-build process of the new SRT Viper GTS-R. Riley will handle the day-to-day operations for the new team.

SRT Motorsports is partnering with Roush Industries on the development of the 8L Viper V10 engine.

A trio of young stars, Dominik Farnbacher, Ryan-Hunter-Reay, and Kuno Wittmer will join veteran Marc Goossens in the factory-backed SRT Viper Racing team

The new SRT Viper Racing team will become a Michelin technical partner team.